Custom Mahjong set sample approval checklist: 30 checks before mass production.

The three records that control sample approval

A sample is useful only when it is connected to the specification that created it and the QC plan that will be used for production.

Do not allow one record to contradict another. If the approved sample differs from the written specification, update the specification or document the exception before production release.

30-point custom Mahjong sample approval checklist

The exact checks depend on the project, but the following list creates a practical buyer-side baseline.

A. Project identity and approval control

B. Tile count, configuration, and geometry

A total count alone is not sufficient. Use the 160 vs. 166-tile specification guide to create the category-level manifest.

C. Material, layers, bonding, and hand feel

Transparent, pearlescent, jelly-color, and light tile bodies should be reviewed under more than one reasonable lighting condition because dust, bonding lines, and color direction can appear differently.

D. Artwork, printing, engraving, and color

A digital proof approves layout; it does not by itself approve the final physical color, gloss, engraving depth, or surface feel. Review the UV printing vs. laser engraving guide when defining artwork criteria.

E. Accessories and Mahjong mat

The sample should represent the complete retail bundle whenever an accessory changes the package size, customer experience, or freight profile.

F. Retail packaging, inserts, labels, and protection

A visually strong box is not approved until the complete product fits, can be packed repeatedly, and protects the decorated surfaces. Barcode numbers, regulatory marks, warnings, and market-specific claims should be supplied or approved by the responsible buyer.

G. Production QC, cartons, and release basis

Sample approval does not replace product classification, laboratory testing, labeling review, or other compliance work that may apply to the final product and destination. Match any document request to the actual materials, intended user, responsible entity, and sales market through the compliance and documentation pathway.

Decide what kind of sample the project needs

Not every sample answers the same question.

Single-tile or process sample

Useful for checking one material, color, print process, engraving direction, layer construction, or logo. It does not prove the complete tile manifest, duplicate consistency, full-set appearance, accessory fit, or retail pack-out.

Partial-set artwork sample

Useful for checking representative suits, Flowers, Jokers, backs, and process combinations. It should list which files and tile categories are represented and which remain digital only.

Full-set sample

Useful for verifying the complete manifest, duplicate tiles, stacking, total appearance, accessories, and set count. It may still use temporary packaging unless the packaging sample is included and documented.

Full retail pack-out sample

Useful when the set, mat, accessories, inserts, labels, trays, case, unit package, and protection must be approved as one sellable product. This is the strongest basis for packaging and freight planning, but any difference from the intended production method must still be written down.

Use clear approval statuses

Avoid the vague word “approved” when corrections remain open. Use one of these statuses:

• Rejected: The sample is not an acceptable basis for production. A corrected sample or agreed evidence is required.
• Approved with listed corrections: The direction is accepted, but production release is conditional on a written correction list and a defined verification method.
• Approved for production: The specification, sample status, final files, exceptions, and QC scope are complete enough to release the order.

“Approved with corrections” should identify who verifies the corrections and whether the buyer needs a new physical sample, a corrected component, a digital proof, photographs, measurements, or another form of evidence.

Common sample-approval mistakes

Approving one attractive tile instead of the complete system

A well-finished Joker does not confirm that all suit tiles, duplicate counts, backs, racks, mat, inserts, and packaging are correct.

Using only total tile count

A 160- or 166-tile total can still contain the wrong mix. Approve the category manifest and copy count.

Treating a screen color as the physical standard

Screens, tile-body color, transparency, gloss, ink, lighting, and surrounding colors change perception. Record the physical or documented production reference.

Ignoring sample limitations

A handmade sample, temporary package, or representative process test may differ from bulk production. List every known difference and decide how the production result will be verified.

Approving through scattered messages

Move the final decisions into one approval record with file revisions, photographs, measurements, exceptions, status, and approver.

Starting production with open commercial details

Quantity, pack-out, labels, carton marks, destination, freight basis, and deadline can affect production and packing. Close them before release whenever possible.

Copy this sample approval form

Project / buyer:
Product / SKU:
Supplier reference:
Sample received date:
Review date:
Sample type: single tile / partial set / full set / full pack-out / other
Sample limitations:
Specification revision:
Tile manifest revision:
Front artwork revision:
Back artwork revision:
Packaging artwork revision:
Material and layer construction:
Approved color reference:
Printing / engraving process:
Accessories included:
Packaging included:
Measurements recorded:
Photographs / video reference:
QC scope revision:
Accepted exceptions:
Required corrections:
Correction evidence required:
Approval status: rejected / approved with corrections / approved for production
Production release authorized by:
Approval date:
Notes:

Keep this record with the quotation, purchase order, approved files, sample photographs, and final QC evidence so repeat orders can be compared against the same basis.