Describe before disclosing
A first summary can identify industry, record types, time coverage and a plausible use case without revealing confidential content. Ask for the proposed recipient and purpose. Avoid sending an unrestricted export simply because someone requests a sample.
Make evaluation bounded
Agree access controls, the sample scope, evaluation-only permissions, retention period and success criteria. Track the dataset version delivered. An evaluation is not a commitment to buy, and the evaluation permission should not silently become a production training license.
Review findings and next steps
Ask which tasks the sample supported, which gaps prevented use and what additional evidence is needed. Separate fixable quality issues from lack of demand or unavailable rights. Decide whether a broader review is proportionate before investing in a full preparation pipeline.
Practical guidance, not legal advice or a buyer specification. Examples are illustrative. Reviewed October 20, 2026.