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3.3 Different Samples

This document discusses different types of apparel samples that are used at various stages of design and production including knit-downs, mock-ups, developed samples, proto samples, fit samples, size set samples, strike-off samples, counter samples, ad/photo shoot samples, garment performance test samples, pre-production samples, wash samples, top of production samples, and shipment samples. It also outlines the general responsibilities of an apparel merchandiser.

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65 views

3.3 Different Samples

This document discusses different types of apparel samples that are used at various stages of design and production including knit-downs, mock-ups, developed samples, proto samples, fit samples, size set samples, strike-off samples, counter samples, ad/photo shoot samples, garment performance test samples, pre-production samples, wash samples, top of production samples, and shipment samples. It also outlines the general responsibilities of an apparel merchandiser.

Uploaded by

Shahriar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to merchandising 15

•
color combos, yarns, stitches and/or pattern in a design. The knit-down
is often used for approval purposes.
• Knit-downs are required when ordering a new yarn for sampling. The
design team will use the knit downs as a sample for their fabric selec-
tion process during the prototyping process. Knit-downs are generally
requested in 12 x 12 inch size.

1.4 Mock-up Sample


• Mock-ups are partial garments or detail panel to show construction
parameters or factory production capability. They are used by design
team for reference during initial design stages or at buyer meeting.

1.6.2 Samples and their importance


As mentioned in the previous section, samples plays a vital role in the ac-
ceptance of production orders, hence, it is essential to understand their im-
portance and requirements. This helps a merchandiser to think advance and
plan the subsequent activities. Table 1.2 represents the various samples used
in apparel industry and their importance.

Samples and their importance


Samples Descriptions
Developed sample
• The sample generally used to assess the look and take a decision on the
sample whether to proceed or decline the particular style out of the line
• The developed sample needs to be submitted within 45 days from the

Proto sample • Based on the comments from the development sample, the proto
sample is developed
• The proto sample is the sample where the company submits the
requirement using exactly the same fabric and trims or available fabric
with accessories
• The buyer evaluates the capacity and quality of the factory based on
this sample
• To develop proto sample, the buyer needs to specify the following

(sometimes), development sample (optional), detailed instructions


about print/embroidery or appliqués
• This sample needs to be submitted by merchandiser within 7–10
days. The merchandiser needs to submit at least 4–6 samples based
on the buyer requirement. If corrections received, they need to
resubmit the proto sample
16 Apparel Merchandising

Fit sample
model. This sample helps the buyer to understand the company and
merchandiser and the clarity of their understanding about their requirements
• The sample is developed in original fabric required for that particular

Size set sample


asked. Hence, 2–3 garments in all the size are prepared with original
or proximate fabric to send to the buyer
• It is merchandiser’s responsibility to make sure that the samples match
the customer requirements
• If sizes are more in number, then the buyer may ask to skip some
sizes, called jump size set sample. The samples can be made in the

Bulk cutting of fabric for production should start only after size-set
sample gets approved

and send it to the garment manufacturer as a symbol of understanding

manufacturer to make this product only in the bulk. These samples

inspection stages by the quality checkers representing the buyer


Strike-off sample Generally, buyer places an order of any style in different shades of
fabrics. Size set is made in any one colour. But if the garment has
embroidery and printing over it, then garment manufacturer must take
approval of print colours and sizes/ embroidery colours, appearance,
thread and sizes on each shade of the fabric. These print and embroidery
approvals are known as strike-offs
Counter sample

decides whether the company gets the order or not


• So, this sample is developed in all original fabric, trims accessories,
sewing threads, care labels, etc.
• Based on the counter sample approval, the buyer will raise purchase
order (PO) to the company
Ad or photo shoot • These samples are requested only if buyer is in need of samples to
sample promote their styles in media like TV ads, promotional clippings,
catalogues, etc.
• These samples are sent based on the size requests from the buyer
Sales man / • The main purpose is to display the next season styles in the current
Marketing / season to get the feedback from the customers
Showroom sample • These samples are also used to get orders from the retailers
Garment • This sample is requested only if the technical parameters of the
performance test garments need to be checked where the garment performance is
(GPT) sample measured in terms of shrinkage, colour fastness, seam performance,
etc.
• Normally GPT process will be done parallel to the size set sample
but most of the buyers ask for this sample only with the acceptance
of order
• These tests are generally performed by the third party inspection
agencies like SGS, Intertek and other private testing services
Introduction to merchandising 17

Pre-production • Pre-production samples are the pilot run sample, before starting the
(PP) sample production; the sample is prepared with the original fabric and all
actual requirements
• Acceptance of this sample encourages the factory to start the bulk
manufacturing of the goods
Wash sample • Wash sample is made and submitted to the buyer for assessment of
feel and handle of fabric after washing (if it is needed)
• Either at size set stage or PP stage, washing sample is sent to the buyer
for approval. Based on the buyer comments, the merchandiser needs
to continue the production
Top of production • The top of production is sent to the buyer as soon as initial pieces
(TOP) sample come out of sewing line with suggestions of quality audit department.
In TOP sample, buyer tries to evaluate the actual manufacturing of
the style
• Buyer checks whether bulk production is as per submitted sample or
not. TOP sample is also checked by the buyer for the packaging also
Shipment sample • Few buyers may ask for the shipment samples which factory needs
to pull from the actual shipment and sent to them. The main purpose
of this sample is to assure buyer about the actual shipment dispatch
• Sometimes the buyer also asks these samples for their future
reference, hence, all the shipped samples are directly dispatched to the
warehouse in the different / same country. This sample will be with
complete packing details like tags, poly bag, hangers, etc.

1.7 Responsibilities of a merchandiser


Over the years of the growth of merchandising as a discipline in the apparel
-
parel merchandiser to perform these functions. It has changed from a sim-
ple to a much more complex job transcending almost all departments and
functions in an apparel export house. This has led to a change in the skills
required for the job and evolution of the discipline of export merchandis-
ing. Merchandising has been to a large extent, a function which was neither

one hand, the merchandiser had the job of getting orders and executing them;
doing the role of production coordinator in the same breadth. However, the
general essential responsibilities of a merchandiser are as follows:
• Identify and analyse the requirements of the customers and materi-
alise the product as they expect by proper communication with each
and individual department of the apparel industry.
• It is the sole responsibility of the merchandiser to ensure the exact
quality and timely delivery of the product to the customer.
• Merchandiser should understand the existing infrastructure, quality
norms and capabilities of the plant. This will help the merchandiser
to cost the product compatible.

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