Why start with one wheel
A forged wheel sample order lets you inspect the design, finish and visible workmanship on a real wheel before you commit to a full set or a larger order. You can look closely at the spoke edges and surface texture, then record any details you want clarified before ordering more.
FcForged accepts orders for one wheel. Orders of one to three wheels carry an additional US$75 sample fee per wheel; a standard custom order is four wheels. The sample fee can be credited against a follow-up order. Ask for the sample fee to be listed separately from the wheel price in your quotation.
Keep your conclusions specific to the wheel you receive. One sample gives you a reference for its appearance and workmanship, but it does not establish consistency across a later batch. A sample in one size and offset also cannot confirm fitment for a different specification. For a staggered set, identify which front or rear configuration the sample represents and what still needs checking.
Confirm the sample specification before you pay
Approve the drawing and specification for the configuration you intend to order, so the sample answers the right questions. Keep the drawing version with the written order confirmation. If you later change the specification, identify the change before using the sample as a reference for the next order.
Lock the fitment numbers
Write down the wheel diameter, width, bolt pattern (PCD), center bore and offset. List front and rear specifications separately where they differ, and state which configuration you want sampled. Use the quote checklist to prepare your wheel specifications, then follow the design process to approve the wheel drawing.
For example, FcForged made a sample wheel for a customer in Vietnam with the following specification:
| Item | Sample specification |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 20×11 |
| Offset | ET40 |
| Bolt pattern (PCD) | 5×112 |
| Center bore | 66.6 mm |
| Finish | Brushed black |
| Design detail | Cut-out (windowed) lip details |
This example shows the level of detail to put in a sample confirmation. These specifications describe that wheel; they are not a vehicle fitment recommendation.
Choose the finish you actually plan to order
Order the sample in the finish you intend to use for the full set or larger order. Record the finish name alongside the drawing reference, and identify which areas should receive it. If you choose a different finish later, arrange to review that finish before approving it for the next order.
For chrome finishing, FcForged lists an additional 10 days. Sample lead times are quoted separately, so ask for a schedule that includes your selected finish.
Agree what the sample is meant to prove
State what you want to assess: appearance, finish, fitment, or a combination of these. Keep those questions with the order so you can compare the delivered sample against the same requirements.
Before paying, review these six items with FcForged:
- Drawing version: Identify the drawing you are approving.
- Specification: Record the dimensions and mounting specifications, the quantity, and the front or rear position where relevant.
- Finish: Name the finish and the areas where it applies.
- Purpose: List the questions the sample needs to answer and any configuration it will not represent.
- Timing: Record the quoted sample production time and the shipping estimate separately.
- Costs and payment: Confirm the wheel price, sample fee, how the fee will be credited against a follow-up order, freight charge and payment terms in writing.
Plan the timeline and landed cost
Use an order-specific sample quotation to plan production and delivery. FcForged quotes sample lead times separately. Production is counted after drawing approval and payment of the deposit, and shipping time is separate from production. Ask for the sample schedule to include the finish you selected.
Air freight is available for samples. The cost depends on the delivery address and is quoted per order. Provide the full delivery address when requesting freight pricing, and ask for the shipping estimate for that route. Keep the production estimate and the shipping estimate separate in your order notes.
FcForged ships to the United States on a DDP basis, with import duties and customs clearance included. For your sample budget, add the wheel price, the applicable sample fee and the quoted freight charge. Have FcForged confirm the total payable for delivery to your address and what the quotation includes. Record any sample-fee credit toward a follow-up order separately from the amount payable for the sample.
Review FcForged's shipping, payment and warranty terms alongside your sample quotation. Keep the agreed schedule and itemized costs with the approved drawing so you can refer to the same documents when the sample arrives.
Inspect the sample when it arrives
Inspect the packaging and wheel before mounting a tire, record what you find, and arrange a test fit against the approved specification. Keep the photos and notes with the order confirmation so any question refers to a specific part of the sample.
Packaging and visible condition
Photograph the outer carton before opening it. Record crushed corners, punctures or other visible damage, then keep the packaging while you check the wheel. Under good light, look closely at the rim edges, spokes, areas around the lug holes and the finish. For any mark you want reviewed, take a close-up and a wider photo that shows its location on the wheel.
FcForged is responsible for product quality issues with the sample. Send your observations and photos to your original sales contact for review. For transport-related damage, take photos promptly and send them to both the delivery driver and your original sales contact.
Match the wheel to your approved specification
Compare the wheel with the approved drawing and order confirmation. Check any markings or labels that are present against the recorded size, offset, bolt pattern and center bore. If a specification is not shown, ask FcForged how to verify it. Keep installation on hold if you find a mismatch or cannot confirm a required detail.
Test-fit before tires go on
Have a qualified wheel installer check the sample on the intended vehicle before mounting a tire. Ask the installer to check hub seating, brake clearance and steering clearance through the steering range, following the applicable vehicle and wheel installation instructions. Tightening torque should follow the vehicle manufacturer's specification.
If the wheel does not seat correctly or there is contact, stop the installation and record the location. Send the drawing reference and the installer's observations to FcForged before proceeding. Keep the result tied to the sample's exact specification and vehicle configuration.
Use the following arrival record in your order notes. Add your findings and photo filenames under each check so FcForged can review the same information.
Order reference: ____ | Drawing version: ____ | Date received: ____ | Checked by: ____
| Check | What to record | If something needs attention |
|---|---|---|
| Outer packaging | Photos before opening; location of any crush, puncture or tear. | Keep the packaging. For transport-related damage, promptly send photos to the delivery driver and your original sales contact. |
| Finish and visible surfaces | Location and appearance of any mark under good light; close-up and wider photo references. | Send the photos and observations to your original sales contact. Leave any unresolved concern in the record. |
| Specification match | Size, offset, bolt pattern and center bore against the approved drawing; any markings or labels present. | Pause installation if details differ or remain unconfirmed. Send the drawing reference and your findings to FcForged. |
| Test fit before tire mounting | Installer's findings on hub seating, brake clearance and steering clearance; any point of contact. | Stop if seating or clearance is incorrect. Record the location and share the installer's observations before proceeding. |
| Decision | Approve or hold; outstanding questions and the drawing version to which the decision applies. | Keep unresolved items on hold and request written answers before approving the sample. |
Move from sample to a full set or program order
Reference the approved drawing and sample in every follow-up order, and ask FcForged how later wheels will be kept consistent with that reference. Include the drawing version and sample order reference, then list any approved changes. If the next order uses a different size, offset or finish, have that configuration confirmed before production.
Ask FcForged which inspection records are available for your order and which configuration they cover. See how to read inspection records before reviewing the documents for your order. Keep the records with the drawing and your sample approval so you can refer to the same configuration throughout the order.
For a distributor or wheel brand, discuss your planned quantities and specifications through FcForged's OEM and ODM wheel programs. Identify the design and finish you want to carry forward from the sample, along with any additional sizes or configurations that need confirmation.
FcForged provides a limited lifetime structural warranty for the original purchaser and a one-year warranty on the finish. Review the terms linked in the timeline and cost section before placing the next order.
Send FcForged your vehicle details, preferred wheel design, finish and delivery address. For a follow-up order, include the approved drawing version and sample reference.
