Sample Order Policy
Last Updated: June 2026 Effective Date: June 1, 2026
This Sample Order Policy explains how Flavor Sources handles sample requests for OEM/ODM skincare manufacturing projects. It covers sample types, costs, lead times, revision rights, packaging options, and how sample fees apply toward bulk orders.
All sample orders are subject to this policy and our Terms of Service. By submitting a sample request, you agree to the terms described on this page.
To request a sample, visit our Request a Sample page or contact us directly:
📧 sales@flavorsources.com | 💬 WhatsApp +86 130 4684 2353
1. Why Samples Matter — Our Approach
At Flavor Sources, we believe no client should commit to a bulk order without first evaluating the product in hand. Samples allow you to assess formula texture, scent, skin feel, performance, packaging quality, and overall product presentation before investing in bulk production.
We support every client through as many sample rounds as needed. Our R&D and production teams treat every sample request with the same attention and precision as a bulk production order.
We do not proceed to bulk production until you formally approve the final sample in writing.
2. Sample Types
We offer four types of samples depending on your project stage and needs:
2.1 Standard Formula Samples
Samples produced from our existing, proven formula library. Suitable for clients who want to evaluate a ready-to-use formula before requesting customization.
Best for: New clients evaluating our quality, startups exploring product categories, e-commerce sellers testing a concept before investing in custom development.
2.2 Custom Formula Samples (ODM)
Samples developed specifically for your project based on your formula brief, target market, key ingredients, and performance goals.
Our R&D team formulates from scratch or adapts an existing base formula to match your requirements.
Best for: Brands with specific ingredient requirements, target markets with regulatory constraints, or projects with differentiated positioning (e.g., PDRN serum, reef-safe sunscreen, certified HALAL moisturizer).
2.3 Modified Standard Samples
Samples based on our standard formulas with specific adjustments — such as fragrance change, texture modification, active ingredient addition, or pH adjustment. Faster than full custom development.
Best for: Clients who like our standard formula but need minor modifications to suit their brand or market.
2.4 Packaging & Appearance Samples
Physical packaging samples — bottle, jar, tube, pump, or label mockup — without formula fill. Used to evaluate packaging aesthetics, print quality, label adhesion, and structural integrity before approving bulk packaging production.
Best for: Clients who have already approved a formula but want to see and handle the finished packaging before bulk order confirmation.
3. Sample Lead Times
All lead times are in working days (Monday–Friday, excluding Chinese public holidays) and begin from the date all of the following are confirmed: sample brief received, sample payment cleared, and all required information provided.
Formula Samples
| Product Category | Standard Formula | Custom Formula | Modified Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial Sheet Mask | 7–10 days | 12–18 days | 8–12 days |
| Clay / Sleeping Mask | 8–12 days | 14–18 days | 10–14 days |
| Serum / Ampoule | 10–14 days | 14–20 days | 10–14 days |
| Face Cream / Moisturizer | 10–14 days | 14–20 days | 10–14 days |
| Cleanser / Toner | 8–12 days | 12–18 days | 8–12 days |
| Body Care Products | 10–14 days | 14–20 days | 10–14 days |
| Hair Care Products | 10–14 days | 14–20 days | 10–14 days |
| Baby Care Products | 10–14 days | 14–20 days | 10–14 days |
Packaging Samples
| Packaging Type | Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Standard packaging (from our stock range) | 3–5 working days |
| Custom printed packaging (with your artwork) | 10–18 working days |
| Custom-shaped / tooling-required packaging | 20–35 working days (new mould) |
Note: Lead times are estimates and may be affected by raw material availability, complexity of your brief, and current production scheduling.
Your account manager will confirm the specific timeline when your sample order is confirmed.
