Samples, prototypes and pre-production proofs
How samples, prototypes and pre-production proofs work for corporate merch in Georgia: blank samples, decoration samples, pre-production sample cost, sign-off cycle and what to expect before full production.
Context
The sampling process for corporate merch in Georgia — what sample types we offer, what they cost, how the sign-off cycle works, and how the sample cost is credited against the final order.
Corporate merch in Georgia is produced in Tbilisi — decoration in Saburtalo, Nadzaladevi and Gldani, dispatch across the country and abroad under DCFTA. The standard MOQ is 30 units; premium VIP programmes from 10 units; volume pricing above 500 units. Quotes are in GEL for Georgian-resident buyers (VAT 18% via RS.ge), EUR/USD for export.
Frequently asked questions
What sample types do you offer?
Three levels. (1) Blank sample — the undecorated product so the buyer can check size, weight, colour, material. (2) Decoration sample — the product with the decoration applied, but not from the production run. (3) Pre-production sample — the product with the decoration applied, from the production batch, signed off before the full run. We typically recommend level 2 + level 3 for any new product + decoration combination.
What does a sample cost?
Blank samples are typically free (the buyer pays courier). Decoration samples cost 100–200% of the unit price (the setup cost plus the materials) and are credited against the final order on confirmation. Pre-production samples (level 3) cost the same as decoration samples and are credited against the final order on confirmation. The sample fee is quoted on the standard quote template.
How long does a sample take?
Blank samples ship within 2–3 business days from Tbilisi (courier only). Decoration samples ship within 5–7 business days (the production cycle for one unit + decoration). Pre-production samples (level 3) ship within the standard production cycle — the sample is taken from the production batch before the full run starts, so timing matches the production lead time.
What if we need a sample before we can issue a PO?
Standard. Most Tbilisi-based buyers request a sample before issuing the PO; the sample is shipped against a sample-only invoice, the buyer evaluates, and the sample cost is credited against the final order. For buyers outside Tbilisi we ship the sample to the buyer’s regional office or to a regional event for evaluation.
Can we send our own blank product for decoration?
In some cases. If the buyer has a preferred blank (a uniform item, a corporate gift item, a partner-supplied product) we can decorate it in our workshop. The buyer ships the blanks to our Tbilisi workshop with a packing list; we decorate, pack, and ship back. The decoration-only service is priced separately and the buyer carries the freight risk on the inbound leg.
Who owns the pre-production sample?
The pre-production sample is shipped to the buyer for sign-off; once signed off, the buyer keeps the sample as a reference and we use the same production settings for the full run. If the buyer does not sign off, the sample is returned to us at our cost and we adjust the production settings.
Additional context
In Georgia the standard decoration method depends on run size and audience. For textile orders above 100 units we recommend silkscreen (cotton, polo) or embroidery (premium). For short runs and complex artwork we recommend DTF or DTG. For hard goods we recommend laser engraving, UV print, pad printing, and debossing.
For cross-border orders we prepare the EUR.1 movement certificate under DCFTA, the CMR consignment note for road freight, and the RS.ge e-invoice for Georgian-resident buyers. Banking partners are Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank; for export we use the BOG correspondent network (Commerzbank, Citi, Raiffeisen).
Corp-Merch is an independent corporate merchandise vendor. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body, regional administration, municipality, public-sector buyer, or any event referenced on this page. References to procurement.gov.ge, RS.ge, the Partnership Fund, GITA, GNTA, the Georgian National Tourism Administration, Bank of Georgia, TBC Bank and other institutions on this page are factual descriptions of the procurement and business environment in which we sell, not endorsements or affiliations.
Request a quote
We reply within one Tbilisi business day with pricing in GEL, lead time and options.