Mat & Color Samples
Sample-size mats and color swatches are available to M+A sales representatives and distributors. The different types of samples are detailed below. To order samples, please contact your M+A sales representative or the M+A customer service department by phone or email. When ordering, please make sure you specify the type of sample you would like. The different types of samples are detailed below.
Mini Mat
A Mini mat is a 6" x 8" piece of a mat with one finished edge. Mini mats allow you to see the quality, texture, thickness, or plushness of a mat. Mini mat samples are available for the majority of M+A mats. Please see the Sample List for availability. Mini mats are stocked and typically ship within 2 business days.
Please note that mini mats are typically only available in one color and that color varies. Why? Because as part of our environmental commitment to reduce waste, we utilize over-runs, returned mats (when usable), and mats that might otherwise go to waste were they not used for sample material. If you need to see a mat in a specific color, consider requesting a color swatch in the desired color instead of or in addition to the mini mat.
Logo Mini Mat
A Logo mini mat is a miniature logo mat with four finished sides. These vary in size based on the type of mat, but they are generally between 8" x 11" and 10" x 12". Logo mini mats allow you to see the texture, thickness/plushness, and the print quality (or inlay quality) of a logo mat.
Because they are small and easy to transport, Logo mini mats are often preferred by sales staff to full size mats. Please note logo mini mats are not available for all logo mats, and none are available with customized logos. Please see the Sample List for availability. Available logo mini mats are stocked and typically ship within 2 business days
Color Blanket Mini Mat
A color blanket mini mat is a miniature mat with four finished sides that features the available color palette for a particular logo mat. These mini mats range in size from approximately 8" x 11" to 12" x 17". Color blanket mini mats allow you to see the actual colors available for a particular mat.
Color blanket mini mats are not available for all printed mats. Please see the Sample List for availability. Color blanket mini mats are stocked and typically ship within 2 business days.
Mini Mat Chain Set
A mini mat chain set is 6” x 8” mini mats attached via chain to a styrene card that contains information on the mat(s). Like the mini mat alone, the chain set allows recipients to see the quality, texture, thickness, or plushness of a mat. The grouping of several mats together and the inclusion of a styrene card which contains information on the mats makes the chain set more of a sales tool. Chain sets are designed to be sales tools for distributors, not standard samples for end users.
Mini mat chain sets are stocked and typically ship within 2 business days. Please see the Sample List for availability.
Color Swatch
A color swatch is a singular 4" circular swatch or a 3" square swatch (shape varies by product) of a mat in a particular color. These swatches do not have finished edges. Color swatch samples allow customers to see a particular carpet/fiber color.
Color swatches are stocked and typically ship within 2 business days.
Color Chain Set
A color chain set includes a 4" circular swatch or a 3" square swatch (shape varies by product) for all available colors for a standard mat. An attached card lists the color names in the order they appear on the chain. Color chain sets allow customers to see all of the available carpet/fiber colors for a particular, standard mat. Color chain sets are not available for logo mats. Color blankets are available for logo colors.
Color chain sets are stocked, however, assembly can sometimes cause a slight delay. They typically ship within 3 business days.
Color FAQ: One of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding color samples is this: If I want to see two or three colors of a particular mat that is available in 12 colors, should I request the color chain set or invidual color swatches? Our general rule of thumb is if you want to see less than half of the available colors, please request those as color swatches. This helps us prevent waste and reduce the weight of the package which can help reduce shipping costs.
This inevitably leads to the next questions which is: If a customer requests ColorStar in Cabot Grey and Slate, how will they know which swatch is which color if they aren’t on a chain with a card? If similarly colored swatches are requested, the underside will be marked with a silver/white Sharpie to identify which is which. Please note that single swatches or swatches that are easily distinguishable will not be marked.
Custom Mat Samples
Custom mat samples and chain sets are availalbe upon request, but please be advised that custom chain sets typically require several weeks of lead time. Please contact your M+A sales representative directly to discuss Custom Mat Samples.
- Custom Chain Sets - Custom chain sets require a great deal of planning and assembly. As such, 4-8 weeks lead time is typically required. Fees for custom samples vary based on the items selected and the assembly required.
- Panel Mats - Panels can be customized with 3 to 4 mats, including logo mats which can be customized with a specific logo or design. Like custom chain sets, panel mats require several weeks lead time and incur a fee which varies based on the request.
Demo Mats
Demo mats are full size mats (standard mats, logo mats, and color blankets) available for select sampling and demonstration purposes. To request a demo mat, please contact your M+A sales representative directly. Please note that demo mats are not stocked. They are produced when ordered and typically ship within 4-5 business days. Fees vary based on the product selected.
- Standard Mats
- Logo Mats - Many sample designs are setup as 2' x 3' mats; however, custom logo demo mats in any size can be ordered. Keep in mind that custom logo products require artwork to be created just like with a regular order.
- Color Blanket Mats