Smudge — Sample Ordering Checklist

Use this when vetting suppliers and assessing physical samples. Aligned with the Brand constitution.

Before you order

• Supplier is new to Smudge (or this is a new product line from an existing supplier)
• Product tier assigned: A Trust / B Character / C Supporting (see below)
• Wholesale sample terms confirmed (paid sample, refundable credit, or MOQ waiver)
• Safety certs / material specs requested before sample ships (especially Tier A)
• Competitor reference and target retail noted in HQ

Sample tiers

Per new supplier: sample 1–3 products across different material types, even if you only launch one SKU.

On arrival — every sample

First impression (5 minutes)

• Matches photography / spec sheet (colour, scale, proportion)
• Feels heavier or lighter than expected — note which
• No chemical smell out of box (or acceptable level documented)
• Packaging: gift-worthy vs landfill
• Would an art director notice this in a room?

Material & build (10 minutes)

• Material honesty — does finish match claims (solid wood vs veneer, etc.)?
• Edges, stitching, joins: clean, secure, no sharp points (age-appropriate)
• Weight and stability (tip test for towers, climbers, furniture)
• Washability / care matches how families will actually use it
• Fit for Aotearoa — sun fade risk, humidity, daily family wear

Adult coexistence test

• Would you live with this in the main house (not quarantined to playroom)?
• Does it strengthen the Smudge world or scream “children’s item”?
• Contains pause or noise? (Constitution test)

Documentation

• Safety certs match this unit (batch, model number)
• Material composition documented for listing copy
• Supplier lead time, MOQ, and damage policy noted in HQ
• Sample verdict recorded: Pass / Revise / Reject

Tier A — Trust (mouthing-age & close contact)

Extra checks — mandatory

• Composition and finish assessed for mouthing and close contact
• Low / no-tox where feasible — you can explain why in plain language
• No vague “natural” or “non-toxic” marketing without substance
• You would confidently give this to your own child at the relevant age
• Reject if cert is missing, vague, or doesn’t match the sample in hand

Categories: teethers, rattles, infant play objects, first tableware, bottles, cups, swaddles against skin, bath toys, chewlery.

Tier B — Character (hero & launch edit)

• Photograph in natural light for storefront / room edit mockups
• Test with child or observe play/use if possible (movement, imagination, utility)
• Modular / multi-use potential documented
• Differentiation from Nugget / IKEA / Kmart equivalent articulated
• Margin works at target retail (cost + freight + GST sanity check)

Tier C — Supporting

• Compare to anchor sample from same supplier line (if skipping full sample)
• Spot-check first production unit on initial PO if no pre-sample

Supplier red flags (stop or pause)

• Won’t send samples but expects large first order
• Sample quality differs wildly from spec / production promise
• Vague on materials until you commit
• “Everyone stocks this” energy
• Pushback on safety documentation for Tier A
• Dropship / Alibaba aesthetic inconsistent with Smudge constitution

HQ actions after sample review

• Update product traffic light (green / yellow / red)
• Toggle filter passed if constitution criteria met
• Mark sample ordered / sample received date in notes
• Link supplier_id when vetted
• Add verdict notes for future you (weight, colour, smell, fail reason)

Final test (constitution)

• Would this object make someone pause?
• Would I trust this in my home — and in a child’s mouth, if that’s where it belongs?

Verdict: ☐ Launch ☐ Revise with supplier ☐ Reject

*Sample date: ___________ Product: ___________ Supplier: ___________ Reviewed by: ___________