In apparel industry, sampling is
one of the most important part in garments which has a vital role in attracting
the buyers. Buyer has placed the order after satisfying with the quality of
samples. So, sample is a product which represents a group of product, in order
to assess their quality, design or style or any other characteristic of the
product. Buyer has given approval comments or any correction based on sample
design quality. As its importance on garments industry, we can say that sample will reflect the quality and
workmanship of the manufacturer or exporter.
1st Pattern -> 2nd
Pattern /Fit Sample -> Size Set Sample -> Counter Sample -> Salesman
Sample ->Photo Sample - > Approval Sample (Size Set) -> Pre-production
Sample -> Production Sample -> Shipping Sample
First Pattern:
The first physical version of any
garment as per the artwork done by designer or developer.
Purpose: See the design work and
test the fitting.
Materials: Development
merchandiser can use available material for processing sample.
Price: Not yet confirmed price.
Quantity: Sample provide 1 pcs
for customer and 1 pcs for merchandiser reference.
Delivery: As per buyer
requirement & urgency.
Fit Sample / Second Pattern:
Usually designer/developer always
asks for some changes to the first pattern. As per comments, development
merchandiser takes necessary action for fitting sample based on buyer comments.
Fitting sample should be made by following buyer provided measurement sheet. Can
be made by using similar fabric, closer GSM and any color or closer color. In fit
sample, sample should be accurate as per buyer provided measurement and stitching.
For color, buyer can be compromised but stitching and measurement should be followed
as per tech sheet.
Purpose: To see the measurement
deviation & stitching quality.
Material: Can be used available
for processing fit sample.
Price: Not yet confirmed.
Quantity: Manufacturer keep one
pcs sample for himself and 2-3 pcs garments send to the buyer for approval comments
purpose.
Size Set Sample:
After getting approval fit sample
from buyer, all the other sizes sample should be graded and make pattern for
different sizes based on fit sample pattern. After that, garments merchandiser
will make 2-3 pcs each size of that order. Merchandiser will keep 1 pcs sample
for reference purpose and send 1-2 pcs samples to the buyer for bulk cutting
approval purpose. As we know that, bulk cutting will not start without size set
approval.
Counter sample:
Where first pattern is made on designers’
artwork, in counter sample is to make not on designer’s artwork, has to follow
another sample (Color Selection Sample or Size set sample) given by the buying merchandiser.
Purpose: See the workmanship
& also check the factory skill
Materials: Merchandiser can use available
accessories to make the sample. (But H&M buyer: counter sample has called
tag sample (seal). Manufacture can start production after getting counter
sample approval from buyer. It will be better, if we use actual material to
make the counter sample)
Price: Price confirmed
Quantity: One pcs reference
sample for merchandiser & buyer will take as per their requirement.
Delivery: Sample should be
delivered as per customers’ request date.
Salesman Sample (SMS):
Sample is made when price is confirmed
and orders are on speculation, usually in M/L (Medium/Large) size in all color
combination of expected order. Buyer held a meeting with its customer and
record their response on order quantity per color, size etc. and finally place
order to their vendor. The main objects of SMS sample are to check the market
status, customers’ feedback etc.
Purpose: Sales Meeting by retailers
& also market appraisal demand/order forecast
Status: Final stage of the order
confirmation
Material: Sample must be made
with actual materials for approval purpose
Price: In this stage, buyer has
confirmed their price for the goods
Quantity: Buyer has given minimum
quantity per color combination
Delivery: At this stage, sample
is very important to meet the delivery date as per client request.
Photo sample:
Samples are made
with actual color and material to be worn by the models on the event of shooting
for catalog. Sample has prepared according to the buyers’ specification &
also buyer wants to see that how its look like after applying new design on it.
Manufacturer keep one pcs sample for his reference and 3-5 pcs (based on buyer
requirement) sample sent to the buyer.
Approval sample:
In any discrete
period of time, whenever it required any revision in the sample, a new sample
is made (sometimes mock-up is workable too) as per new specification. It is
sent to the buyer for his approval of the conformity that the revision is done
correctly.
- Mock-up: Any part of the garment to make for particular purpose, not complete garment
Pre-production sample (PPS):
When
material for bulk production arrived, factory merchandiser makes a sample with
actual material and send to the buyer. In this stage of a garments order where
any sample may be approved or rejected. If sample has approved, then can be go
for the rest of the process of that order. If sample rejected, then manufacture
must be sent revised PP sample to the buyer for approval purpose. In this
stage, planning production and control department is involved. So there’s no
way for accepting of any style change. Pre-production is the very critical stage
than other’s stage. So, extra care must be needed to confirm an order correctly.
Production sample (PS):
It is a
reference to the buyer that the bulk is being produced as per specifications. Buyer
wants to be assured that correct material is sourced and line workmanship
conformed with the quality level.
Shipping sample:
A sample is kept
from every pre shipping inspection to be referred, if required, after the order
has been delivered. It is sample that reflects what buyers will receive down to
Q.C, folding, tagging, labeling and final packaging included. Usually for any
claim shipping sample is important.