A clear activewear sampling process is what separates a smooth product launch from a costly guessing game. At AOLA APPAREL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD, we have refined our sampling into six defined steps over 15+ years of sportswear manufacturing, so brand owners, designers, KOLs, and wholesalers know exactly what happens, when it happens, and what it costs. This page explains our sample policy in full: fees, lead times, the six-step workflow, fee deductions on bulk orders, and refund terms.
Sample Fees and Lead Times
We keep sampling pricing transparent and predictable:
- Sample fee: US$50–80 per style, depending on construction complexity and fabric requirements.
- Simple styles: 6–8 days.
- Complex styles: 12–15 days.
The fee covers pattern making, fabric cutting, sewing, and finishing for one sample. If your design requires specialty trims or custom logo applications, we confirm those details before starting so there are no surprises. Every quote is confirmed in writing before work begins.
The 6-Step Sampling Workflow
Our activewear sampling process follows six fixed stages, each with its own quality checkpoint:
- Design review and tech pack confirmation. We review your sketches, measurements, construction details, and fabric references, then flag anything that needs clarification before cutting begins.
- Fabric and trim sourcing. You select from our existing material library — nylon, spandex, polyester, cotton, modal, bamboo, viscose, recycled polyester, and organic cotton — or we source against your specification. Functional options include moisture-wicking, quick-dry, breathable, and high-stretch finishes.
- Pattern making and grading. Our pattern team builds the block for your sample size, with grading rules prepared for later bulk production.
- Sample construction. One of our six production groups (each 20+ people, supported by 40+ Santoni seamless machines and 15+ sewing machine types) sews your sample to the confirmed spec.
- Fitting and revision. You review the sample against your fit standard. One round of reasonable adjustments is included; we document every change for the bulk order.
- Approval and sign-off. You approve the final sample, which becomes the golden reference for production, inspection, and quality control.
Because we pre-shrink knit fabrics at high temperature, the sample you approve reflects the fit and hand-feel your customers will actually receive.
Fee Deduction on Bulk Orders
Sampling should be an investment, not a sunk cost. When your bulk order reaches 500 pieces in the same style and color, your sample fee is deductible against the bulk order value. For brands scaling a proven design across multiple colorways, this makes the path from sample to shelf significantly more economical. Our standard MOQ for bulk production is 300pcs per style, and Private Label programs on stock styles start at 200pcs.
Refund Terms Summary
- Sample fees are quoted and confirmed before production begins.
- If we cannot produce your sample to the agreed specification, we will remake it or refund the sample fee.
- Fees are deducted from bulk orders meeting the 500-piece same-style, same-color threshold.
- Logo and packaging trims carry their own minimums: printed labels 50pcs per size; woven labels 300pcs; hang tags 500pcs; zipper bags 500pcs; embroidered or silicone labels 300pcs.
- Timelines run from the date of confirmed payment and approved tech pack.
Quality Built Into Every Sample
Sampling is not a separate exercise from production — it is the first quality gate. Our five-step inspection covers raw materials, cut panels, sewing, trims, and finished goods, and the same checks apply when your sample is built. Certificates covering our quality and materials systems are available upon request.
Why Brands Sample With AOLAFREE
Since 2010, we have manufactured sportswear from our 5,000㎡ factory in Shenzhen, supported by a 1,000㎡ fabric warehouse and a workforce of 150+ people. We ship to 500+ customers across 30+ countries, primarily in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, with monthly capacity of 300,000 pieces. Our Private Label, OEM, and ODM services cover women's yoga sets, leggings, sports bras, shorts, tennis skirts, bodysuits, tops, hoodies, joggers, dresses, modest activewear, swimwear, and loungewear, plus men's T-shirts, shorts, tanks, hoodies, joggers, and tracksuits.
Start Your Sampling Process Today
Send us your tech pack, reference samples, or even a rough sketch, and we will confirm your sample fee, timeline, and fabric options within one business day.
Get Tech Pack Quote — email [email protected] or message WhatsApp +86 18594216311.