Thank you for choosing The CTC Group.

In order to better serve you, please complete a Service Request Form for each sample submission.

Download Service Request Form

The number of samples required for testing is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• the type of testing to be conducted
• the number of components in the item
• the number of different paint colors and amount of paint on the item
• whether internal components become accessible during use & abuse testing

The following information is a general guideline and is not intended to cover all types of products or testing combinations. Under certain circumstances, particularly when surface coatings are to be tested, additional samples may be required. When in doubt, more samples are better. For additional guidance, please contact Client Services at 716-635-1180 ext. 300.

To avoid delays in testing, please submit the following suggested quantity of samples:

Shipping Address:

Please include the completed Service Request Form in the carton of samples being shipped.

Sample Receiving Hours:

Samples may be received at our laboratory from 8:30am - 5:00pm ET, Monday through Friday, except during business holidays. Samples received after 3pm will be treated as being received the next business day.

Service Turnaround Times:

A variety of turnaround times are available to meet your needs.  If you have a special need outside of the service levels detailed below, please contact Client Services at 716-635-1180 and we will do our best to meet your specific needs.

Next Day Express Service

• All required samples and completed Service Request Form received by 10:30 am ET

• Results emailed or faxed by 5pm ET, the next business day
• Written report emailed or faxed by 5pm, two business days after sample receipt
• 100% surcharge applies

3 Day Express Service

• All required samples and completed Service Request Form received by 3pm ET
• Results emailed or faxed by 5pm ET, three business days after sample receipt
• Written report emailed or faxed by 5pm, four business days after sample receipt
• 40% surcharge applies

7 Day Regular Service

• All required samples and completed Service Request Form received by 3pm ET
• Written report emailed or faxed by 5pm, seven business days after sample receipt

Report Distribution:

Technical reports will be emailed in pdf format to the recipient(s) identified on the Service Request Form. Hard copies will be mailed by United States Postal Service (USPS) upon request.

Large Volume Submissions:

Special pricing for large sample submissions and annual testing programs is available. Please contact Lisa Maxwell, Business Development Manager at 716-635-1180 ext 303, to further discuss your needs.

Cost Estimates:

Upon request, we will be happy to prepare a Cost Estimate for your approval prior to testing.
Please complete the Service Request Form and provide at least one sample to be used for our reference when determining appropriate tests and the number of tests to be conducted.  If several styles will be combined in an assortment, please provide a sample of each style, if possible. To expedite testing once we receive your approval, we encourage you to submit the estimated quantity of samples needed for testing as outlined above under "Sample Submission."

Download Service Request Form

Insufficient Samples or Information for Testing:

In the event additional samples or information are required for testing, you will be sent an On-Hold Alert via email, advising you of the required number of samples/information needed to initiate testing. Testing will begin when the additional samples/information are received and the report turnaround time will be calculated based on the date the additional samples/information are received at our laboratory.

To expedite the processing of additional samples submitted for testing, please include a copy of the On-Hold Alert you received, in the carton of samples being shipped.

Sample Storage:

Samples will be stored for at least 30 days after testing.

Sample Return:

On request, tested samples will be returned at your expense.