Sample steps for garments export order

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.