Approving a golf ball sample is a milestone — but it is not the end of the information-gathering process. After a buyer confirms that the sample meets their quality and feel requirements, the project moves into the production specification phase. This phase requires a complete set of information from the buyer before the factory can prepare a binding quote and production schedule. This guide covers exactly what is needed.
Sample approval confirms that the buyer is satisfied with the ball construction, cover feel, and quality of the production sample. It does not confirm the logo print, packaging design, quantity, price, or delivery terms — those are all agreed in the next phase. Sample approval is the green light to proceed to production specification, not to production itself.
After sample approval, the buyer needs to provide the following information to move the project forward: (1) confirmed quantity; (2) logo artwork in vector format; (3) Pantone color codes; (4) packaging specification; (5) destination country and postal code; and (6) planned order window.
| Required Item | Format / Specification | Why It Is Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed quantity | Specific number or agreed range | Determines per-unit cost and production scheduling |
| Logo artwork | Vector file: AI, EPS, or SVG | Required for print plate preparation |
| Pantone color codes | PMS code for each color | Required for accurate color matching in pad printing |
| Packaging specification | Format, dimensions, print area, material | Determines packaging cost, tooling, and lead time |
| Destination country and postal code | Full postal address or postal code | Required for freight estimate and incoterm recommendation |
| Planned order window | Month and year, or specific date range | Required for production scheduling and capacity allocation |
The most common cause of delay after sample approval is artwork. Many buyers approve a sample and then discover that their logo is only available as a raster file (PNG or JPG) rather than a vector file. A raster file cannot be used for pad printing — it must be redrawn as a vector before the print plate can be prepared. This redraw step adds time and cost to the project.
To avoid this delay, prepare your vector artwork before requesting a sample. If your logo is only available in raster format, commission a vector redraw from a graphic designer before the sample evaluation phase. This way, when the sample is approved, the artwork is ready to submit immediately.
Packaging specification covers: the packaging format (sleeve box, dozen box, or custom gift box); the print design for the box (logo placement, color, text, finish); the ball count per unit; and any special packaging requirements (e.g., tissue paper, ribbon, magnetic closure). A complete packaging specification allows the factory to prepare an accurate packaging cost and lead time.
If you do not have a final packaging design ready at the time of sample approval, you can proceed with a packaging direction brief — a description of the desired look, feel, and format — and finalize the design during the production specification phase. This is common for first-time buyers who are developing their packaging design in parallel with the sample evaluation.
After all required information is submitted, MetaSeal Golf prepares a binding project summary covering: confirmed unit price, packaging cost, total order cost, production lead time from artwork approval, shipping estimate, and payment terms. This summary is the basis for the production agreement. Once the buyer approves the summary and confirms the order, production begins.
The timeline from information submission to production start depends on the artwork approval process and any packaging tooling requirements. For projects with ready artwork and standard packaging formats, the timeline from information submission to production start is typically shorter than for projects requiring new packaging tooling or artwork redraw.
Can I change the quantity after submitting the project information? Quantity changes before production begins are generally possible but may affect the per-unit cost and production schedule. Discuss any quantity changes with MetaSeal Golf before production is confirmed.
What if my packaging design is not finalized when the sample is approved? You can proceed with a packaging direction brief and finalize the design during the production specification phase. The factory will not begin production until the packaging design is approved.
Is the project summary a binding contract? The project summary is a detailed specification document. A binding production agreement is confirmed separately, typically via purchase order or written confirmation of the project summary terms.
Tell us your sample evaluation status, target model, quantity, artwork status, and packaging requirement. We will prepare a project summary and next steps.