Communication of Merchandiser :
Sample Making In the Garment Industry
Making a sample is an essential first step for each item. Besides, garment sample making is one of the most important processes in the garments industry because it will make the buyers get attractiveness towards the industry. Generally, buyers place the order after they are satisfied with the quality of the samples.
Types of Samples Required for Completing a Garments Order:
There are mainly eight types of samples needed for completing a garment order. Those are-
•Proto sample,
•Fit sample,
•Size set sample,
•Counter sample,
•Salesman sample (SMS),
•Pre-production sample (PPS),
•Top over production sample (TOP),
•Shipment sample.
All the above garments samples are discussed below:
1. Proto sample:
It is the very first sample given to the buyer. It is prepared according to the buyer’s specifications. It is a trial sample prepared by the product development department. The buyer wants to see here what it looks like after applying a new design to it. Any type of fabric and color can be used here. For this type of sample, 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 measurement sheet. It can be made by using a similar fabric, nearer GSM, and any color. In the 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 samples 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 made 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 garments are required.
5. Salesman sample (SMS):
A salesman sample is used by the sales team of buyers to enhance the sales of any garment. The buyer sends the sample to 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 objectives 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 order specifications. It is the main stage of a garment 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 to accept any style change. It is a very critical stage than other’s stages. Extra care must be needed here to confirm an order correctly.
7. Top of production sample (TOP):
During running orders in the production line, a few samples are sent to the buyer or buyer Q, and 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 the 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.
Flow Chart of Garment Sample Making
Garments Design or Sketch ( Manually or Computerized )
↓
Basic Block ( Manually or Computerized )
↓
Working Pattern ( By Machine )
↓
Fabric cutting
↓
Print/ Embroidery (If required)
↓
Sewing
↓
Finishing
↓
Sample Garments ( Manually )
↓
The problem of Production or Production-Related Matter
↓
Costing………………………………………↓…………………………….Send to Buyer
↓
Approved Sample
↓
Production Pattern ( By Hand or Computer )
BOOKING
Booking is the order sheet given from the manufacturer to the suppliers. After getting the master LC from the buyer the manufacturer, Merchandisers are supposed to make the booking and send the suppliers. By booking merchandisers procure the raw materials e.g. fabric, accessories, and trims.
TIME AND ACTION CALENDAR
Normally merchandisers prepare a plan in a spreadsheet listing key processes in one column and the planned date of action for each process is noted in another. This planning sheet is called a time and action calendar. Once TNA calendar is made, the merchandiser can easily list down her daily to-do list’ for the day and start doing work one by one. According to TNA schedule processes are executed on daily basis to track whether an order is on track or getting delayed
INSPECTION
After making the garments, merchandisers are supposed to arrange pre-final and final inspections. Inspection can be carried out in several ways:
•Inspection by buyer
•Inspection by buying a house
•Inspection by the third party
Read More –
Apparel Merchandising & Management | Part I
Apparel Merchandising & Management | Part II
Apparel Merchandising & Management | Part III
About Author
Words from Md Shariful Islam Sourav. A student from BUFT (BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology). He is from Apparel Merchandising & Management department.
