Can you order a sample of office furniture from a China factory before the bulk order? Yes — many office furniture factories in Foshan accept sample orders before mass production starts. One thing to understand from the start: samples are charged (production cost plus shipping), but the sample cost can typically be deducted from the bulk order value once the project is confirmed. This guide covers sample types, the ordering process, cost components and timelines — written by the BG Office Furniture team, an office furniture factory in Foshan shipping 300+ containers per year to 50+ countries.
Why a sample matters before ordering a container
Ordering a container of office furniture means locking in a large budget long before the goods are seen. A sample turns that risk into certainty:
- Finish & colour verification. “Light oak” in a catalogue photo can differ from the production run; a sample confirms panels, HPL/veneer and PVC edges match what you need. More on finishes in our HPL, melamine & veneer guide.
- Quality checks before committing. Inspect panel thickness, frame strength, hardware completeness and joint workmanship before ordering hundreds of units — in line with the factory verification checklist we recommend.
- A distributor’s sales tool. Distributors and contractors often hand samples to corporate clients for material approval before a project starts.
- A concrete basis for revisions. Notes from the sample (colour needs to be darker, drawer slides smoother) go straight into the bulk order spec.
Common sample types
| Type | What it includes | Lead time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & finish swatch | MDF/HPL/veneer panel offcuts, colour samples, PVC edge profiles | 2–5 working days | Lowest; often enough for colour sign-off |
| Catalogue model unit (knock-down) | 1 desk, workstation or cabinet from the catalogue, export-packed | 7–10 working days | Unit production cost + freight |
| Custom prototype (OEM/ODM) | Size, colour, logo or design to your drawings | 10–20 working days, depending on changes | Higher due to setup; quoted per project |
| Hardware & accessories | Handles, locks, drawer slides, cable management | 3–7 working days | Low; usually combined with other samples |
From request to delivery: how a sample order runs
| Stage | What happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Send your spec | Model or drawing, colour, quantity and destination city | Same day |
| 2. Sample quotation | Sample unit price + shipping options (express, air, or with a container batch) | 1–2 working days |
| 3. Confirmation & payment | Payment of the sample and freight charges | 1–3 days |
| 4. Sample production | Made with the same materials and finish as the bulk order | 7–10 working days (catalogue models) |
| 5. Photo & video QC | The team sends photos/videos before the sample leaves the warehouse | Before dispatch |
| 6. Shipping | Express courier or air freight to Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, etc. | 3–10 days |
| 7. Review & deduction | Your feedback is recorded; the sample cost is deducted from the bulk order value | After sample approval |
Note: samples are generally produced on the production line, not taken from display stock. For catalogue models the total is around 2–3 weeks from payment to sample arrival. The full production timeline is in our PO-to-container lead time guide.
Sample cost components & how to reduce them
| Component | What it is | How to reduce it |
|---|---|---|
| Sample unit cost | Follows the production cost of that unit (not retail pricing) | Choose a catalogue model; save custom revisions for mass production |
| Freight | Depends on weight, volume and mode: express, air, or consolidated with a container | Combine several items or swatches in one shipment |
| Import charges | Sample shipments still clear customs with proper documents and a fair value | Discuss the shipping scheme with your forwarder early |
| Deduction from the order | The sample cost can typically be deducted from the bulk order value once the project is confirmed | Complete the PO within the agreed period |
For scale: one sample costs far less than the risk of a wrong colour or spec across a full container. See the 40HQ container value simulation for the numbers.
Six tips for a fast, cost-efficient sample
- Prepare the full spec in one go: model, size, colour, finish and quantity. Back-and-forth revisions add 1–2 weeks.
- Start with the cheapest option: confirm colour with a swatch; order a physical unit to verify strength and detail.
- Ask for a written schedule: production date and arrival estimate should be in the quotation — see how we plan it in the best time to order guide.
- Combine shipments: several samples in one parcel cut freight and import charges; for larger volumes, study the mixed container option.
- Plan the PO early: samples are designed to be followed by the bulk order — that is when the sample cost is deducted from the order value.
- Use it for client approval: for distributors a sample is a presentation tool; collect client feedback before the spec is locked.
FAQ about office furniture samples
Are samples free? No. Samples are charged production and freight costs; the sample cost can typically be deducted from the bulk order value once the project is confirmed.
How long does a sample take to reach Indonesia? Usually 2–3 weeks in total: 7–10 working days of production for catalogue models, plus 3–10 days of shipping to major cities.
Can I request a sample based on my own design? Yes. Our OEM/ODM service covers custom samples — send drawings or references and the team will quote timelines and cost; the process is explained in the custom OEM/ODM guide.
Verifiable company facts
- Legal name: Foshan BG Office Furniture Co., Ltd. — 佛山市毕戈家具有限公司 (USCC 91440606MA4UKCYD6A)
- Founded: 2015, in Lecong, Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong, China
- Facilities: 10,000 m² workshop, 2,000 m² showroom, ISO 9001 certified
- Export capacity: 300+ containers per year to 50+ countries, including regular shipments to Indonesia
- Services: OEM / ODM, mixed containers, Form E ACFTA, export-standard knock-down packing, E0 panels
- Lead time: 25–35 working days for catalogue models
- Contact: sales001@fsbige.com · Tel/WeChat +86-18928562556 · contact page
Ready to start with one sample? Send your model/spec, colour and destination city via the contact page or email sales001@fsbige.com — our team prepares a complete sample quotation with shipping options within one working day. The full catalogue is on the products page. Tel/WeChat: +86-18928562556.