Evaluate and modify product samples

Once you’ve narrowed down the list of suppliers to the ones who can offer you what you want based on your initial outreach above, it’s time to order samples. This is an important step to ensure you’re making the right investment and purchasing a quality product.

Order samples: You should expect to pay $50-$150 for a sample, and expect it to be sent to you by air. Once shipped, you should expect your samples within 1-2 weeks.

Jungle Scout Tip

When ordering samples, ask the supplier to send you more than one. That way, you can make sure their quality is consistent. Some suppliers will credit the cost of a sample to you if you end up purchasing a bulk order from them, so ask if that is possible at the time you order the sample.

Examine samples: Once your samples arrive, check them carefully for quality, specifications (all the details and features you requested), and utility (the product works as intended).

If your product isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, you may request modifications to the sample (likely for an additional charge). Modifications can include adding a logo, changing the dimensions, adding or removing components, etc.

Consider packaging and branding: Before you place a large bulk order for your product, think about whether you want to have branded packaging for your products (i.e., the box, bag, or sticker that encases your product inside Amazon’s boxes). If you want to, you should have the design ready for your supplier at this stage. The supplier or manufacturer you’re working with should give you the exact dimensions of your packaging so you can pass that information along to a graphic designer.

Jungle Scout Tip

Your packaging is the first impression your customer will get and adds a level of credibility and quality to your product that customers will remember when reviewing your product. You can find graphic designers with experience in Amazon packaging design on many freelancer platforms online.

Check out these packaging designs for inspiration: