Garment Sampling | How to develop a garment sample for order confirmation from the buyer

Introduction: Sample garment making is the first step of an order confirmation from the buyer. This is a challenge for the manufacturer to provide the perfect sample garment. Sample of an order represents the ability and identification of the manufacturer to the buyer. If they satisfy after receiving the sample garment, they will place this order to the manufacturer.

Importance of sample garment: A garments industry run only for the availability of the order. A merchandiser help to get the order. They contact the buyer and receive an order from the buyer. However, the buyer confirms the order after receiving the sample. They check the all-necessary things for the garments and finally place an order if everything is ok. Therefore, the sample garment is the most priority for the buyer as also the manufacturer.

How to develop a sample garment: Generally, a sample garment makes by following a document provided by the buyer. This document is known as the tech pack and given before order confirmation only for sample developing. In this document, some information like fabric type trims, and accessories, design and printing information, etc described.

Garment Sample Development

Flow chart of sample making:

Tech pack receive from the buyer

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Check tech pack (Fabrication, yarn, printing measurement, etc.)

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Inform sourcing department

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Developing yarn and fabric

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 Developing printing and embroidery design (If mention)

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Dyeing

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Pattern making

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Fabric cutting

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Apply printing and embroidery (If mention)

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Sewing garment

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Finishing

Sample Developing:

1. Receive a tech pack: The tech pack is the document, which is given by the buyer to the manufacturer. Where all kind of information related to the garment like fabrication, yarn specification, printing and embroidery design, measurement, etc. clearly described.
2. Material sourcing: Raw material like fabric, yarn, trims, and accessories, etc. collect for sample production. Need to inform the entire department for upcoming product and its development.
3. Develop Print and embroidery design: If there mention any design for embroidery and printing, then send this design to the embroidery and printing department to ready that design.
4. Garment sewing: If the fabric, yarn and other material ready then sample production started.
5. Finishing: After sewing finishing unit or QC unit check everything to the tech pack and finally merchandiser ensure the product quality.

A sample makes with very carefully but unfortunately, the buyer can find some mistakes. They mark that and describes the problem. So again need to sample development,

Types of Garment Sample: Sampling is among the most crucial processes in the garment industry, which has an important part to play in trying to attract buyers. Usually, buyers placed an order after satisfying the quality of samples. As important to the garment industry, I will be discussing today the different types of the sample used to complete an order.

There are mostly eight types of samples required to complete a garment order. Those are-

1. Proto sample (PS)
2. Fit sample (FS)
3. Size set sample (SSS)
4. Pre-production sample (PPS)
5. Production sample (PDS)
6. Shipment sample (SS)
7. Salesman sample (SMS)
8. Photo shoot sample (PSS)

1. Proto sample:

This is the very first sample issued to the buyer. This is ready as per the buyer's requirement. It's also a test sample ready for the research and development department. The buyer wants to see how this looked like after implementing new design to it. For such kinds of sample 3-4 pcs, garments should be produced where 1 pcs is being sent for clarification to the buyer for the supplier and the rest.

2. Fit Sample:

Once the proto samples are approved, fit samples are developed. The fit sample is made with actual measurement based on the original product and specification sheets given by the buyer. FIT samples are considered as a very important factor in sample development. The fit sample is being inspected on a live model or a dress form to verify the fit and feel of the garment.

3. Size Set Sample:

Once the proto sample and fit sample is approved, based on the pattern of the approved sample the grading for the other sizes are done and the patterns for the other sizes will be made. Size-set samples are sent to the buyer once the fitting is approved in S-small, M-medium, L- large, XL-extra-large and other sizes as per the requirement. Size set samples are made to check the fit and workmanship of each size.  Mass cutting of mass production begins only after the final approval of size set samples.

4. Pre-Production Sample:

The exporter manufacturers pre-production sample with the actual fabric trims, and accessories once all the above samples are approved by the buyer. It is also called as a pilot run sample. PILOT RUN is a trial run, which should be developed before starting the bulk production. After final approval is received from the pre-production sample the actual production can proceed.

5. Production Sample:

Once production is going on a few sample garments are taken in the middle of the production. The purpose to send the product sample to the buyer when production is online being to inspect that the garments are being manufactured as per the approval and decided specifications. This sample is also termed as a GOLD SEAL SAMPLE by some buyers. without gold seal sample approval, the shipment or final inspection cannot be done.

6. Shipment Sample:

This sample is required by the buyer after the final inspection is passed. Shipment samples are sent to the buyer when the finished and packed garments are ready to be shipped. These samples are sent in the case when the garments are directly delivered from the warehouse of the buyer, to view the final product and its packing. But some buyers will insist the exporter send the shipment sample first and after approval of the same shipment, the exporter can deliver the final shipment.

7. Salesman Sample:

These samples are made to display in retail stores or showrooms. It is also called PROMOTIONAL SAMPLE. It is developed by the exporter on the purchaser's demand to procure orders from local retailers. Because of the import of the goods, these types of buyers are known as WHOLESALE BUYERS and are sold through their salesman to other retail stores. The buyer pays the exporter for these samples. 

8. Photo Shoot Sample:

This sample is needed by buyers all across the country who have their own clothing retailer stores. These buyers consider a catalog of their goods on a regular basis. They are usually known as CATALOG BUYERS. This catalog will have all the detailed information about the commodity such as season style, style no, price range and will bring pictures of the people wearing those garments for the shoot. 

Sample making is the most important issue to attract the buyer. This is an opportunity for a manufacturer to show their ability to provide 100% correct product with the best quality and low price.

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References: 

1. "Understanding Textiles for a Merchandiser" by Engr. Shah Alimuzzaman Belal.