The print on demand (POD) business model makes it easier than ever before to create your brand and reach customers. However, if you’ve worked hard to build your business, it might make you nervous to sell a product without actually seeing it first. You want to know that what you’re selling is the best quality for your customers. So how can you be sure? The best way is to order a sample and test the product out yourself. As your own brand owner, you get the final say over everything.

Sampling your print on demand product gives you a few opportunities. You’ll be able to see your printed design, use the product, and try it on if it happens to be clothing. Before you commit to offering something in your store, this gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the product.

How to Test the Sample

Give the product a preliminary look over. Does it look how you expected it to? Do you have positive first impressions?

Then you can get a bit more hands on. Feel the material, look closely at the seams or corners, and try the product on if it’s a garment. If there are any detachable parts, such as a screw top cap for a reusable water bottle, look at each part and how they fit together. Check the print – is it vibrant and bright? Does the print seem like it could peel off or fade easily? Make sure everything is up to your standards.

Put yourself into the shoes of the customer. Would you be happy with your purchase? If yes, it’s probably a winner.

Put Your Sample To Work

Print on Demand

If your sample looks like everything you hoped it would, this is a great opportunity to take promotional photos. You’ll be able to put your own spin on the photos rather than using mockups, which will inject even more originality into your work. Use these photos to promote your new product on social media or use them as product photos on your website. Customers will be much more excited about the product if they can see it in context or on a model.

Even if you decide to tweak some things to make your products better, you may still be able to use your sample for photos. Use a program like Photoshop to clean up any mistakes that won’t be there on the final sample, or turn up the colours to make them appear true to life.

When The Sample Isn’t Perfect

If you’ve gone through these tests and decided that product isn’t exactly what you had in mind, what can you do about it?

If it’s a problem with the print, take a look and see if there are any changes you can make to your design. You may be able to upload a higher quality design and get a better result.

If it’s a problem with the product itself, it might be an issue with the supplier. If you’re ordering from a supplier that isn’t up to your standard, you may find that items may break more easily or that the fabric doesn’t feel comfortable. In this case, you may want to find an alternative manufacturer.

Keep in mind that catching these issues is precisely why you ordered the sample. This is your chance to adjust anything you need to, whether that is elements in your own design, choosing a different product, or switching suppliers entirely.

Assess Your Supplier

Print on Demand

You can also use these techniques to try out products from different POD suppliers. See how each one measures up in quality and print.