> ## 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.

# Sample Types

> Learn the 3 types of samples: Approval, Production, and Shipment

# 3 Types of Samples

Before we ship goods, we send **3 different samples** to the customer. Each sample has a different job.

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
    A[1. Approval Sample] --> B[2. Production Sample]
    B --> C[3. Shipment Sample]
    C --> D[Ship Goods]
```

***

## 1. Approval Sample

<Card title="What is it?" icon="circle-question">
  The **first sample** you make. Send it to the customer. They check if they like the design.
</Card>

### When to make it

* **Before** production starts
* When you have a new design
* When customer asks for something new

### What customer checks

* Design looks correct
* Materials are good
* Size and fit is right
* Colour matches

### In the system

1. Go to **Samples**
2. Create new sample
3. Label says **"APPROVAL SAMPLE"**

<Warning>
  **Important:** Do NOT start production until customer approves this sample!
</Warning>

***

## 2. Production Sample

<Card title="What is it?" icon="circle-question">
  A sample from the **production line**. Shows customer that factory is making goods correctly.
</Card>

### When to make it

* **After** customer approves the first sample
* **After** you create a production order
* When production starts

### What customer checks

* Production quality is same as approval sample
* No defects
* Stitching is correct
* Materials match

### In the system

1. Go to **Production Orders**
2. Label says **"PRODUCTION SAMPLE"**

<Tip>
  This is like a "test" - if there is a problem, fix it before making all the goods.
</Tip>

***

## 3. Shipment Sample

<Card title="What is it?" icon="circle-question">
  A sample from the **finished goods**. Pick from the boxes before shipping. Shows customer the final quality.
</Card>

### When to make it

* **After** production is complete
* **Before** you ship the goods
* Pick from finished boxes

### What customer checks

* Final quality is good
* Packing is correct
* Labels are correct
* Ready to sell

### In the system

1. Go to **Exports**
2. Select **Shipment Sample** category

<Note>
  **Keep 3 copies at factory** - 1 for customer, 1 for office, 1 for if there is any problem later.
</Note>

***

## Quick Reference

| Sample Type    | When              | Why                               |
| -------------- | ----------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Approval**   | Before production | Customer says "yes, make it"      |
| **Production** | During production | Check factory is making correctly |
| **Shipment**   | Before shipping   | Final check before sending        |

***

## Common Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Customer rejected production sample - what to do?">
    1. Find the problem
    2. Fix it
    3. Make new sample
    4. Send again
    5. Wait for approval

    **Do NOT continue production until approved.**
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How many shipment samples to keep?">
    Keep **3 samples**:

    * 1 for customer
    * 1 for factory office
    * 1 for backup (if customer complains later)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I skip production sample?">
    **No.** Always make production sample. If you skip, you may have big problems later.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Related Pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Creating Samples" icon="plus" href="/samples/creating-samples">
    How to make a new sample
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sample to Production" icon="arrow-right" href="/samples/sample-to-production">
    Move sample to production order
  </Card>
</CardGroup>