Types of Samples Required for Completing a Garments Order

There are mainly eight types of sample needed for completing a garment 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 over production sample (TOP),

8.    Shipment sample.

All the above garments samples are discussed in the below:

1. Proto sample:

It is the very first sample given into the buyer. It is prepared according to the buyer’s specification. It is a trial sample prepared on product development department. Buyer wants to see here that how its look likes after applying new design on it. Any types of fabric and color can be used here. For this types of sample 2-3pcs garments should be made where 1pc for manufacturer and rest of those are sent to the buyer for correction.

2. Fit sample:

After approving proto sample, fit sample should be made by following buyer provided 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 fit sample where 1pc kept by the manufacturer and rest of those are sent to the buyer.

3. Size set sample:

After approving fit sample, based on the patterns of approved sample, all the other sizes samples should be graded here and make pattern for different sizes. After that, make 2-3pcs sample for each size of that order. Manufacturer keep 1pc sample for himself and send 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):

Salesman sample is used by sales team of buyer to enhance the sales of any garment. Buyer sends the sample by 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 SMS sample are to check market, feedback, Buyer’s design etc.

6. Pre-production sample (PPS):

P.P sample should be made in 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. Ones PPC department is involved then there’s no way for accepting of any style change. It is the 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 an order in production line, a few samples sent to the buyer or buyers Q, C as TOP sample. TOP sample has a great importance in achieving certification of whole order. If TOP sample failed to approve its required quality then whole order will be resumed.

8. Shipment sample:

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