CUSTOMER RESOURCES

Returns & Sample Policy for Custom Sportswear Orders

Every successful custom sportswear project starts with clear communication and informed approval. Our sample process allows you to review fabrics, sizing, construction, branding, and product quality before bulk manufacturing begins. This policy explains sample options, approval procedures, quality claims, and how Friend Brothers Sports handles returns for custom-made, OEM, private-label, and team uniform orders.

UNDERSTANDING THE SAMPLE PROCESS

What Is a Custom Sportswear Sample?

A custom sportswear sample is a prototype garment or a small production run created before bulk manufacturing begins. It allows you to evaluate the product’s appearance, construction, materials, branding, and overall quality before approving full-scale production.

Whether you’re ordering custom team uniforms, OEM sportswear, or private label apparel, reviewing a sample helps ensure that every important detail matches your expectations. It provides an opportunity to confirm the design, fit, fabric, printing, labels, and finishing before moving forward with a larger order.

At Friend Brothers Sports, we recommend a sample for new product developments, first-time customers, complex customizations, and large-volume orders. A clear review and written approval help minimize revisions, reduce production risks, and create a smoother manufacturing process.

Why Samples Matter

A well-reviewed sample creates a shared production reference for both the buyer and our manufacturing team. Once approved, it becomes the foundation for consistent quality throughout bulk production, subject to normal manufacturing tolerances.

Fabric & Material

Review fabric type, weight, texture, stretch, breathability, and overall material quality before production.

Fit & Sizing

Confirm garment measurements, sizing specifications, proportions, and overall fit for your intended users.

Design & Colors

Verify artwork placement, color combinations, player names, numbers, logos, and sponsor graphics.

Decoration Quality

Evaluate sublimation printing, embroidery, heat transfer, and other decoration methods before approval.

Construction

Inspect stitching quality, seams, collars, cuffs, zippers, labels, and overall garment workmanship.

Branding & Packaging

Review woven labels, hang tags, size labels, polybags, barcode labels, and private-label presentation.

WHY SAMPLES MATTER

Why We Recommend a Sample Before Bulk Production

A custom sportswear sample is more than just a preview—it’s a critical step in the manufacturing process. It gives both you and our production team a shared reference, helping ensure that the final products match your approved specifications before large-scale production begins.

Reviewing and approving a sample helps minimize misunderstandings, reduce costly revisions, and improve production accuracy. Whether you’re developing a new team uniform, launching a private label collection, or placing a bulk OEM order, a sample provides confidence before moving into full production.

Share Your Ideas

Provide your design, branding, sizing, and product requirements.

Develop the Sample

We create a sample based on the approved specifications.

Review Every Detail

Inspect fabric, fit, construction, colors, branding, and finishing.

Request Revisions

Adjust design or specifications if improvements are needed.

Approve the Sample

Confirm the final sample in writing before production begins.

Bulk Production

Manufacturing proceeds using the approved sample as the production reference.

Why This Process Protects Both You and Us

A structured sample approval process creates a clear production reference for both the buyer and Friend Brothers Sports. It helps confirm expectations before manufacturing begins, improves communication, and reduces the likelihood of unexpected changes during production. While normal manufacturing tolerances may apply, an approved sample serves as the benchmark for bulk production.

SAMPLE OPTIONS

Choose the Right Sample for Your Project

<p>Every custom sportswear project has unique requirements. To support different stages of product development, Friend Brothers Sports offers several sample options ranging from existing quality references to fully customized pre-production garments. Selecting the right sample helps streamline development, improve communication, and reduce production risks.</p>

Existing Quality Sample

Receive one of our existing production samples to evaluate fabric quality, stitching, workmanship, and overall manufacturing standards before starting your custom project.
Ideal for first-time customers, manufacturing quality evaluations, and fabric or workmanship reviews.

Develop the Sample

A fully customized sample produced according to your artwork, specifications, branding, and material requirements. It allows you to validate every detail before bulk manufacturing.
Recommended for new product development, OEM manufacturing projects, and private label sportswear brands.

Size Set Sample

Multiple garments are produced in different sizes to verify grading, measurements, and fit consistency across your complete size range.
Best suited for team uniforms, retail apparel collections, and large-volume production orders.

Pre-Production Sample (PPS)

The final production-ready sample is manufactured using approved fabrics, trims, branding, and specifications. Once approved, it becomes the reference for bulk production.
Essential for final production approval, bulk manufacturing readiness, and quality assurance verification.

Need Help Choosing the Right Sample?

