Function of sampling department:

In any garment industry the first stage for garment production is

sampling. From sampling, we get information related to cost, timing,
labor and production of garment production. The buyer can also be
satisfied by sampling. Sampling is also gives us market knowledge
along with other knowledge of garment production. After checking
the quality of the sample, the buyer either allows to manufacturer or
cancels the deal that the buyer had made to the manufacturer to
produce. In other words, the sample in garment production is s
important as the foundation in building a house. Garment approval
or order approval is given by the buyer only after sampling. That is, it
would not be unfair to say that garment production is possible only
through samples. In fact, the first phase of garment production is
sampling. The process of making the garment starts only after the
sample is approved. To produce any garment, a mail is sent by buyer
to the merchandiser or manufacturer, also known as a tack-file, spec
sheet or order sheet. This order sheet contains all the information
related to garment. Such as product style number, code,
measurement of all parts of the garment and stitches types, garment
reference number, colour specification types of fabric and its quality,
embroidery or types of print and other accessories used in making
the garment. Such as thread and button, zipper, stud etc. occur. Now
the merchandiser or manufacturer study the order sheet sent by the
buyer and prepare the garment samples according to buyer.
Sampling for the buyer us completed by the manufacturer in various
stages and the buyer is satisfied with these samples so that order can
be obtained from him. Now we will discuss here about various
samples to be prepared for the buyer in the garment industry.
Promotional sample:

Promotional samples are also called salesmen samples. The

manufacturer uses genuine textiles and accessories to make this
sample. It is a high quality sample. The retailer or buyer has to pay to
get it.

Proto sample: The first sample that is prepared after the order sheet
is received from the buyer is called the proto sample. In this sample,
this sample is prepared using accessories, similar to the order sheet
and fabric. And after that this sample is sent to the buyer. After
getting approval of this sample by buyer, the process of making fit
sample starts.

Fit sample: Fit sample is made again after the proto sample
approved. All the details of the order sheet sent by buyer to make
the fit sample are taken into consideration and this sample is
prepared by actual design, fabric and accessories. The garment
construction and garment measurement is also taken care of in the
fit sample. The fit sample is prepared and worn by the model within
a given time, its fitting etc. is checked and sent to the buyer. After
the fit sample is approved by the buyer, preparation is made to make
the size set sample.

Size set sample: Small, medium, large size, etc. samples are made
under the size set sample. Size set samples are also prepared
according to order sheet sent by buyer. When the size set samples
are also approved by the buyer then the manufacturers proceed in
the process of bulk fabric cutting.

Pre-production sample: once the size set sample is approved by the

buyer, the merchandising department hands over the order sheet
and other information related to the garment to the production
department. Now, before production starts here, some samples of
the garment are prepared using genuine fabric and accessories and
these samples are sent to the buyer in due time. Now if the buyer
approves the sample, the production work is started. The samples
that are sent to the buyer before the production starts are called
pre-production samples.

Top of production sample: The sample that are sent to the buyer
after the garment production starts are called the top of production
sample. Not all buyers ask for this sample. But some buyers demand
this sample to check the quality of the garment being produced.
Shipment sample: The sample that are packaged and sent to the
buyer after the production is completed and before shipment is sent
are called shipment samples. This sample is packed and sent to the
buyer according to the guidelines given in the order sheet. The
sampling department is the most important part of any garment
industry. By sampling, the manufacturer gets all the information
related to the garment can be understood and overcome only by
sampling. The cost of the entire production is determined on the
basis of sampling. Sampling helps to determine the time frame for
delivering the product or sending the shipment to the buyer. Infect
the buyer is satisfied by the sample itself. Producing a high-grade
sample makes the manufacturer more likely to receive other orders
in the future. In other words, the quality of the sample of the
garment plays the main role in obtaining further orders. Depending
on the sample, orders are either received or the order is canceled. A
highest quality garment sample can invite more buyers into the
business. Samples helps the manufacturer to provide the necessary
sources of design such as textile, trims and other accessories related
to the garment at low price. Sampling or sample helps to overcome
problems encountered in large-scale garment manufacturing. On the
basis of the sample, the buyer informs the manufacturer to correct
the deficiency in it and informs them about the changes in it. By the
sample itself, the buyer examines the fabric, fabric color, fitting, look
of the garment being made and the material used in it, so that the
necessary changes or commissions in the garment can be removed in
time. In other word, garment sampling is extremely important for
both the manufacturer and the buyer

Sampling in garment exports and its importance

 

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Sampling of garments is given great emphasis. It determines

the approval of future orders from buyers and fetches business
for a garment manufacturing or export company. Sampling
is one of key elements of the pre-production processes in a
garment industry. Before a manufacturer produces bulk orders,
a prior sampling of styles is done to get approvals and
jumpstart the fabrication of garments.

