Here’s a detailed guide on preparing agarwood samples for buyers, ensuring presentation, quality assessment, and traceability:
1. Objectives
- Showcase resin quality, aroma, and wood characteristics.
- Facilitate buyer inspection and quality verification.
- Maintain cleanliness, traceability, and professional presentation.
- Protect the samples during transport and handling.
2. Sample Selection
- High-grade resin zones: Dark, dense heartwood with strong aroma.
- Representative sections: Include small logs, chips, or shavings that reflect overall quality.
- Avoid sapwood and non-resinous wood: Lowers perceived quality.
- Include different grades (optional): For buyers interested in mid- or low-grade resin.
3. Sample Size & Packaging
| Sample Type | Recommended Size / Weight | Packaging Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Small log pieces | 100–300 g | Wrap in clean, breathable paper; place in small box or pouch |
| Chips | 50–200 g | Use airtight or zip-lock bags; label grade and source |
| Shavings / Powder | 10–50 g | Use small vials or sealed containers; prevent moisture ingress |
Packaging Considerations:
- Clean, dry, and free from soil, dust, or debris.
- Avoid direct plastic contact for high-grade samples to prevent condensation.
- Include descriptive labels: tree ID, harvest date, resin grade, region.
4. Aroma Presentation
- Encourage buyers to smell the sample in a controlled environment.
- For powdered or chip samples: Provide a small, breathable container that allows controlled aroma release.
- Avoid over-handling; oils from hands can affect scent perception.
5. Documentation for Buyers
- Certificate of authenticity / provenance: Tree ID, plantation/farm source, harvest date.
- Resin grade and expected uses: Chips, oil extraction, or carving.
- Optional: Photos of full logs for context.
- Include storage and handling instructions to maintain sample quality.
6. Transport Considerations
- Protect samples from moisture, direct sunlight, and excessive heat.
- Use padding in boxes to avoid breakage during shipping.
- For international shipping, comply with CITES or local export regulations.
7. Best Practices
- Select representative resin-rich pieces to highlight quality.
- Clean, trim, and remove sapwood.
- Package securely with traceable labels.
- Include descriptive and supporting documentation.
- Monitor storage and shipping conditions to prevent damage or contamination.
Key Principle: Samples are a reflection of your product quality and professionalism. Proper selection, cleaning, packaging, and documentation increase buyer confidence and facilitate repeat orders.
I can also create a diagram showing a step-by-step workflow for preparing agarwood samples: selection → cleaning → trimming → packaging → labeling → transport. This would be ideal for a field manual or buyer-ready SOP.
Do you want me to create that diagram?