--- title: "Which sample do I need: pre-production or pre-paid?" description: "There are two kinds of sample. A pre-production sample is free: we make it after you place your order and pay the 30% advance, and you approve it on…" url: https://mrbalaclava.com/help/sample-types/ language: en-US updated: 2026-10-06T19:31:37+00:00 alternates: fr: https://mrbalaclava.com/fr/help/types-d-echantillon.md de: https://mrbalaclava.com/de/help/welches-muster-vorproduktion-vorausbezahlt.md es: https://mrbalaclava.com/es/help/tipos-de-muestra.md publisher: Mr Balaclava (https://mrbalaclava.com/) --- Samples # Which sample do I need: pre-production or pre-paid? By the Mr Balaclava team · Updated 2026-10-06 Short answer There are two kinds of sample. A pre-production sample is free: we make it after you place your order and pay the 30% advance, and you approve it on photos, videos or a video call. A pre-paid (physical) sample is paid in advance, made in about 5 to 7 days and shipped to your door. You choose the sample when you ask for a quote: in step 1 of the **Request a quote** form, under **Do you need a physical sample?** The pre-production sample is selected unless you choose otherwise. ## The two samples side by side | Pre-production sample | Pre-paid (physical) sample | | | --- | --- | --- | | Cost | Free | Paid; shown as its own line on your quotation | | When it is made | After you place your order and pay the 30% advance | Before your order, in about 5–7 days | | How you check it | On photos, videos or a video call | In your hands: we ship it to your door | | Payment | Nothing extra to pay | 100% in advance, before production | | Deducted from your order | Not applicable | Only if your order is 1,000 pieces or more | | Shipping | No shipping | Charged separately; not refundable and not deducted from your order | | Next step | Bulk production continues after your approval | You check fabric, fit, colours and branding before bulk production | ## Which one to choose - **Pre-production sample:** when you are happy to approve the product on photos, videos or a video call, and want to start quickly at no extra cost. - **Pre-paid sample:** when you want to feel the fabric and check the fit and the branding in your hands before bulk production, for example for a new design or a new fabric. Either way, bulk production goes ahead only after you approve the sample. ## How to ask for it 1. Click **Request a quote** and, in step 1, choose **Yes, I also need a physical (pre-paid) sample** or **No, a pre-production sample is enough**. 2. If you asked for a pre-paid sample, it appears as its own line on your quotation, with its cost. 3. Not sure yet? Tell us in your message, and we explain the options with your quotation. More: [How does sampling work?](/help/how-sampling-works/) · [How much does a sample cost and how do I pay?](/help/sample-cost/) Was this article helpful? ## Related articles - [How does sampling work?](https://mrbalaclava.com/help/how-sampling-works/) - [How much does a sample cost and how do I pay?](https://mrbalaclava.com/help/sample-cost/) - [How long does a sample take?](https://mrbalaclava.com/help/sample-time/) - [Request a quote](https://mrbalaclava.com/help/request-a-quote/) ## Still need help? A real person replies within one working day. Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00, Pakistan time (UTC+5) - [Send your brief Contact form for quotes and projects](https://mrbalaclava.com/contact-us/) - [contact@mrbalaclava.com Best for briefs, artwork and files](mailto:contact@mrbalaclava.com) - [WhatsApp +92 370 7981102 Quick questions and photos](https://wa.me/923707981102)