Buyer guide · Sampling
Rug samples, strike-offs and lab dips: what is the difference?
A lab dip approves colour. A strike-off approves colour, pile and density in a woven section. A sample is a finished rug. Sampling takes 5 to 20 days and the cost is credited against your order.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
The three at a glance
- Lab dip
- Yarn dyed to match a colour reference. Approves colour only.
- Strike-off
- A section woven at full production specification. Approves colour, pile and density.
- Sample
- A finished rug to your design. Approves the whole piece.
- Cost and timing
- Credited against your order; 5 to 20 days
Terms at a glance
- Minimum order
- 1 piece
- Sampling cost
- Credited against your order
- Sampling
- 5 to 20 days
- Bulk production
- 8 to 16 weeks
- NDA
- Signed as standard before designs are shared
- Label, barcode, packaging
- Your own, on request
- Payment terms
- 50% advance, 50% before dispatch
Lab dip: colour only
The smallest step. Yarn is dyed to match your reference and viewed under D65, TL84 and A light. Nothing is woven. See lab dip and colour matching.
Strike-off: a woven section
A strike-off is a section woven or tufted at the full production specification, so you can judge colour, pile height, density and handle in the real construction. It is cheaper and faster than a full rug, so it suits a design you are confident about.
Sample: the finished piece
A sample is a full rug made to your design and size. It is the right choice when you need to judge the overall composition, size or presentation, or to show to your own customers. A sample is also a physical reference for bulk and final inspection. We keep approved samples and shade cards for repeat orders.
Colour references for approval
Which one do you need
- Only unsure about colour: start with a lab dip.
- Happy with colour, unsure about pile and density: a strike-off.
- Need to see the full design or show it to customers: a sample.
Cost and timeline
Samples carry a cost, quoted for your brief. The sampling cost is credited against your order. Sampling takes 5 to 20 days, with lab dips inside that window, then bulk production takes 8 to 16 weeks. Full steps are in the sampling process and CAD to strike-off. To receive an existing design, see the sample program.
Tell us which you need
Send your design, size and estimated quantity. We reply within two business days, usually within one. Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling cost is credited against your order. Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Buyer questions
Samples, strike-offs and lab dips: your questions
What is the difference between a sample and a strike-off?
A strike-off is a section woven at production specification to approve colour, pile and density. A sample is a finished rug made to your design and size.
What is a lab dip?
Yarn dyed to match your colour reference, used to approve colour before production.
Do I pay for samples?
Samples carry a cost, quoted for your brief, and it is credited against your order.
How long does each take?
Sampling takes 5 to 20 days, with lab dips inside that window. We confirm the time for your brief.
Can I skip the lab dip?
Colour approval is part of the process before production. If you send a physical swatch, the match is quicker to confirm.
Do I own the sample?
Samples and strike-offs made for you are yours. See NDA and design protection.
Can I request changes?
Yes, revisions can be made at the sample stage before production.
Is there a minimum order after sampling?
The minimum order is 1 piece.