4. Sample Costs
4.1 Formula Sample Fees
Sample fees cover the cost of R&D time, raw materials, production, quality testing, and packaging for your sample units. Fees vary based on formula complexity and product category.
| Product Category | Standard Formula Sample Fee | Custom Formula Sample Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet Mask | USD 15–25 per product | USD 25–50 per product |
| Clay / Sleeping Mask | USD 20–35 per product | USD 35–60 per product |
| Serum / Ampoule | USD 25–45 per product | USD 40–80 per product |
| Face Cream / Moisturizer | USD 20–40 per product | USD 35–70 per product |
| Cleanser / Toner | USD 15–30 per product | USD 25–50 per product |
| Body Care | USD 20–40 per product | USD 35–65 per product |
| Hair Care | USD 25–45 per product | USD 40–75 per product |
| Baby Care | USD 20–40 per product | USD 35–65 per product |
Prices above are estimates. Your exact sample fee will be confirmed on the Sample Proforma Invoice before payment is requested.
4.2 What the Sample Fee Includes
Your sample fee covers:
- R&D formulation time (for custom samples)
- Raw material costs
- Small-batch production and mixing
- Quality check and basic stability review
- Filling into standard packaging (unless custom packaging requested)
- Basic labeling or identification tag
Not included in sample fee: International shipping cost (charged separately at actual courier cost).
Custom packaging production (quoted separately). Third-party lab testing (available on request at additional cost).
4.3 Sample Shipping Costs
Sample shipping is charged at actual DHL Express (or equivalent) cost. Typical estimates:
| Destination | Estimated Shipping Cost |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | USD 30–60 |
| Middle East | USD 40–75 |
| Europe | USD 50–90 |
| United States | USD 50–90 |
| Australia / NZ | USD 55–85 |
| Other regions | Quoted at time of order |
You may provide your own DHL, FedEx, or UPS account number to reduce shipping costs. Your account rates may be significantly lower than our standard rates.
5. Sample Fee Credit Toward Bulk Orders
5.1 Credit Policy
Your sample fee is fully credited toward your first bulk order, provided the following conditions are met:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum bulk order quantity | 500 pieces or more per SKU |
| Same product | Bulk order must be for the same product as the sample |
| Order timing | Bulk order placed within 12 months of sample approval |
| Order confirmation | Bulk order confirmed with deposit payment |
The sample fee credit is applied automatically to your Proforma Invoice when your bulk order is confirmed.
You do not need to request it separately — your account manager will apply it when issuing the bulk PI.
5.2 Multiple Product Samples
If you order samples for multiple products, each sample fee is credited separately toward the corresponding bulk order for that product.
Credits are applied per SKU and cannot be transferred between different products.
5.3 Shipping Fee Credit
Sample shipping fees are not credited toward bulk orders. Only the formula/production sample fee qualifies for credit.
6. Sample Revision Policy
6.1 Unlimited Revisions Included
Flavor Sources provides unlimited formula revisions at no additional charge until you are satisfied with the sample.
We do not cap the number of revision rounds.
This applies to:
- Texture and consistency adjustments
- Fragrance modification or removal
- Color adjustments
- pH fine-tuning
- Active ingredient level adjustments
- Skin feel and absorption improvements
6.2 Revision Process
Each revision round follows this process:
- You evaluate the sample and provide written feedback (specific, detailed feedback leads to faster resolution)
- Our R&D team reviews your feedback and confirms the adjustment plan within 2 working days
- Revised sample is produced and dispatched within 5–10 working days of feedback confirmation
- You evaluate the revised sample and either approve or request further changes
6.3 What Counts as a New Sample (Additional Fee)
The following changes require a new sample fee rather than a free revision:
- Changing the product category entirely (e.g., from serum to cream)
- Adding a significantly new active ingredient that requires new raw material procurement
- Complete reformulation after 3+ approved revision rounds where requirements have fundamentally changed
- Requesting a packaging sample separately after a formula-only sample was already produced
In these cases, your account manager will advise on the additional cost before proceeding.
