What to Check Before Approving a Logo Sample

Before approving a sample, check the finished gift as the recipient will open it. Review the actual material, branded surface and complete pack together, rather than approving a logo photograph on its own. Ask the studio to identify the sample version and record the checks you expect production to pass. Keep one approved reference available for comparison.

Start with a measurable approval record

Record the product, material, logo artwork version, print dimensions and distance from the nearest edge. Check the colour under consistent lighting and photograph the sample beside a ruler. Agree which marks are unacceptable and which material variations you will accept. The following checks are practical approval points; confirm the method and sampling plan for your particular materials.

Hot-Foil Adhesion & Edge Clarity

Inspect fine letters, enclosed spaces and the outer edge of the foil. The logo should remain readable, with continuous coverage where the approved artwork calls for it. Look for missing foil, ragged edges, filling between letters or an impression that damages the surface. Compare the result with the signed sample at the same viewing distance.

Agree a gentle dry-rub check on a spare sample using a clean white cloth. Look for visible foil transfer, lifting or flaking. If a tape test is needed, agree the tape and method with the supplier first; different adhesives and substrates can produce different results. Keep destructive checks separate from the gifts intended for delivery.

Liquid-Ink Absorption Test

For real-ink cards on 300-400gsm cotton paper, test the chosen ink on the actual paper batch. Include the densest lettering, a long recipient name and any accented characters. Review the front and reverse for feathered edges, pooled ink or bleed-through. Paper weight alone does not define how an ink will behave.

Agree the drying period before handling and packing. Once dry, lightly handle a spare card as it will be handled during assembly and check for smearing or transfer onto the envelope. Approve a writing sample at its final size. Record the paper, ink and layout together so a later substitution triggers another check.

Transit Shake & Contact Point Check

Pack a complete kit with the proposed insert, tissue, pouch and card. Close it, turn it through its expected orientations and carry out an agreed controlled movement check. Reopen the box and inspect contact points: foil rubbing against a hard item, a pendant touching another product, or a card trapped beneath an edge.

The contents should stay in their intended positions without new scuffs, creases or loose components. Adjust the insert or separation materials and repeat the check if they move. A bench check helps find obvious contact problems; a formal transport test requires its own agreed method. Use the actual outer carton and packing arrangement when assessing shipment protection.

Check the recipient details and the packed count

Match each personalised card to the approved recipient row and kit version. Check spelling, message text, orientation, contents and labels before closing the box. Our Yiwu studio handles projects from 100 units with 100% piece-by-piece inspection and assembly. Visible finish and contents checks apply to each piece; destructive tests follow the agreed sampling plan.

Keep a short approval sheet with photographs, acceptance points and the person authorised to release production. Ask us to review your sample requirements ↗ alongside the product, branding and delivery brief.