Our team will recommend the most suitable sample option based on your product type, order quantity, customization requirements, and production timeline. If you're unsure where to start, we're happy to guide you through the process.

SAMPLE COMPARISON

Digital Mockup vs. Physical Sample: What's the Difference?

Both digital mockups and physical samples play an important role in the custom sportswear development process, but they serve different purposes. A digital mockup helps visualize your design before production, while a physical sample allows you to inspect the actual garment, materials, construction, and finishing. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approval method for your project.

Digital Mockup

A digital mockup is a computer-generated preview of your custom sportswear design. It helps confirm artwork placement, colors, logos, player names, sponsor graphics, and branding before production begins.

Artwork layout
Logo placement
Color scheme preview
Player names & numbers
Sponsor graphics

Physical Sample

A physical sample is an actual garment manufactured according to your approved specifications. It enables you to evaluate quality, fit, materials, construction, and finishing before authorizing bulk production.

Fabric & material quality
Fit & sizing
Stitching & construction
Printing & embroidery quality
Labels, trims & packaging

Our Recommendation

For most OEM, private label, and bulk custom sportswear orders, we recommend approving both a digital mockup and a physical sample whenever possible. The mockup confirms the visual design, while the physical sample verifies the actual product before bulk manufacturing begins.

PRICING & DELIVERY

Sample Costs & International Shipping

Sample costs vary depending on the garment type, level of customization, materials, branding requirements, and production complexity. Because every project is unique, sample pricing is quoted individually to ensure an accurate estimate. International shipping charges are calculated separately based on the destination, package weight, dimensions, and preferred shipping method.

Sample Costs

Each sample is quoted based on the specific requirements of your project. Factors that may influence the sample cost include:

Garment type and complexity
Fabric selection and materials
Printing, embroidery, and branding
Private label trims and accessories
Quantity of requested samples

Sample Shipping

Physical samples are shipped worldwide using trusted courier services. Shipping charges are quoted separately and depend on the destination and selected delivery method.

Worldwide courier delivery available
Shipping costs calculated separately
Tracking information provided after dispatch
Import duties and local taxes are the buyer's responsibility where applicable

Sample Charges & Bulk Orders

Sample charges help cover the cost of custom development, materials, and production. If you proceed with a bulk order, any adjustment or credit toward sample costs will depend on the quotation or written agreement provided for your specific project.

Need a Sample Quote?

Tell us about your project, and our team will recommend the most suitable sample option along with a customized quotation.

SAMPLE TIMELINE

From Design Approval to Sample Delivery

Every custom sportswear sample follows a structured development process to ensure accuracy before bulk production. While timelines vary depending on product complexity, customization requirements, material availability, and shipping destination, our team keeps you informed throughout each stage of development.

1. Project Review

We review your artwork, specifications, sizing requirements, branding details, and production requirements before beginning sample development.

2. Design Confirmation

Our team confirms artwork, color references, logos, printing methods, trims, labels, and technical specifications before production starts.

3. Sample Manufacturing

Your sample is produced using the agreed materials, construction methods, branding elements, and customization requirements.

4. Quality Inspection

Each sample undergoes internal quality checks to verify construction, measurements, decoration quality, and finishing before dispatch.

5. Packaging & Dispatch

Approved samples are carefully packed and prepared for international shipment using reliable courier services.

6. Delivery & Review

Once delivered, you can review the sample and provide feedback or written approval before bulk manufacturing proceeds.

Timeline Notice

Sample development and delivery times vary based on garment complexity, order specifications, material availability, requested revisions, and international shipping. Your dedicated project representative will provide an estimated timeline for your specific order before production begins.

Ready to Start Your Sample?

Share your design ideas with our team, and we'll guide you through the sample development process from concept to production.

APPROVAL PROCESS

Sample Review & Final Approval Before Bulk Production

Before bulk manufacturing begins, every custom sportswear sample should be carefully reviewed and approved. This review helps confirm that the garment meets your expectations for design, sizing, branding, construction, and overall quality. Once written approval is received, the approved sample or specification becomes the production reference for your order.

Review Every Detail Before Approval

Design & Artwork

Verify logos, player names, numbers, sponsor graphics, placement, colors, and overall appearance.

Measurements & Fit

Confirm garment sizing, grading, proportions, and overall fit before production.

Fabric & Materials

Review the selected fabrics, trims, collars, cuffs, zippers, and material quality.

Decoration Quality

Inspect sublimation printing, embroidery, heat transfers, and other decoration methods.

Private Label Branding

Check woven labels, printed neck labels, care labels, hang tags, packaging, and branding accessories.

