Key takeaways
- “Same as last time” is not a specification. Each reorder needs its own accepted drawing, material list, artwork revision and packing record.
- Choose one controlling reference — usually the sample approved for production, not the first prototype or a sales photo — and check its ID, date and condition.
- Treat any material or process substitution as a proposed change with its own sample check and written approval.
- Reconfirm price, materials and schedule with a current quotation, and agree the shipment inspection separately from sample approval.
Is “same as last time” enough for a reorder?
A reorder begins with a previous order reference, but the new production batch still needs an accepted specification. Gather the earlier drawing, approved artwork, material references, sample identity and packing record. State whether the goal is to reproduce that version or to make an intentional revision. A photograph and the phrase “same as last time” rarely identify every material, seam, colour and packaging decision needed for a repeatable result.
Choose the reference carefully if several versions existed during development. The first prototype, a sales photograph and the sample accepted for production may show different details. Identify which record controls the reorder and which files are only historical context. Ask both the buyer and supplier to confirm that they are working from the same version before discussing new quantities or delivery dates.
Check the condition and identity of retained references
Record the retained sample’s ID, date and relationship to the earlier order. Review its current condition and note any damage, stains, handling marks or uncertain history before using it for comparison. Keep the agreed viewing and measurement conditions beside the reference. A used bag can still explain a feature, while a clean retained material swatch or documented approval may be needed to settle a surface or colour question.
Make a new condition photograph without treating the photograph as the sole acceptance standard. Agree which features need a physical comparison and which can be checked against a drawing or recorded measurement. Where the old reference is missing or disputed, make that gap explicit and arrange a new approval step instead of assuming that a sales image settles the specification.
Reconcile the material and artwork list
List the body, handles, lining, thread, closures, hardware, labels and packaging that belong to the accepted version. Add the references used to identify each component, plus the current artwork file and revision. Specify the actual result to compare: a print’s position and dimensions, a jacquard motif’s placement, a pouch channel’s position or a handle attachment. Keep those points linked to the relevant drawing and sample view.
| Record | Bring forward | Confirm for the new batch |
|---|---|---|
| Product version | Order, style and drawing revision | Repeat unchanged or list intentional changes |
| Materials and trims | Identified body, handle and other component references | Availability, proposed substitutions and required trials |
| Colour and decoration | Approved physical references and artwork revision | Agreed comparison conditions and new sample evidence |
| Fit and function | Measurements, intended contents and checks | Whether the new supplied items or use have changed |
| Packing and labels | Approved packing method, label files and carton plan | Current text, SKU data and unpacked appearance |
What if a material has changed since the last order?
Ask the supplier to identify any component or process that differs from the retained record. A proposed alternative should describe what changes, why it is proposed and which sample or check will be used to assess it. Compare the affected features together: a new handle can change its colour relationship with the body; a different lining can change fit and feel; a revised decoration route can change the reverse.
Decide whether the alternative can remain within the same accepted version or requires a new revision. Record the approval and any effects on quotation, timing, care wording or product description. Avoid approving a substitute informally in one conversation while leaving the order documents unchanged. A clear change record makes it easier to determine which result the new batch is expected to reproduce.
Approve the new batch at the agreed stage
Agree which new evidence is needed before production release and which checks belong to the finished lot. QIMA describes pre-production sample review and production sample picking as different parts of checking products against specifications. That distinction is useful when planning a reorder: a new material or decoration trial may resolve one changed feature, while a complete pre-production sample addresses the assembled version. Neither automatically replaces the agreed lot inspection.
Compare the new sample with the agreed reference under the recorded conditions and capture the relevant differences. Ask for a clear decision: accepted, accepted only for a defined feature, or revision required. Keep unresolved issues attached to the approval so a partial decision does not become an accidental release of the complete order. Confirm inspection scope and acceptance criteria separately for the actual shipment.
Reconfirm quantity, timing and the final record
Do not assume a previous unit price, material reservation or delivery schedule remains available. Ask for a current quotation tied to the reorder version and the actual style/colour breakdown. LinHord’s bulk minimum remains 100 pcs per style per colour, without combining colours. For knit bags, keep yarn colours within a pattern separate from the finished colourways when stating the quantities.
Close the reorder with one current document set: the accepted drawing and material list, artwork revision, sample decision, change log, quantities, packing requirements and agreed delivery scope. Share that set with the people who buy, approve and inspect the bags. The useful promise of a reorder record is a clear target and review process, with actual conformity assessed through the agreed evidence.
- Previous order reference and the version you want reproduced.
- Retained sample identity, condition photographs and approved material/artwork files.
- Intentional changes, proposed substitutes and new approval requirements.
- Each style/colour quantity, current packing data and required delivery destination.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a reorder match the first order?
Gather the earlier drawing, approved artwork, material references, retained-sample identity and packing record, then confirm that buyer and supplier are working from the same version before discussing quantities or dates.
Can I reorder custom bags from a photo?
A photograph rarely identifies every material, seam, colour and packaging decision. Use it to explain features, but settle surface or colour questions against a retained material swatch or documented approval.
What if the original material is no longer available?
Ask the supplier to describe what changes, why, and which sample or check will assess it. Compare the affected features together, and decide whether the substitute stays within the accepted version or needs a new revision.
Does the previous unit price still apply?
Do not assume it does. Request a current quotation for the reorder version and the actual style/colour breakdown. The bulk minimum remains 100 pcs per style per colour, and typical bulk production of 25–35 days is confirmed in each quotation.
When is a reorder inspected?
A material trial or pre-production sample settles changed features before release; the finished lot needs its own inspection. SGS, for example, runs final random inspections when 100% of goods are produced and at least 80% are packed, using ISO 2859-1 (AQL) sampling.
Send the earlier order reference and reorder record through the RFQ form. Mark uncertain or missing references so LinHord can review them with you. Request a current quotation and agree any new samples before authorising the next production batch.
Related products
Related guides
- Custom bag MOQ: colours and reorders
- Custom bag sample approval checklist
- Color matching for custom bags