Sampling process in apparel industry

Sampling Process

Sampling is very important in apparel industry because the buyers usually place orders after reviewing the quality of the samples. Buyers also require different types of samples after placing orders. Apparel merchandisers should have to be well acquainted of different stages of garments sampling to execute an order. Sometimes same samples are known in different names. Let us see what types of samples the merchandisers have to send to buyers.

Proto sample, prototype sample, development sample, design sample:

The first physical version of sample garment in product development stage prepared as per the artwork. This sample is made to see the design mainly. Garments material and color are not considered for this sample.

Fit Sample:

Fit is prepared following actual measurement. This sample is made to test the fitting. Live model is used to verify garment fitting.

Counter sample, style reference sample:

The sample that is prepared following another sample received from buyer. This sample is made to see the workmanship and to justify the factory skill. Garments material and color are not considered for this sample.

Mock up sample

Part of the garment (sleeve, collar, front/back panel etc.) not complete garment. It is made as per buyer’s requirement to serve particular purpose.

Salesmen samples, promotional sample, Photo shoot samples:

The samples are prepared with actual color and yarn/fabric to be worn by the models on the event of photo shoot for catalog. Buyer makes comments on fitting requirements and problems in the measurements with the photo attachments. Buyer also held meeting/meetings with his/her customer(s)/retailer(s) for their feedback. Color wise order quantity, size etc. are confirmed to place order. Actual material and color are mandatory for this sample.

Approval sample:

Sometimes it is required to make approval samples when first technical spec is revised. It is made to ensure that buyer’s requirement is conformed and to avoid any confusion/dispute at the time of final production.

Size set samples:

Size set samples are made to ensure measurement of each size. Usuallly size set samples are made covering all color combos.

Pre-production (PP) samples:

The factory makes pre-production (PP) samples with the actual material when bulk fabric and accessories are in house for production. The samples are prepared to ensure buyer that the bulk materials are in house for production.

Production samples:

The factory send production samples to ensure buyer that the bulk production is going on produced as per buyer’s requirement following technical specifications and approved sample. Buyer wants to be assured that correct material is sourced and line workmanship conformed with the quality level.

Top of Production (TOP) Samples, Online samples:

TOP/Online samples are the samples that are taken when the first production is online. Usually some buyers ask for TOP sample to cross-check if the factory is following Pre-Production sample.

Shipment sample, ship sample, fulfillment sample:

The samples that reflects the final shipment are shipment samples. The samples ensure that goods have been shipped as per the samples.