Buyer guides
A Buyer’s Checklist for Reviewing a Plush Sample
Review your custom plush sample with a clear checklist for design, materials, construction, labels and packaging before production approval.
Review against an agreed reference
A plush sample helps turn an idea into a physical product specification. Before reviewing it, bring together the latest artwork, written requirements and previous feedback. Without an agreed reference, it is easy to mix personal preferences with corrections.
Review the sample at its intended size and in normal lighting. Photographs are useful for documenting feedback, but the feel, depth and construction of a physical product cannot be fully assessed from an image alone.
Check the visual identity
- Overall silhouette and posture
- Head-to-body proportions and placement of limbs
- Expression, eye spacing and other recognizable features
- Colour relationships and fabric transitions
- Decoration position, orientation and readability
Mark which observations are changes needed to meet the brief and which are new preferences. A new accessory or larger size may require a revised specification rather than a minor correction.
Look at materials and construction
Review the surface texture, fill feel, seam appearance and the consistency of the shape. Check the areas around ears, tails, limbs, clothing and attachments. If there is hardware, assess how it is positioned and secured as part of the intended use.
Your visual review should be supported by an agreed inspection and assessment plan for the product and market. A sample photograph or an attractive finish does not establish compliance or replace any required testing.
Illustrative Embroidery Detail · Concept sample
Illustrative Keychain Attachment Detail · Concept sample
Review labels and packaging together
Confirm brand spelling, artwork version, label placement and the information requested for the destination. Check the way the product fits in its packaging and how it will be presented or distributed.
For a gift set, inspect all components as one complete presentation. For a retail range, compare the shared elements across designs so the collection remains coherent.
Create a feedback record that can be acted on
| Record | Example of a clear instruction |
|---|---|
| Reference | Identify the sample version and the approved artwork file. |
| Location | Mark the exact feature or area in a photograph. |
| Requested change | Describe the intended result, including a measurement when available. |
| Priority | State whether the item is required for approval or an option to discuss. |
| Decision | Record who approved the change and which version supersedes the old one. |
Consolidate feedback from all stakeholders before sending it. Conflicting messages from different reviewers can create extra revisions and uncertainty.
Confirm before production
Agree which sample and written specification are approved. Confirm the remaining production, quality, packaging and shipment requirements. A change after approval should be reviewed for its effect on cost, construction and timing.
For project-specific sampling and production information, contact Linnea. You can also review the full custom plush process and the artwork preparation checklist.