Many Canton Fair follow-ups fail because the buyer asks for “the best price” before defining the sample, configuration or quantity. A factory needs to know what is being compared. A sample may be a technical evaluation, a retail presentation sample or a private-label approval sample. A quotation may cover an ex-factory product only or include packaging, documents, spare parts and loading information. This guide helps buyers request a useful answer.
Separate sample purposes
Write the purpose of the sample first. For a technical sample, check battery, charger, drive, remote control, functions, assembly and manual. For a retail sample, check appearance, carton, photographs, package contents and customer-facing information. For an OEM/ODM sample, define logo, colour, artwork, language, label and approval stages. The same model name can represent different versions, so the sample request should include SKU or measurable specifications.
Ask for a comparable quotation
Give every supplier the same brief: destination country, buyer type, product category, preferred SKU, voltage, battery, quantity, packaging, documents and delivery point. Ask the supplier to state what is included and excluded. A price comparison is not useful if one offer includes a charger and carton while another assumes a different configuration. Use the product pages to identify categories, then confirm the final version in writing.
Discuss MOQ as a project variable
MOQ can depend on model, colour, packaging, battery version, artwork, production schedule and whether the order is standard or private label. Avoid treating one number as a universal factory rule. Tell the supplier whether the project is one sample, less than one container, one container, multiple containers or a distributor programme. If mixed loading is required, give a quantity range by category and ask for the loading assumptions.
Include packing and landed-cost data
Ask for carton length, width, height, net weight, gross weight, packed quantity and package contents for the final configuration. If the buyer compares models with different batteries or accessories, request separate packing data. For a destination estimate, add port, freight assumptions and local charges supplied by the buyer’s logistics provider. The factory quotation should clearly separate product scope from freight assumptions.
Sample and quotation request table
| Request item | Buyer specifies | Supplier replies with |
|---|---|---|
| Sample purpose | Technical, retail or OEM approval | Sample version and included items |
| SKU | Model or target specification | Final configuration |
| Quantity | Sample and wholesale range | MOQ or quantity conditions |
| Packaging | Standard or private label | Carton and artwork scope |
| Documents | Destination market | Available files for final SKU |
| Timing | Sample and launch target | Production discussion |
Use a written approval trail
Keep the quotation, sample photos, configuration sheet, artwork proof, manual and packing list together. Mark which version is approved and record any change to battery, charger, colour, accessory or carton. The factory information page helps buyers prepare supplier questions; the certification page helps frame destination-document questions. Send the final brief through the B2B contact page. CT TOYS serves wholesale buyers and does not sell single units to consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask for a price before selecting a model?
Yes, but provide target age, category, voltage, battery, functions and quantity so the supplier can propose a comparable option.
Is MOQ always one fixed number?
No. It can depend on configuration, colour, packaging, artwork and project scope. Confirm it for the exact order.
What should a buyer approve before mass production?
The SKU configuration, sample, packaging artwork, manual, labels, charger and destination-document scope.