Before your
first sample.

FIELD NOTES

Write a useful first brief.

A clear one-page brief gives sampling a direction.

Start with the buyer and market.

Name the destination country or region, sales channel and intended customer. Then identify one first-launch priority rather than an entire future range.

Describe the product in observable terms.

Include the format, reference product, texture, color or fragrance preference, pack direction and intended quantity if known. Mark unknowns openly so they can be reviewed.

FIELD NOTES

Compare samples consistently.

Turn impressions into feedback a development team can use.

Keep the comparison conditions stable.

Use the same reference, lighting and application method. Identify each sample clearly and avoid changing several evaluation conditions at once.

Write what should change, and what should stay.

Record appearance, spread, after-feel and dispensing separately. “Less tacky after application” is more actionable than “make it better”. Do not treat a sensory review as proof of efficacy.

FIELD NOTES

Review formula and pack together.

The container is part of the product experience.

Bring the pack into the brief early.

Share the preferred bottle or jar, target fill volume, dispensing method and artwork direction. Identify whether packaging is supplied by you or needs to be sourced.

Confirm before committing to production.

Review the complete formula–pack combination and the final sample. Artwork, labeling, destination-market requirements and permissions need their own confirmation; a concept image cannot replace that review.