Timelines matter when you are developing a new candle line, fragrance vessel, or decorated glass collection. Even small oversights can slow your project and add unnecessary cost.
At JAFE Decorating, our goal is to make the sampling process clear, efficient, and successful from the very beginning. By understanding what information to provide and how to prepare, you can keep your project moving smoothly and reach production faster.
1. Missing or Incomplete Order Details
Sampling starts with planning. The first and most important step is confirming your intended order quantity and target launch date. These two pieces of information guide scheduling, ensure minimum order quantities (MOQs) are met, and help our team align production capacity.
Without this information, your project cannot be placed accurately in the production schedule. When timelines and quantities are clear, the entire process stays predictable from sampling to full production.
Pro Tip: If you have a seasonal launch or retail deadline, share that date with our team when submitting your request. It allows us to coordinate your sampling and production schedules accordingly.
2. Unclear Color References
Color consistency shapes how your brand is remembered. To achieve accurate results, provide Pantone color codes or approved color swatches during sampling.
Our color technicians use Pantone color matching to create finishes that appear true under different lighting and on a variety of materials. Clear communication about your intended color eliminates multiple paint adjustments and keeps your project on schedule.
If you are unsure which finish best suits your brand, our R&D team can guide you through options such as matte, gloss, metallic, or frost coatings to create the right aesthetic.
3. Missing Artwork Files for Screen Printing
Artwork files are only needed when your design includes screen printing. For this type of decoration, final artwork must be submitted in vector format such as AI, PDF, or EPS.
Vector artwork ensures precise registration, clean line quality, and accurate color placement. When artwork is submitted correctly, it reduces the need for digital proof revisions and avoids unnecessary downtime between sampling and production.
If your project does not involve screen printing, you will not need to provide artwork files, just your vessel details, color direction, and chosen finish.
4. No Confirmed Budget or Decision Contact
Projects can slow down when approvals or communication have to pass through several people. Identifying a primary contact person before sampling begins helps our team gather feedback quickly and move projects through each stage without confusion.
Make sure your budget approval is also complete before submitting your request. Budget readiness keeps your project moving and prevents stalls during the proofing or approval phase.
5. Extended Revision Rounds
Sampling is collaborative by nature, but every extra revision adds time. At JAFE Decorating, we include:
- One complimentary paint revision
- Two complimentary virtual proof revisions (if screen printing is involved)
Additional changes can be made as needed, but planning your color direction and finish ahead of time helps minimize adjustments and keeps your project timeline intact.
Staying Ahead of Delays
The fastest projects are the ones that begin with preparation. When you confirm order details, provide color references, and identify decision contacts early, your project stays organized from start to finish.
Our Ready for Sampling Checklist was designed to help brands complete every requirement before submitting their sample request. Following it ensures that our R&D team can focus on what truly matters: bringing your design to life with precision and quality.
Get a head start on your next project.
Download the Ready for Sampling Checklist to prepare your details and set your brand up for a smooth, on-time sampling experience with JAFE Decorating.