7. Sample Packaging Options
7.1 Standard Packaging (Included in Sample Fee)
Your formula sample will be filled into one of our standard packaging options at no extra cost:
| Product Type | Standard Sample Packaging |
|---|---|
| Sheet Mask | Individual foil pouch (unprinted or basic label) |
| Serum | 30ml glass dropper bottle with basic label |
| Face Cream | 50g airless jar or aluminium jar with basic label |
| Cleanser / Toner | 150ml PETG pump bottle or flat bottle |
| Body Care | 200ml pump bottle with basic label |
| Hair Care | 250ml pump bottle with basic label |
| Baby Care | 100ml–200ml soft bottle with basic label |
7.2 Custom Packaging for Samples
If you want your sample produced in your own branded packaging (custom bottle shape, your printed label, your box design), this is possible but requires:
- Your finalized packaging artwork in AI or PDF format
- Custom packaging lead time (10–35 working days depending on complexity)
- Additional packaging production cost (quoted separately)
For most clients, we recommend approving the formula first using standard packaging, then proceeding to custom packaging approval as a separate step. This is faster and more cost-effective.
7.3 Packaging Dieline & Mockup
Before committing to custom packaging production, we recommend requesting a dieline template and 3D packaging mockup for visual approval. This service is available — ask your account manager for details.
8. Sample Quantities
Standard sample quantities per product:
| Product Type | Standard Sample Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sheet Mask | 5–10 individual pieces |
| Serum | 2–3 units (30ml each) |
| Face Cream / Moisturizer | 2–3 units (30g–50g each) |
| Cleanser / Toner | 2–3 units (100ml–150ml each) |
| Body Care | 2 units (200ml each) |
| Hair Care | 2 units (200ml–250ml each) |
| Baby Care | 2 units (100ml–200ml each) |
9. Sample Approval & Proceeding to Bulk
9.1 How to Approve a Sample
Once you are satisfied with the sample, provide your written approval to your account manager via email.
Your approval should confirm:
- Product name and formula version approved
- Packaging approved (or pending separate packaging approval)
- Any final notes for bulk production reference
Verbal approvals are not accepted.
Written approval via email is required before bulk production is scheduled.
9.2 Formula Lock After Approval
Once a formula is approved and bulk production is confirmed, the formula is locked for that order.
Changes to an approved formula require a new sample round and may affect your bulk production lead time and pricing.
9.3 Retention of Approved Sample
Flavor Sources retains a reference sample of every approved formula for the duration of your bulk production and for a minimum of 12 months after shipment.
This reference sample is used for quality comparison during production and for any post-shipment quality investigations.
10. Confidentiality of Your Sample Brief
All formula briefs, sample requirements, brand information, and project details submitted to Flavor Sources are treated as strictly confidential.
We do not share your brief, formula direction, or brand information with any third party.
For projects requiring formal confidentiality protection, we are happy to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before any brief or sensitive information is shared.
Contact us to request our standard NDA template.
11. Free Samples — Policy
Flavor Sources does not offer free samples for first-time enquiries. This policy exists for several reasons:
- Custom OEM/ODM samples involve real R&D and production costs
- Free sample programs attract low-intent enquiries that delay serious clients
- Paid samples demonstrate genuine project commitment from both sides
Exception — Approved Distributors:
Verified distributors and regional partners may qualify for subsidized or complimentary samples under our distributor program.
See our Apply as a Distributor page for details.
12. Sample Order Step-by-Step Process
Here is the complete journey from first enquiry to bulk order confirmation:
Step 1 — Submit Your Sample Request
Complete our Request a Sample form or contact us via email or WhatsApp with your product idea, category, and key requirements.
Step 2 — Brief Confirmation
Your account manager reviews your brief and may ask clarifying questions about your target market,
formula direction, key ingredients, and packaging preferences. A complete brief leads to a more accurate sample.
Step 3 — Sample Quotation
We issue a Sample Proforma Invoice with the confirmed sample fee and estimated shipping cost.
Production begins after payment is received.
Step 4 — Sample Production
Our R&D and production team develops your sample.
You receive a production update when the sample is ready for quality check.
Step 5 — Quality Check & Dispatch
The sample passes our internal QC before dispatch.
