If you order samples from our planter box factory, the short answer is this: standard stock samples are usually free, but you normally pay the shipping fee. In other words, “free sample” does not always mean “free delivery.” For custom planter boxes—special sizes, finishes, colors, logos, drainage trays, or liners—we may charge a sample fee to cover materials, tooling setup, and hand labor. That fee is often refundable or credited toward your first bulk order when you meet our MOQ. Shipping is quoted separately and paid by the buyer, whether the sample is standard or custom.
Why do we ask buyers to pay shipping? Sample shipment is an international express service, not a bulk freight shipment. The courier cost depends on actual weight, volumetric weight, carton size, destination country, remote-area surcharge, and customs clearance. A single planter box sample can be light but bulky, so dimensional weight may apply. Paying shipping separately keeps the sample product cost transparent and lets you choose the courier speed and account you prefer.
For standard samples: product cost = free, or sometimes a refundable deposit; shipping = paid by buyer. For custom samples: sample fee may apply; shipping = paid by buyer; sample fee may be credited against a bulk order. If you have your own DHL, FedEx, UPS, or Aramex account, we can ship collect. If not, we can quote the best express rate and send you a payment link for freight only.
To keep sample shipping costs under control, order several samples together, choose standard sizes and colors when possible, avoid extremely oversized cartons, and confirm your full address including postal code and remote-area status. If you need samples for a tender, hotel project, garden center, or online store, tell us the target quantity and deadline. We can recommend the most economical sampling route and whether a custom sample is necessary before mass production.
Before shipping, we will confirm the sample list, material, color, size, finish, packing method, freight cost, and delivery time. The final answer to your question is simple: standard planter box samples are generally free, custom samples may have a fee, and the buyer pays shipping in most cases. However, policies can vary by product and order value, so please contact our sales team for a written sample quotation. We will clearly mark sample cost, shipping cost, and any credit you can receive on your bulk order so there are no surprises.
