What Types of Samples Required for Garments Export Order?

Different Types of Samples Required for Garment Export Order:

Sampling is one of the most important processes in the garments industry which has a vital role in attracting buyers. Normally buyers have placed an order after satisfying with the quality of samples. As its importance on the garments industry, today I will discuss the different kinds of samples used for completing a garments export order.

Types of Samples Required for Completing a Garments Order:

There are mainly eight types of samples needed for completing a garments export order. Those are-

1. Proto sample,
2. Fit sample,
3. Size set sample,
4. Counter sample,
5. Salesman sample (SMS),
6. Pre-production sample (PPS),
7. Top overproduction sample (TOP),
8. Shipment sample.

All the above garments samples are discussed in the following:

1. Proto sample:

It is the very first sample given to the buyer. It is prepared according to the buyer’s specification. It is a trial sample prepared by the product development department. The buyer wants to see here how it looks like after applying a new design to it. Any type of fabric and color can be used here. For these types of samples 2-3pcs, garments should be made where 1pc for the manufacturer and the rest of those are sent to the buyer for correction.

2. Fit sample:

After approving the proto sample, the fit sample should be made by the following buyer provided a measurement sheet. It can be made by using similar fabric, nearer GSM, and any color. In Fit sample, stitching and measurement must be 100% accurate. Here fabrication and color can be changed but no compromise on stitching and measurement. 2-3 garments are used in the fit sample where 1pc is kept by the manufacturer and the rest of those are sent to the buyer.

3. Size set sample:

After approving the fit sample, based on the patterns of the approved sample, all the other sizes samples should be graded here and make patterns for different sizes. After that, make 2-3pcs sample for each size of that order. The manufacturer keeps a 1pc sample for himself and sends 1pc or 2pc samples to the buyer for cutting approval. Here, it should be noted that, without the size set sample approval, cutting should not be started.

4. Counter sample:

This type of sample is based on the comments received from the buyer. For this sample, 2-3pcs clothing is required.

5. Salesman sample (SMS):

Salesman sample is used by the sales team of buyers to enhance the sales of any garment. Buyer sends the sample by a salesman in the market to receive market feedback from the customers. It is done approximately 200-500pcs depending on the customers and season. The main objects of the SMS sample are to check the market, feedback, Buyer’s design, etc.

6. Pre-production sample (PPS):

P.P sample should be made in the actual production line by maintaining all actual of an order specification. It is the main stage of a garments order where any sample may be approved or rejected. If the sample will approve then can go for the rest of the process of that order. But if rejected then there will be the revision of previous processes. PPC (Planning production and control) department is also involved in this stage. Once the PPC department is involved then there’s no way for the acceptance of any style change. It is a very critical stage than other’s stage. Extra care must be needed here to confirm an order correctly.

7. Top of production sample (TOP):

During running order in the production line, a few samples are sent to the buyer or buyers Q, C as a TOP sample. The TOP sample has great importance in achieving certification of the whole order. If the TOP sample failed to approve its required quality then the whole order will be resumed.

8. Shipment sample:

A shipment sample is needed after completing the final inspection when goods are ready for shipment. It is a sample that reflects what buyers will receive down to Q.C, folding, tagging, bagging, labeling and final packaging included.

Mayedul Islam

Mayedul Islam is a Founder and Editor of Garments Merchandising. He is an Expert in Garments Merchandising. Writing is his passion. He loves to write articles about Apparel, Textile and Garment Washing specially on Merchandising. Mail him at mayedul.islam66@gmail.com