Can we request samples before placing an order?

by admin September 21, 2026 2 Comments

Yes. Maote Pet Food can arrange product samples before a commercial order is placed, subject to product availability and destination import requirements.

Samples allow buyers to evaluate the product before confirming specifications, packaging and bulk production.

What Can Be Evaluated From a Sample?

Depending on the product, buyers can review:

Product appearance

Size and weight range

Colour and odour

Texture and hardness

Cutting or shaping

Moisture and dryness

Breakage level

Product consistency

Packaging format

Label size and positioning

Because rabbit ears, whole fish and fish skin are natural materials, some variation between individual pieces is unavoidable. The commercial specification should therefore define an acceptable range rather than rely on one sample alone.

What Types of Samples Are Available?

Existing Product Samples

If the requested product and specification are already available, samples may be selected from current stock or a recent production batch.

Custom Product Samples

For a new size, shape, cut or product combination, Maote Pet Food will first review technical feasibility.

Custom development may require:

Reference photographs or physical samples

Target dimensions or weight

Texture and moisture requirements

Packaging information

More than one development trial

Custom samples normally require more preparation time than standard samples.

Packaging Samples

Available packaging samples may include:

Existing retail pouches

Label samples

Bulk bag options

Carton examples

Printed packaging material samples

Fully printed private-label packaging normally requires artwork approval, minimum printing quantities and additional preparation time.

Are Samples Free?

Sample and delivery costs depend on:

Product type

Number of samples

Sample weight

Custom development requirements

Packaging requirements

Destination country

Courier service

Maote Pet Food will confirm any sample charge and freight cost before dispatch. Sample costs may be reviewed as part of a subsequent commercial order, subject to the agreed quotation.

Who Pays the Courier Cost?

Courier costs are normally paid by the buyer.

The buyer may:

Provide a DHL, FedEx or UPS account;

Arrange collection through a nominated courier; or

Ask Maote Pet Food to quote the delivery cost.

International freight, customs duties, inspection charges and destination handling costs are not normally included unless specifically agreed.

Can Samples Be Shipped to Every Country?

Not always.

Pet treats containing animal-origin ingredients may be subject to import restrictions, veterinary controls or courier limitations, even when shipped only as samples.

Before dispatch, the buyer should confirm:

Whether samples are permitted for import

Whether an import permit is required

Whether health or veterinary documentation is required

Whether the courier accepts the product

Whether customs duties or inspection charges apply

Sample dispatch can only be confirmed after the destination and product requirements have been reviewed.

How Long Does Sample Preparation Take?

Preparation time depends on product availability.

Existing samples can normally be prepared more quickly, while custom-developed products or packaging samples require additional time. Maote Pet Food will provide an estimated sample and dispatch schedule after reviewing the request.

Courier transit time and customs clearance are separate from sample preparation time.

Does Sample Approval Become the Production Standard?

The approved sample can be used as a visual and technical reference, but the final commercial order should also have a written product specification.

The specification may include:

Product dimensions

Weight range

Moisture target

Appearance

Permitted natural variation

Packaging format

Labelling requirements

Inspection criteria

Where appropriate, Maote Pet Food and the buyer may each retain an approved reference sample.

What Information Should You Send?

To request samples, please provide:

Company name and website

Contact person

Delivery address

Destination country

Required products

Preferred size or specification

Packaging requirement

Estimated order quantity

Courier account, if available

Import permit or document requirements, if applicable

Maote Pet Food will review the request and confirm sample availability, preparation time, charges and shipping options.

Would you like to evaluate our products?
Send Maote Pet Food your product list, destination and courier details to request a sample assessment.