Digital proof sets direction
We review logo placement, pattern and color direction with you using the digital proof. It helps agree the design; fit, hand feel and physical performance still need a physical sample.
Sampling and approvals
Review your custom sock samples with us.
Not sure which sample stage you need? You can inquire before deciding. We can help plan what to review, from artwork to fit and packaging. If your team has established specifications or approval criteria, we'll work from those and your knowledge of the range.
Main pathProof -> development -> pre-production
Best fitTeams aligning on approval checkpoints
Primary goalReduce product and pack-out ambiguity
We can work through proofs, physical samples and pre-production approval with your team, starting from your requirements and the questions still open.
Sample stages
What we review at each sample stage.
Development sample checks product behavior
Review fit, knit appearance and hand feel against the intended product. Your team's knowledge of customers and price positioning helps set the criteria; we can discuss construction and any changes needed for the next sample.
Confirm the approved sample before bulk production
The final approval stage should confirm product, packaging assumptions, and shipment-facing details before the order moves into bulk production.
Your product criteria, reviewed together.
Bring your established review criteria or ask us to help define them. Together, we can identify what each sample needs to confirm before production approval.
What a digital proof can confirm
A digital proof helps review visual direction. It is not a guarantee of hand feel, packaging fit, carton behavior or shipment readiness; those need separate physical and operational checks.
Review against your product requirements
Bring your specification, reference sample or existing approval criteria if you have them. We can review the sample against those requirements with your team, or help identify what to check for a first program.
Why pre-production approval matters
Before bulk production, the product, labeling, packaging and shipment-facing details need an agreed approval. Starting an inquiry does not require these decisions to be finished; releasing a bulk order does.
Sampling checklist
Agree what to check and what happens next.
- Agree together what each proof or sample is intended to confirm.
- Review packaging and destination requirements before final approval.
- Record the changes to carry into the next sample, using your existing review process where applicable.
- Treat pre-production approval as the release gate for both product and pack-out logic.
Approval decisions
Record each sample decision.
A sample can answer one question while leaving another unresolved. Keep the sample or artwork version with each decision so an accepted logo does not accidentally become approval of fit, packaging or the whole order. Use your team's existing review process, or ask us to work through the checks with you.
Illustrative review notes, not results from a tested SaySock order
| Review item and reference | Decision for this check | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Logo on the agreed artwork version | Revise | Identify the lettering or placement to change, then review the next version. |
| Fit of the physical sample | Still open | Identify the intended wearer and fit question; a digital proof cannot settle this. |
| Packaging text on the reviewed proof | Accepted for this check | Keep the approved version and separate any pending physical packaging or pack-out review. |
These are examples of separate decisions, not acceptance standards. Agree the approval scope for your actual product. You do not need a completed review log, final artwork or a sample to start an inquiry.
Related sample guides
Explore a topic or bring your questions to us.
Compare quote scope
Separate sample, packaging and shipment assumptions when comparing offers.
Compare custom sock quotesCompare crew sock interiors
See plain-knit and sole-loop construction, then discuss where cushioning should sit and what the sample should check in your footwear.
Compare interior constructionReview a repeat order
Identify what stays the same and which changes need review against the approved reference.
Review the sock reorder checklistArtwork prep
Explore logo placement, artwork references and the optional mockup tool. You can also ask us about your idea without a finished artwork file.
Open artwork prepQuote prep
Find optional prompts for quantity, timing, packaging and destination. Share what you know now; we can clarify the rest together.
Open quote prepDocumentation prep
Review how to describe retailer, importer or certification-related document requests so we can discuss their scope alongside the samples.
Open documentation prepPackaging prep
Explore packaging, labels and carton considerations. Bring your existing requirements or ask us to help review options for your sales channel.
Open packaging prepProcess
Review how sampling connects to QC, packaging, and shipment release inside the full operating path.
Open processRequest quote
Tell us about your product and sample questions. You do not need to choose an approval stage before contacting us.
Open request quotePlan the next step with us