> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.macleather.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Samples

> How to create a new sample in Mac Leather Dashboard

# Creating a New Sample

When a customer requests a new product or you're developing a new design, create a sample to track its development from concept to approval.

## Steps to Create

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Samples">
    Navigate to **Samples** from the main menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click New Sample">
    Click the **New Sample** button in the top right corner.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the details">
    Enter the sample information:

    * **Sample Code** - Unique identifier for this sample
    * **Customer** - Select the customer requesting the sample
    * **Description** - Brief description of the product
    * **Quantity** - Number of sample units to produce
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Save** to create the sample.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  **What happens next?**

  When you save a new sample, the system automatically creates three material entries:

  * **Leather** - Main outer material
  * **Accessories** - Hardware, zips, buckles, etc.
  * **Lining** - Interior material

  Each starts with status "Not Ordered" and can be tracked independently.
</Info>

## Required Fields

| Field       | Description               | Example             |
| ----------- | ------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Sample Code | Unique identifier         | `BOO-BAG-001`       |
| Customer    | Who requested this sample | Boohoo              |
| Description | What the product is       | Black crossbody bag |
| Quantity    | How many to make          | 2                   |

## Optional Fields

| Field         | Description                      |
| ------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Style Number  | Customer's style reference       |
| Season        | Target season (SS25, AW25, etc.) |
| Notes         | Internal comments                |
| Stitcher Rate | Labor rate for stitching (PKR)   |
| Fuser Rate    | Labor rate for fusing (PKR)      |

<Tip>
  **Naming Convention**

  Use a consistent format for sample codes: `CUSTOMER-STYLE-VERSION`

  Examples:

  * `BOO-TOTE-001` - First Boohoo tote sample
  * `ASOS-BELT-003` - Third revision of ASOS belt
  * `NEXT-WAL-002` - Second Next wallet version

  This makes samples easy to find and track across revisions.
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can't save sample - missing fields">
    **Cause:** Required fields not completed.

    **Solution:** Check Sample Code, Customer, Description, and Quantity are all filled in.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Duplicate sample code error">
    **Cause:** Sample code already exists.

    **Solution:** Use a unique code. Add version number (e.g., BOO-BAG-001 → BOO-BAG-002).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Customer not in dropdown">
    **Cause:** Customer not added to system.

    **Solution:** Contact admin to add the customer first.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Materials not created automatically">
    **Cause:** System delay or error.

    **Solution:** Refresh page. If still missing, contact admin.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## What's Next?

After creating a sample:

1. [Update material statuses](/samples/material-workflow) as you order from suppliers
2. [Upload files](/samples/uploading-files) like worksheets and images
3. [Track costs](/samples/landed-costs) in the Landed Cost section