Garment Sampling

Garment Sampling

Garment sampling is a very important task in an apparel manufacturing concern as the satisfaction of the customer with respect to the product being manufactured is gauged by the sampling comments and acceptability level. This is in turn important because if the buyer is not satisfied by the samples, this puts the following at risk:

1. Placement of the order
2. Acceptance of the some or the entire quantity of garments produced.

There may be a separate sampling department in a company. But as the merchandiser is the person who is interacting with the buyers regarding samples and other requirements, this sampling department will work under the supervision of merchandising department. Also as the samples are to be made according to the buyers’ price ranges and quality levels, merchandiser has to advise sampling department suitably.

Purpose of Sampling:

Ø  To allow the buyer to judge the production capabilities of the manufacturer

Ø  To provide a means for making revisions in the bulk production process

Ø  To let the manufacturer estimate the thread and fabric consumption, and develop cost quotations

Information provided with the sample:

·         Ref no.

·         Color

·         Fabric

·         Composition

·         Description

·         Quantity

·         Style no/ Size

Sampling Process:

The process of sample department varies from one context to another, and the development process covers a wide range of diverse products from new fibers, fiber blends, new yarns, fabric structures, finishes and surface effects and all types of made up products such as knitwear, hosiery, cut and sewn garments, household products, technical and medical products. There are different phases of sampling;

• the first phase covers the development of the initial concept or design idea through its approval by the customer and full review/risk analysis by the development and production teams.
• The second phase covers the process following acceptance of the first prototype sample and includes the functions of sourcing and ordering component, testing the product and carrying out trails once the finalized sample specifications has been drawn up, the third and final phase commences.
• The phase includes range of activities that are carried out before large scale or bulk production capacity outside the home producer/developers wherever this is applicable.

Types of Samples:

The different types of samples sent to the buyer, in the order of dispatch process, are:

·         Salesmen samples or promotional samples

·         Proto samples or fit samples

·         Pre-production samples

·         Size set samples

·         Sealer samples 

Salesmen samples or promotional samples

Some buyer needs these samples for getting the orders from their customers. If the buyer is having 7 salesmen in his office, then the buyer will ask us to make 7 samples in each style. The salesmen will book the orders from their customers, by showing these samples. Buyer will place the order to us accumulating the quantities.

If we have sent samples for 5 styles, some times, we may get orders for all 5 styles, 3 styles or 1 style. Some times, we may not get order for even a single style. Expected sales may not be possible, due to poor quality, unsuitable colors, improper measurements, unmatched prints or embroidery, etc of salesmen samples. Or it may be due to local business recession or competition or unsuitable prices. Any way, we have to make these salesmen samples perfectly with sincere interest to get orders. 

Proto samples or fit samples

These samples are to be made after getting the order sheets. These samples are needed to check the measurements, style and fit. So they can be made in available similar fabrics but in the actual measurements and specifications.

Some buyers may need these samples if they want to print the photos of garments on photo inlays, packing box, hang tag, etc. These samples may be needed for local advertisement or buyer’s promotional occasions.  

Pre-production samples

These samples are basically approval samples for bulk production. They have to be made in actual production fabric with actual bulk trims. They will represent that the production will be like these samples.  

Size set samples

These samples are meant to allow the buyer to check the dimensions for all the sizes offered. Hence these samples are needed to be perfect in all manners. Buyer may check these samples for everything or anything. Some times, they may do wash test also. We should not get any remark or comment. We have to get only ‘OK’ from the buyer. Then only we can ship the goods and we can be sure of getting payment. So these samples are to be sent with more care.  

Sealer  samples

These samples are the last samples sent to the buyer. They should be sent in actual packing with all labels, tags, etc. Generally, the buyer should be satisfied by the production capability of the manufacturer till this phase, as various other samples have been approved by now. However, the sealer samples provide a means to guarantee that the customer’s requirements have been taken into account, and if there is still any discrepancy, it can be addressed through the sealer samples.