Independent guide
A practical brief for a custom-made product order
A reusable checklist for obtaining clearer quotations and approving the intended product.
Updated 2026-09-10
Freeze the core specification
Name the product and record the quantity by variant, exact dimensions, material, finish and colours. Attach reference photographs only to explain an idea; state which details are requirements. Give the brief a version and update it when a decision changes so suppliers do not quote different jobs.
Prepare artwork and personalisation data
Supply the best original file available and list any required fonts or colours. Confirm that you have permission for every logo, photograph and design element. Put names, dates or numbers in a structured list, preserve intentional capitalisation and ask how the supplier wants data delivered securely.
Agree the approval point
Ask whether approval is based on a digital proof, physical sample or both. Check the proof against the source list rather than from memory. Record who approved it and when. Ask the supplier to identify production effects that a screen cannot show, such as texture, scale or material colour.
Confirm total price, timing and remedies
Request setup, samples, production, personalisation, packaging, delivery and tax to be shown clearly. Establish when lead time begins and what happens if stock or artwork fails a check. Read the seller’s identity, cancellation, return and complaint information before committing.