Written Approval

Provide written confirmation once every detail has been reviewed. Production begins only after final approval.

Questions Before Approval?

Our production specialists are happy to review your sample with you before bulk manufacturing begins.

SAMPLE REVISIONS

Requesting Revisions & Changes to Your Sample

We understand that adjustments may be needed during product development. Before final approval, you can review your sample and request reasonable revisions to improve the design, fit, materials, branding, or construction. Our team will work closely with you to achieve the best possible result before bulk manufacturing begins.

Once the sample has been approved in writing and production has started, any additional changes may require revised quotations, updated production schedules, or the creation of a new sample depending on the scope of the request.

Before Final Approval

Before approving your sample, you may request revisions to ensure the product meets your expectations. Common revision requests include:

Artwork and logo adjustments
Color corrections
Fabric or material changes
Sizing and measurement updates
Label and packaging modifications

Our team will review your requested changes and advise whether a revised sample is recommended before proceeding.

After Final Approval

After written approval is received and bulk production has commenced, changes become significantly more limited. Depending on the production stage, modifications may affect manufacturing schedules, material availability, and overall project costs.

Production timelines may change
Additional development costs may apply
A new sample may be required
Changes depend on production status

We encourage customers to complete a thorough review before providing final approval.

✓ Best Time to Make Changes

During sample review and before written approval.

⚠ Changes Become More Limited

Once production begins, changes may require additional time, costs, or redevelopment.

Our Recommendation

Carefully review every aspect of your sample—including artwork, colors, measurements, branding, labels, packaging, and garment construction—before providing written approval. A complete review helps reduce delays, avoids unnecessary revisions, and supports a smooth bulk production process.

Need Help Reviewing Your Sample?

Our product specialists can answer your questions and guide you through the approval process before production begins.

SAMPLE REVISIONS

Returns for Custom-Made Sportswear Orders

Every order manufactured by Friend Brothers Sports is produced according to the customer’s approved artwork, specifications, sizing, branding, and customization requirements. Because each garment is made specifically for your project, custom sportswear orders cannot be resold or repurposed.

For this reason, returns are handled differently from standard retail purchases. While we do not accept returns based on preference changes or approved custom specifications, we remain committed to resolving genuine manufacturing quality concerns in a fair and professional manner.

Quality Issues We Will Review

If you believe your order contains a manufacturing issue, our quality assurance team will carefully review your claim based on the approved production specifications.

Manufacturing defects
Incorrect production against approved specifications
Construction or workmanship concerns
Verified decoration or branding errors
Material issues resulting from manufacturing

Returns We Cannot Accept

As each garment is custom manufactured, return requests based solely on preference or approved specifications cannot normally be accepted.

Change of mind after approval
Customer-approved artwork or colors
Approved sizing specifications
Normal manufacturing tolerances
Damage occurring after delivery or misuse

Our Commitment to Quality

Every custom sportswear order undergoes multiple quality inspections before shipment. If a verified manufacturing issue is identified, Friend Brothers Sports will review the situation promptly and work with you to determine an appropriate resolution based on the nature of the claim and the approved order specifications.

Multi-Stage Quality Inspection

Approved Production Standards

Worldwide Customer Support

Fair Claim Evaluation

QUALITY CLAIM PROCESS

How to Report a Manufacturing Quality Concern

If you believe your custom sportswear order contains a manufacturing issue, please contact Friend Brothers Sports as soon as possible after receiving your shipment. Providing complete information allows our quality assurance team to review your claim efficiently and recommend the most appropriate solution.

Contact Our Team

Notify our customer support team by email or through our contact form as soon as you identify a potential manufacturing issue.

Provide Supporting Information

Include clear photographs or videos of the issue along with your order reference, product details, and a brief description to help us understand the concern.

Quality Review

Our quality assurance team compares the reported issue with the approved sample, production specifications, and manufacturing records to determine the appropriate next steps.

Resolution Discussion

We'll share our findings with you and discuss the most suitable resolution based on the verified manufacturing issue and the terms of your order.

Final Resolution

Where a verified manufacturing issue is confirmed, Friend Brothers Sports will work with you to reach a fair and practical resolution in accordance with the approved order specifications.

Information That Helps Us Review Your Claim

Order or quotation reference number
Clear photos or videos showing the concern
Description of the reported issue
Product style, quantity, and affected sizes
Any additional information that may help our review

Fair & Transparent Claim Evaluation

Every quality claim is reviewed individually based on the approved sample, written specifications, production records, and supporting evidence provided. Our goal is to assess each case fairly and communicate the outcome clearly while working toward a practical resolution whenever a verified manufacturing issue is identified.