You receive a tracking number within 24 hours of dispatch.
Step 6 — Sample Evaluation
You receive and evaluate the sample.
Use our Feedback form or email your evaluation to your account manager.
Step 7 — Revision (If Needed)
If changes are required, we revise and dispatch a new sample within 5–10 working days.
Repeat until approved.
Step 8 — Sample Approval
You provide written approval confirming the formula and packaging meet your requirements.
Step 9 — Bulk Order Confirmation
We issue your bulk Proforma Invoice with the sample fee credited.
Production begins after deposit payment is received.
Step 10 — Bulk Production & Shipment
Your bulk order is produced, quality-inspected, and shipped. Full details in our Shipping Policy.
13. Frequently Asked Questions — Samples
Q: How do I request a sample from Flavor Sources? Sub
mit your request via our Request a Sample page,
or contact us at sales@flavorsources.com or WhatsApp +86 130 4684 2353.
Describe your product idea, target market, and any specific requirements. We will respond within 1 business day.
Q: How much does a skincare OEM sample cost?
Sample fees range from USD 15 to USD 80 per product depending on the product category
and whether it is a standard or custom formula.
The exact fee is confirmed on your Sample Proforma Invoice before payment.
All sample fees are credited toward your first bulk order of 500+ pieces per SKU.
Q: How long does it take to receive a sample?
Standard formula samples typically take 7–14 working days.
Custom formula samples take 12–20 working days.
Shipping via DHL Express adds 3–5 days for most destinations.
Your account manager will confirm the timeline when your sample is confirmed.
Q: Do you offer free samples?
We do not offer free samples for first-time enquiries.
All samples are charged at cost.
However, your sample fee is fully credited toward your first bulk order of 500 pieces or more.
Approved distributors may qualify for subsidized samples — see our Distributor page.
Q: How many revisions can I request?
Unlimited. We revise your formula at no additional charge until you are fully satisfied.
Each revision round takes 5–10 working days.
We do not proceed to bulk production until you provide written approval of the final sample.
Q: Can I use my own packaging for the sample?
Yes. If you have specific custom packaging, we can fill your sample into it. Custom packaging requires additional lead time and cost.
For most clients, we recommend approving the formula in standard packaging first, then approving custom packaging separately.
Q: What happens to my formula brief and project information?
All information you share with us is kept strictly confidential.
We are happy to sign an NDA before you share sensitive project details. Contact us to request our standard NDA template.
Q: Can I order samples for multiple products at once?
Yes. You can request samples for multiple products in a single order.
Each product’s sample fee is credited separately toward its respective bulk order.
Combined sample orders may qualify for a reduced shipping fee.
Q: What is the minimum bulk order after approving a sample?
Standard MOQ is 3,000 pieces for sheet masks and 500–1,000 pieces for other product categories.
See each product page for category-specific MOQ details.
Your sample fee is credited once your bulk order meets the minimum quantity requirement.
Q: Can my sample be kept confidential from other clients?
Yes. Your formula brief, sample specifications, and brand details are never shared with other clients.
Each client’s project is treated as a separate, confidential engagement. An NDA is available on request.
Ready to Request Your Sample?
Take the first step toward your private label skincare product today.
📁 Download Our Product Catalog
💬 Contact Us
📲 WhatsApp +86 130 4684 2353
🤝 Apply as a Distributor
Related Policies:
- Shipping Policy — courier options, transit times, export documents
- Return & Refund Policy — quality claims, after-sales support
- Payment Terms — deposit structure, accepted payment methods
- Terms of Service — full terms governing all orders
Flavor Sources — Dongguan Flavor Sources Technology Co., Ltd.
Building 6, No.19 Jinfengchang Rd, Houjie Town, Dongguan, Guangdong 523947, China
This page was last reviewed and updated in June 2026.
If you need additional quantities for team evaluation, market testing, or photography,
please specify when submitting your sample request. Additional units can be produced at a small additional cost.