Types of Samples for Completing a Garments Order

Sample: In a garments industry, the sample which is come from

buyer and it is followed for bulk production called sample.

Purpose of Sampling:
• To allow the buyer to judge the production capabilities of
the manufacture.
• To provide a means for making revisions in the bulk
production process.
• To let the manufacturer estimate the thread and fabric
consumption, and develop cost quotations.
 Sample Types
Sample Before Confirmation Sample After Confirmation
1. Proto Sample 4. Size Set Sample
2. Fit Sample 5. Master Sample
3. Selection Sample 6. Counter or Production
Sample
7. Salesman Sample
8. Top Over Production
Sample
9. Shipment Sample
10. Photo Shoot Sample

1. Proto Sample:
o Proto sample is developed at very initial stage and
normally order is confirmed to the factory based on
proto sample.
o Proto sample is the rough interpretation of the
enquiry done to acquaint the tailors with the style.
o It is usually done on the substitute fabrics, and using
accessories, what is available and then checked on
the dress form.
 o The buyer may make necessary changes pertaining to
the fit, the drape, the style details etc.
2. Fit Sample:
o Fit sample is made and send to conform the fit of the
garment on live models or on dummy and for
approval of construction details.
o The fabric used for fit sample production is the actual
fabric which is going to be used for bulk production or
sample yardage fabric is used.
3. Selection Sample:
4. Size Set Sample:
o Size set samples are done to check the grading of all
sizes are ok and measurements are quite good.
o SS sample making stages
✓ Pattern making
✓ Cutting
✓ Sewing
✓ Inspection
o After inspection pressing the sample and send it to
buyer for approval.
o If approved then we go for p.p. sample with actual
fabric, actual size, actual accessories.
5. Master Sample:
 o These samples are almost like approval samples. They
have to be made in actual production fabric with
actual bulk trims.
o They will represent that the production will be like
these samples. These samples are to be sent before
starting the actual production.
o Hence these samples are needed to be perfect in all
manners. Buyer may check these samples for
everything or anything.
o Master sample making stages:
✓ Cutting as size set sample wise
✓ Sewing
✓ Pre-production Inspection.
6. Counter or Production Sample:
o These samples are to be sent before shipment to get
the buyer’s confirmation for shipment.
o Hence these samples are needed to be perfect in all
manners. Buyers may check these samples for
everything or anything. Sometimes they may do wash
test also.
o We should not get any remark or comment. We have
to get only OK from the buyer. Then only we can ship
the goods and we can be sure of getting payment. So
these samples are to be sent with more and more
care.
7. Salesman Sample:
o The main purpose of salesman sample is to collect the
order from the retailers.
o In salesman sample actual accessory, actual fabric is
used or sample yardage need to be used.
o This sample also very important stage of sampling as
the sales of buyer depends upon this sample
presentation, look, feel or fabric is important.
8. Top Over Production Sample:
o A sample which is collected from the first stage of
production process.
o For production follow up, a buyer must be collected
this sample from the apparel industry.
o Use original fabrics and accessories.
9. Shipment Sample:
o In this stage production has done. o Use
original fabrics and accessories.
o For sending this sample to buyer, need all
packing accessories such as poly, hanger,
packing list, bar code sticker, hang tag, price
tag, etc.
10. Photo Shoot Sample:
o In order to promote the new style in the market
normally buyer asks for photo shoot sample.
 o Buyer uses this photo for marketing purpose either
on catalogue or various media like, print, TV, or
website to see the response of the consumers.
Conclusion:
Sampling is the heart of any export order processing. The
future of any style purely depends on buyer and factory which
are adding value to the samples. So it is very important to
understand the sample development process to control quality
and costs in the initial stage or in the sampling development.