Reference Sample

A Reference Sample is a sample provided by the seller or buyer in foreign trade to show the general quality or appearance of a product. It is not a strict basis for the final delivery quality and is for the other party's reference only. It is commonly used in industries that are difficult to fully standardize, such as agricultural products, minerals, and chemicals, or in the initial inquiry and quotation stages. Usage scenarios include: the seller sends a reference sample for the buyer to understand the general condition of the product; the buyer provides a reference sample for the seller to quote or make a sample. Precautions: A reference sample should be clearly marked as 'for reference only' to avoid confusion with a 'Confirmation Sample' or a 'Counter Sample'. A confirmation sample is a sample approved by both parties and serves as the basis for delivery quality, with legal binding force; while a reference sample usually does not constitute a contractual quality clause, and if the seller's delivery reasonably differs from the reference sample, the buyer generally cannot claim compensation on that basis. Difference: A reference sample emphasizes 'reference nature', a confirmation sample emphasizes 'standard nature', and a counter sample is a sample that the seller copies according to the buyer's original sample and submits to the buyer for confirmation. In practice, it is recommended to clarify the nature of the reference sample in the contract or correspondence to prevent disputes.