DHGATE EDIT · PRACTICAL RESEARCH

DHgate sample order checklist: from listing to delivery

By DHgate Edit · Published and updated 31 October 2026

A sample order is a small test of a specific product, variant and seller. It helps you compare the delivered item with the listing before committing to quantity. Keep the seller’s written specification, current QC photos, payment record and your own delivery inspection in one dated record.

Start with a shortlist from the DHgate spreadsheet. The catalogue is a research index, so an attractive image or low recorded price is a reason to investigate, not proof that a sample will match.

Before payment: identify exactly what you are ordering

• Save the listing URL, seller name and a screenshot of the selected variant.
• Record colour, size, materials, measurements, quantity and any accessories that should be included.
• Set the delivery destination and record the complete checkout total and currency.
• Read the current delivery estimate, return terms and platform support process.
• Check that you can lawfully buy, use and, if relevant, resell the product. Unresolved authenticity or safety questions are a reason to pause.

Do not rely on a product title alone. Several source rows can point to one listing, and a listing can change. If the page shows a different item, stop and investigate rather than assuming a seller will send something else.

Always ask for current QC photos

Hi, before I order this sample, please confirm [variant, size, colour and quantity]. Could you send current QC photos showing the front, back, labels, stitching or construction, and a ruler beside the key measurements? Please confirm the material and included accessories in writing. I want to compare this exact specification with the delivered sample.

QC means quality control in this context. Ask for photographs of the actual stock when available and note what the seller says the images represent. A stock image or an old buyer photo is not evidence of your specific order. If photos are unavailable, write “not supplied” rather than marking the visual check as passed.

Use the QC photo checklist for category-specific angles. Our community QC references can help you decide what to inspect, but a related model or different seller is limited evidence.

Copy this sample-order record

Record ID:
Listing URL / seller:
Quote and order dates:
Variant / quantity / confirmed specification:
QC photos supplied? What do they show?
Item cost / inbound shipping / other charges / currency:
Promised delivery window / actual arrival date:
Packaging condition on arrival:
Measured dimensions / visible condition:
Matches confirmed specification? Evidence:
Issues raised / response / resolution:
Decision: repeat small test / revise / stop
Reason and next review date:

Keep order numbers and personal information private. If you share a review, remove addresses, payment details and other people’s identifying information.

On arrival: inspect before describing or selling it

Photograph the unopened parcel and packaging condition, then the product in clear light. Compare the variant and included parts with the saved order record. Measure clothing flat using the same method as the seller; for footwear, record the relevant size information and fit observations without claiming that one wearer’s experience proves a universal fit.

Describe only checks you performed. “No loose stitching visible in my photos” is more precise than “perfect quality.” A visual inspection does not establish authenticity, electrical safety or compliance. Do not test a suspect electrical product in a way that could expose someone to harm; resolve required documentation and suitability first.

If the sample differs

Document the difference with clear photographs and the relevant specification. Use the platform’s current order-support process and deadlines shown in your account. Keep the discussion factual and retain the outcome. Do not invent a universal refund deadline because protection terms depend on the current order and platform rules.

Decide what you learned before ordering more

A successful sample tells you about that order. It does not verify future batches. For resale research, enter observed costs into the resale profit calculator, update your reselling decision and keep a retained sample or your own detailed photos as a reference where practical.

Repeat checks when the listing, seller, material, quantity or delivery method changes. Record a failed sample too: knowing why you stopped can prevent a more expensive repeat mistake.