Quick answer: Stock samples are usually available in 1-3 days, with freight paid by the buyer. Custom samples usually take 7-14 days after the product brief, scent direction, packaging target, sample fee, and freight are confirmed. Bulk production usually takes 30-40 days after sample approval and payment.
Step 1: Share the Product Brief
A useful brief does not need to be long. It should include product type, target market, quantity, scent direction, packaging reference, retail price level, and deadline. For example: "500 units reed diffuser, 100 ml, fresh tea scent, kraft box, EU market, target mid-range retail."
If you are still comparing categories, browse the LoyalCrafts product portfolio first.
Step 2: Choose Stock Sample or Custom Sample
| Sample Type | Best For | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Stock sample | Checking product format, bottle, material, or general scent direction. | 1-3 days, freight paid by buyer. |
| Custom sample | Private label scent, packaging, label, card, sachet, or retail presentation. | 7-14 days after details are confirmed. |
Step 3: Confirm Sample Fee and Freight
Stock samples can be free, but the buyer pays freight. Custom samples need sample fee and freight because fragrance work, packaging setup, artwork, and small-batch handling are involved. If the buyer places the final order, the agreed sample fee can be refunded or deducted from the order value.
Step 4: Review the Sample Like a Buyer
Do not only smell the sample on the first day. Check packaging, leakage, label position, scent intensity, color, cap fit, carton protection, and how the product looks under retail lighting. For reed diffusers, test the bottle and reeds together. For room spray or body perfume, test spray pattern and pump feel.
Product-specific references are available on our reed diffuser, scented spray, and linen sachet pages.
Step 5: Approve Final Specs Before Bulk Production
Once the sample is approved, lock the scent, fill volume, packaging, artwork, carton method, document requirements, and shipping mark. This avoids late changes that increase cost or delay the 30-40 day production window.
Our fragrance expert says: "The approved sample should become the production reference. If the buyer changes bottle, pump, reed, paper, or fragrance strength after approval, the project may need a second sample round."
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Send your product type, target quantity, market, and packaging reference. We reply within 24 hours.
FAQ
How long do stock and custom fragrance samples take?
Stock samples are normally prepared in 1-3 days. Custom samples are normally prepared in 7-14 days after the product brief, scent direction, packaging target, sample fee and freight are confirmed. The quotation confirms the actual schedule.
What should be recorded when a sample is approved?
Record the formula revision, capacity, bottle, pump or reeds, packaging, artwork, approval date and the agreed performance or handling checks so production can use the same reference.
Does sample approval guarantee the bulk production date?
No. The 30-40 day window is a planning reference after sample approval and payment. Final timing depends on the approved components, packaging, quantity and production plan stated in the order.