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:
- Placement of the order
- 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.
