Guide focus
Use this guide to tighten the first production reply.
Sampling works better when each checkpoint has a job. Digital proof, development sample, and pre-production approval should answer different questions.
A digital proof is for direction, not for proving hand feel
A development sample should remove product ambiguity
Pre-production approval is where shipment-facing details tighten
A digital proof is for direction, not for proving hand feel
Use the proof to align logo scale, pattern, approximate placement, and the basic commercial direction of the sock.
Do not treat a digital proof as if it can answer yarn feel, stretch, packaging fit, or shipment assumptions.
A development sample should remove product ambiguity
This is where the buyer checks whether the actual product is moving toward the right knit feel, fit direction, and visual balance.
- Fit and size expectation
- Knit appearance and basic hand feel
- Color balance and logo clarity
- Whether the product is still right for the intended channel
Pre-production approval is where shipment-facing details tighten
The final approval checkpoint should make sure the approved product, label logic, and packaging assumptions still agree before bulk release.