How do you order product samples from Yiwu market?
Short answer: To order samples from Yiwu, send a photo, link or clear description to a local sourcing agent (or visit the booth yourself). The agent shortlists suppliers, buys one or a few pieces, and ships them by express. Stock samples often leave Yiwu within a few working days; custom logo or mould samples can take weeks. You pay the sample cost and express freight at cost — separate from any sourcing service fee.
- Why sample firstCheck look, size and quality before a bulk order
- Stock vs customStock: days; custom logo/mould: often weeks
- Typical costUnit often above bulk; express often US$20–80
- Agent processPhoto → shortlist → pay sample+express → ship → decide
Why order a sample before a bulk order
Photos and live video help, but they do not replace holding the product. A sample lets you check colour under your light, size against your packaging, material feel, and finish. Sampling also lets you compare suppliers: two booths may sell "the same" item at different prices, and only a physical piece shows which hardware and finish you prefer.
Stock samples vs custom samples
Stock (ready-made) samples
These are items already on the shelf in Yiwu International Trade City. You pick colour and style from what exists. An agent can often buy them and hand them to a courier within a few working days after payment.
Custom samples
Custom work means your logo, a new colour, a changed size, or a new mould. Suppliers usually charge for the sample and any tooling. Logo or colour samples often take about one to two weeks; new moulds can take several weeks. Agree the artwork and who pays for moulds before work starts.
Typical sample cost ranges (hedged)
Exact quotes depend on the product, weight and destination. As a planning guide:
| Cost item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Stock sample unit | Often the retail or slightly above bulk unit price; sometimes free or credited if you later place a bulk order |
| Custom sample | Usually higher than one bulk unit; mould or plate fees may be separate |
| Express shipping | Often roughly US$20–80 for a small light parcel, depending on weight and country; heavier items cost more |
| Agent service fee | Samples and sample freight are billed at cost, separate from our 10% service fee on goods value |
Ask for a short written quote listing sample units, any mould fee, and express freight before you pay. See our payment guide for safe ways to pay.
How the process works with a Yiwu agent
- You send a photo, link or description — plus target price range, quantity you might order later, and your country.
- We shortlist booths — walk or call Yiwu market, send you photos or a short WhatsApp video of options.
- You choose which samples to buy — one piece or a few, from one or several suppliers.
- You pay sample cost + express — billed at cost; we buy and pack.
- We ship by express — and send you the tracking number.
- You decide — approve, ask for changes, or move to a small trial order.
You can also combine samples from several booths in one parcel — usually cheaper than each supplier shipping alone.
Timeline: stock vs custom
- Stock samples: often ready to ship within a few working days after payment; express to many countries then roughly 3–7 days.
- Custom logo or colour: often about 1–2 weeks to make, then express.
- New mould or tooling: often several weeks — confirm the timeline in writing.
Peak seasons (before Chinese New Year and busy export months) can add days. Build a buffer if you have a hard launch date.
What to check when the sample arrives
- Size and dimensions vs your packaging or listing
- Colour under daylight and indoor light
- Material feel, weight and smell
- Finish, seams, hardware and print quality
- Logo or label accuracy vs your artwork
- Any defects, scratches or weak parts
Photograph problems and reply quickly. For bulk orders, ask for the same checks before shipping — see quality checks before goods leave Yiwu.
Samples vs a small trial order
A sample is for evaluation: usually one or a few pieces. A small trial order is a sellable first batch so you can test demand and packaging. Sample unit prices are often higher than bulk; trial orders follow the supplier's MOQ or a negotiated smaller quantity. See our MOQ guide and small trial order guide for the next step.
Fees note
Samples, sample express freight and third-party lab tests are billed at cost, separate from our sourcing service fee (flat 10% on goods value, US$50 minimum per order). Quotes are free.
Frequently asked questions
Do Yiwu suppliers charge for samples?
Often yes. Stock samples are sometimes free or cheap if you later place a bulk order, but many booths still charge the unit price or a bit more. Custom samples (logo, colour, mould) almost always cost money. Express shipping to your country is almost always at your cost.
How long does it take to get a sample from Yiwu?
Stock items that sit in a booth can often be bought and handed to courier within a few working days. Express delivery to many countries then takes roughly 3–7 days. Custom logo or colour samples often take one to two weeks to make; new moulds or tooling can take several weeks before the sample ships.
What is the difference between a sample and a small trial order?
A sample is usually one or a few pieces to check look, size and feel. A small trial order is a sellable first batch so you can test demand and packaging. Sample unit prices are often higher than bulk; trial orders follow the supplier's MOQ or a negotiated smaller quantity. See our small trial order guide.
Can I order samples from several Yiwu booths at once?
Yes. An agent can buy samples from many suppliers, pack them in one parcel and send them together by express. That usually costs less than each booth shipping separately, and you can compare options side by side.
Are sample costs included in the sourcing service fee?
No. Samples and sample express shipping are billed at cost, separate from the service fee. Our sourcing service fee is a flat 10% of goods value with a US$50 minimum per order. Third-party lab tests are also at cost.
What should I check when the sample arrives?
Compare size, colour, material feel, weight, finish and packaging to what you asked for. Check whether logos or labels match your artwork. Note defects, smell or weak parts. Photograph anything wrong and send feedback before you approve a bulk order.