Need Assistance With Your Order?

Our customer support and production teams are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the claim review process.

CLAIM REVIEW

How We Review Quality Claims and Determine a Resolution

After receiving the required information, our quality assurance and production teams review the reported concern against the approved sample, artwork, measurements, order specifications, manufacturing records, and supporting evidence provided by the customer.

Each claim is assessed individually. The final outcome depends on the nature of the issue, the affected quantity, the approved production requirements, and whether the concern is confirmed as a manufacturing error.

What We Consider During the Review

To ensure a fair and accurate assessment, our team may review the following information:

The approved physical sample or digital mockup
Confirmed artwork, colors, logos, and branding
Approved measurements and size specifications
Production records and quality inspection reports
Photos, videos, and affected product quantities
Normal manufacturing and measurement tolerances

Possible Resolutions

Where a manufacturing issue is verified, the appropriate resolution will be determined according to the circumstances of the claim. Depending on the issue, possible solutions may include:

Repair or correction where practical
Replacement of verified affected items
Remanufacturing of affected products
Credit toward a future order where agreed
Another mutually agreed commercial solution

The final resolution will be confirmed in writing after the claim review has been completed.

Resolution Depends on Claim Verification

Submitting a claim does not automatically guarantee a refund, replacement, remake, or credit. A resolution is considered only after the reported concern has been reviewed and confirmed against the approved order specifications and supporting evidence.

Claims Affecting Part of an Order

If an issue affects only certain garments, sizes, colors, or quantities, the claim will normally be limited to the verified affected items rather than the complete order. Customers should clearly identify the affected products and quantities when submitting supporting information.

Claim Review Timeline

Review times may vary depending on the complexity of the issue, the amount of evidence provided, and whether additional inspection or product return is required. We aim to communicate clearly throughout the process and will request further information if needed.

Have You Already Submitted a Claim?

Keep your order reference and supporting evidence available so our team can review your case efficiently.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Returns & Sample Policy FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about custom sportswear samples, approvals, manufacturing, returns, and quality claims. If you need additional assistance, our team is always available to help.

Do I need to approve a sample before bulk production?

Yes. We strongly recommend reviewing and approving a sample or final production specifications before bulk manufacturing begins. The approved sample serves as the production reference for your order.

Are sample charges refundable?

Sample charges are generally separate from bulk production costs unless otherwise stated in your quotation or confirmed in writing by Friend Brothers Sports.

Can I request changes after approving my sample?

Changes requested after written approval and the start of production may require revised pricing, updated production schedules, or a new sample, depending on the stage of manufacturing.

Can I return custom sportswear if I change my mind?

Because every garment is custom manufactured according to approved specifications, returns based solely on changes of mind or customer-approved customization are generally not accepted.

How do I report a manufacturing issue?

Contact our customer support team as soon as possible after receiving your order. Please provide your order reference, clear photos or videos, and a description of the issue so our quality assurance team can review your claim.

How long does a quality claim review take?

Review times vary depending on the complexity of the claim, the supporting information provided, and whether additional inspection is required. We will keep you informed throughout the review process.

Will I automatically receive a replacement or refund?

No. Each claim is evaluated individually. If a verified manufacturing issue is confirmed, Friend Brothers Sports will determine an appropriate resolution based on the approved order specifications and the circumstances of the claim.

Who pays the shipping costs for returned products?

If a return is authorized, shipping responsibilities will be communicated during the claim review process based on the specific circumstances of the approved claim.

Still Have Questions?

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, our team is happy to help. Contact Friend Brothers Sports for guidance on samples, production approvals, shipping, or quality claims before placing your order.

POLICY INFORMATION

Policy Updates & Contact Information

This Returns & Sample Policy is intended to provide clear guidance on our sample approval process, manufacturing standards, quality claims, and return procedures for custom sportswear orders. We encourage customers to review this policy before placing an order or requesting production.

Policy Updates

Friend Brothers Sports may update this policy periodically to reflect improvements to our manufacturing processes, customer service procedures, or business operations. The latest version published on our website will apply to future inquiries and orders unless otherwise agreed in writing.

We recommend reviewing this page whenever you place a new order or begin a new product development project.

Policy applies to custom-manufactured sportswear orders.
Additional terms may be included in quotations or purchase agreements.
Written confirmations take precedence where applicable.

Need More Information?

Our team is ready to help with sample development, production approvals, OEM manufacturing, shipping, and quality-related questions.

Last Updated: July 2026