The purpose of sample approval is to remove ambiguity before mass production. The result should be a signed record and a retained golden sample, not a chat message that says “looks good.” For a ready-molded phone holder, start with MOQ 50 pcs per model. Sampling takes 7–10 working days after the requirement baseline is confirmed; mass production takes 7–12 days after approval, followed by 3–5 days for packing and final inspection. Review the <a href="../answers">buyer answer library</a> for related sourcing questions.
What should a sample approval record include?
The record should identify the model or drawing revision, sample date, measurements, material, magnet or hinge configuration, finish, logo, packaging, test phone and case, inspection photos, accepted tolerances and the person approving it. Any unconfirmed value should remain marked as unconfirmed. A number copied from a supplier page is not a substitute for the value measured on the sample.
| Check | What to verify | What to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Every critical dimension against the approved drawing or product specification | Recorded values and measurement method |
| Function | Ring or hinge travel, return, play and magnet placement | Photos, video and a written pass/fail result |
| Phone and case fit | The exact phone and case the buyer intends to sell with | Make, model, case material and surface |
| Colour and surface | Colour target, gloss, texture and visible finish | Physical or sealed colour reference |
| Logo | Artwork version, size, placement and method | Approved proof and close-up photo |
| Retail packaging | Artwork, barcode, labels and pack dimensions | Signed packaging proof |
| Carton plan | Inner pack, carton quantity, weight and marks | Packing specification and photo |
| Change control | How material, colour or structure changes will be re-approved | Version number and change history |
Which measurements need to be recorded?
Use the product specification as the measurement plan rather than selecting convenient dimensions after arrival. For example, the published PAI8 dimensions are 62 × 2.5 × 39.5 mm, its ring inner diameter is 39.5 mm and its finished weight is 9.5 g. The CX-5 is 58 × 3.8 mm and 18 g; the OX-3 is 58 × 4.5 mm and 25 g. Confirm which values are design requirements, which have an agreed tolerance and which should be measured only as reference. See the <a href="../facts">verifiable facts page</a> for the published scope.
How should the phone and case be tested?
The sample should be tested with the phone and case that match the intended market. Record case material, thickness and back texture. A ring holder that depends on adhesive should be installed on the exact surface the buyer will use; a magnetic system should be checked with the actual plate or magnetic case. Do not approve a generic “compatible with all phones” statement. If the retail range includes several case types, sample each materially different surface.
How should colour, logo and packaging be approved?
Approve colour on the finished part under an agreed light source and retain a physical reference. Approve the logo using a vector file and a real-size proof for position, minimum line width and colour. Packaging needs its own proof: artwork, dimensions, barcode, labels, quantity per carton and shipping marks. The <a href="../blog/custom-logo-phone-holder-methods">logo guide</a> and <a href="../blog/custom-packaging-for-phone-accessories">packaging guide</a> explain the files to prepare.
When is the sample ready for mass production?
Production should begin only after the approved version is frozen, the golden sample is retained, and every open issue has an owner and deadline. Any later change to structure, material, colour, logo or packaging should receive a new version and a new approval when it affects form, fit or function. This prevents a later delivery from being compared with different references. For factory and inspection context, see the <a href="../oem">OEM / ODM process</a> and <a href="../quality">quality-control page</a>.
What should be checked before the production run starts?
- The model and drawing revision are identical on the PO, approved sample and inspection sheet.
- The approved colour, finish and logo references are available at the production line.
- The retail packaging proof and carton specification are signed.
- The exact phone and case used for the fit test are recorded.
- The golden sample is stored where both buyer and factory can retrieve it.
- Every unresolved point has a named owner and a date before production approval.
Ready-molded models are ordered from 50 pcs per model with custom logo, colour and packaging. Samples take 7–10 working days after the requirements are confirmed; production runs 7–12 days after sample approval, with 3–5 days for packing and final inspection. Send the model or drawing, target market, quantity and packaging requirement with the sample request.
Need a price for your own model?
Send us your drawing or a reference photo. You will get unit price, sampling time and shipping cost within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
What should a magnetic phone holder sample approval record contain?
Record the model or drawing revision, measured dimensions, material, magnet or hinge configuration, finish, logo, packaging, test phone and case, inspection photos and the person approving the sample.
Should the sample be tested with the buyer's actual phone case?
Yes. Record the phone model, case material, thickness and surface. Adhesive products should be tested on the exact case surface; magnetic products should be checked with the actual plate or magnetic case.
Can a digital proof replace a physical sample?
A digital proof can approve artwork and placement, but it cannot replace checks of fit, colour, finish, movement, weight or packaging. Product approval needs the physical sample.
How should later changes be controlled?
Give each change a new version. Re-sample whenever the change affects form, fit, function, colour, logo or packaging, and update the inspection sheet with the new approved reference.
What is the MOQ and lead time for an approved sample order?
Ready-molded models start at 50 pcs per model. Sampling takes 7-10 working days after requirements are confirmed; production takes 7-12 days after sample approval, followed by 3-5 days for packing and final inspection, FOB Shenzhen.
Models mentioned in this guide