A small sample can answer a big question: will you actually enjoy writing with this ink? Here is when to sample and when to buy a bottle.

A bottle of ink can be a lovely addition to your desk. But when you are choosing an unfamiliar colour, a small sample is often a more useful first purchase. It gives you a chance to find out whether the ink suits the writing you actually do.

At The Ink Shoppe, the fountain pen ink samples collection includes 3 mL options across many brands. Here is how to decide when to try a sample, when a full bottle makes sense, and how to avoid turning a small experiment into an unnecessarily large order.

Buy a sample when you are still choosing

Samples make sense when you are comparing similar colours, exploring a new brand, or buying your first bottled ink. You can test an ink with your own pen and paper before deciding whether you want more of it.

They are also useful when a colour catches your eye online but you are unsure whether you would use it regularly. A colour you enjoy in a large swatch may not be the one you reach for when writing several pages of notes.

Buy a bottle when you know you will use the ink

A full bottle becomes more appealing after you have found a colour you enjoy and expect to use repeatedly. It can also make sense when replacing an ink you already know.

Compare the current bottle price and volume against the sample price. A bottle may cost less per millilitre, but that advantage only helps if you use enough of it. Buying a larger amount of an unwanted colour does not improve the purchase.

What do samples cost?

These examples are in Philippine pesos (PHP), listed at The Ink Shoppe on 18 October 2026. Prices vary by selected colour and may change. If shopping from overseas, confirm delivery availability and the total cost before ordering.

Sample	Volume	Price range (PHP)
Diamine	3 mL	₱50–₱100
Pilot Iroshizuku	3 mL	₱90–₱160
On Inks	3 mL	₱65–₱80

For a small experiment, one Diamine sample, one Pilot Iroshizuku sample, and one On Inks sample would total ₱205–₱340 before shipping, depending on the available colours you choose. This is an illustrative shopping combination, not a prepacked set.

Build a shortlist with a purpose

Instead of choosing several nearly identical shades at random, give each sample a role. You might try one colour for everyday notes, one for headings, and one simply because you enjoy it. Or compare two competing blues if choosing an everyday blue is your main goal.

A shorter list makes it easier to remember what you liked. It also leaves room in the budget for paper or a filling accessory if you need one.

Use the same comparison routine

For each sample, write its name, the pen and nib, the paper, and the date on a test page. Add a normal sentence as well as a swatch. The sentence shows how the colour looks at your actual handwriting size.

Try it in a normal writing session before deciding. Note whether the colour is easy to read, whether you enjoy the appearance, and whether it suits the task you had in mind. Avoid changing the pen, paper, and ink all at once if you want a clearer comparison.

If you need help understanding ink terminology first, read Fountain Pen Ink 101.

Check your filling system before ordering

An ink sample is liquid ink in a vial, not a cartridge. Confirm that your pen has an appropriate way to use bottled ink and follow the pen maker’s filling instructions. Do not assume a converter from another pen will fit.

There is no universal number of refills in a 3 mL sample: reservoir capacity and the filling method affect how much you use. Choose samples for testing rather than a promised page count.

Start small, then repeat what you enjoy

Choose a sample when you still have a question about the colour. Choose a bottle when regular use has answered that question. Explore the ink samples collection, or browse fountain pen inks when you are ready for your next bottle.

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Beginner Guides Fountain Pen Ink Ink Samples

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