Sampling is not just for buyers, but

the manufacturers can also derive
estimates of yarn consumption for
development of fabric, dyeing,
printing, and stitching cost for a
particular style or pattern given by
the buyer. Companies can have a
separate sampling department or a merchandiser, who works
closely with the sampling section to source raw materials, and
processes for developing a quality product for an affordable
price.

Sampling includes details like a product/style code or a

reference number, color specifications, kind of fabric,
composition, description, quantity, and details of embroidery,
buttons, zippers, or any other sort of accessories used. Hence it
can be said that samples of garments work as a bridge between
buyers and the producers.
There are many people who are involved directly and indirectly
in the process of sampling. Designers, buyers, individuals
engaged in sourcing and purchasing, production team, quality
control personnel, and the costing department at different
levels work closely on the sampling of garments.

There are various types of samples that are developed by

manufacturers depending on the requirement of their
respective buyers. The following is a list of different kinds of
samples used in the garment export industry:

Promotional samples or salesmen samples are developed to

procure orders from retailers. These are good quality samples,
which use actual accessories and fabrics. The buyer has to pay
for these kinds of samples.

Proto samples are made after receiving the order sheets, and
are the very initial sets of samples sent to the buyer. The design
and style of a garment are communicated; the fit and fabric
detailing are not given so much attention. Once the proto
samples are approved, fit samples are developed.

Fit samples are designed to check the measurements, fit, and

the style. Details of construction of the garment and
standards needed to be maintained by the manufacturer are
maintained in these samples. Certain times these samples are
tried on models to check the fitting and the fall of the garment.

Size samples are sent to the buyers once the fitting is approved
in small, medium, large and other sizes as per the requirement.
Mass cutting of fabrics begins only once a final approval of all
the sizes is received.

Pre-production samples are the samples, which are made in the

production department once all the above sampling approvals
are received. They are made with the actual fabrics, trimmings,
and accessories that will be used in the future placed order.
After a full and final approval is received from the buyer, the
actual production can proceed.

Top of production samples are the samples that are picked up

in between, once the manufacturing process has begun. All
buyers do not demand for top of production samples, but some
do, to make sure that the garments being manufactured are as
per the decided specifications.

Shipment samples are sent to the buyer when the completed

garments are packed and are ready to be shipped. These
samples are sent in cases when the garments are directly
delivered at stores or warehouses of the buyers, to view the final
product and its packaging.
Sampling plays a vital role in getting orders from the buyer. It is
a representation of the manufacturer's or exporter's potential to
deliver desired outputs based on the details and information
specified by the buyer. Besides this, sampling also gives an idea
regarding the time and cost that the manufacturer of the
garments will require completing the whole order, and
delivering the products in time.

A sample of a garment can either make or break the future of

getting orders from buyers. A good quality sample can invite
more business and buyers to manufacture garments. It also
gives the manufacturer the opportunity to look for options to
source fabrics, trims, and other garment accessories necessary
for the design at a cheaper price but of better quality, which
further helps in costing. It helps in optimizing the process
parameter for mass producing and also can aid in
eliminating bottlenecks.

On the other hand, buyers can keep a check on the production

of garments, the designs, and styles that are required, which are
generally outsourced to manufacturers situated at a far
distance. Holding a physical sample of a garment helps the
buyer check the look, feel, fall, colors and shades, fitting, and
the pattern of a certain style.

It can therefore be concluded that sampling in garment exports

is of utmost significance not just to the manufacturer but also to
the buyer.
References:

1. Onlineclothingstudy.com

2. Blogspot.in

3. Indianmba.com

Image Courtesy:

1. Designersassistant.com.au

2. Noile.net