Pre-production samples (PPS)
What to do when a PO needs a pre-production sample approved before you start bulk production.
Some POs need a pre-production sample (PPS) before bulk production. You make a sample, send it, and the customer approves it. Only then do you make the full order. This article explains each step.
#How you know a PPS is needed
The PO shows a pink box: PPS SAMPLE REQUIRED. It lists the products, sizes and quantities for the sample, plus any Customer notes.
It also says: "Make the sample below first — do not start bulk production."
Pre-production samples to ship also appear on To get done.
#Step by step
- Make the sample shown in the box.
- Send the sample.
- On the PO, press PPS Shipped.
- Enter the Carrier and the Tracking number.
The customer is asked to review the sample. The box changes to "PPS sample shipped — waiting for the customer's decision."
#What happens next
- Approved: the box says "PPS approved — start bulk production." Go ahead with the full order.
- Changes wanted: the box returns to PPS SAMPLE REQUIRED, now with Round 2 and the customer's notes. Make a new sample and send it again.
Watch out
Do not start bulk production before you see "PPS approved". If the sample needs changes, the bulk order would need to change too.
#Common questions
Can I start bulk before the PPS is approved? No. Wait for "PPS approved".
Where do I see the customer's notes on the sample? In the PPS SAMPLE REQUIRED box on the PO, under Customer notes.
The customer wants changes. What now? Read their notes in the box, make a new sample, and press PPS Shipped again with the new tracking.