The True Cost of Garment Sampling

One of the most frequently asked questions among designers is, “How much does it cost to sample designs overseas?” A common fallacy is that a manufacturer can make one sample of each design for a fraction of the price you would pay locally. In bulk production, the majority of apparel factories charge three times the cost of a garment.

For instance, if you order 1000 t-shirts for $5.00, you will be charged $15 for the sample. These sampling charges are merely a formality. Because of the intense competition and the fear of losing you as a possible client, they are under pressure to absorb the cost in the hopes of receiving an order. People do not receive compensation for their time. Also by ordering sample designs, one can assess the need for high-quality industrial sewing machines. 

The true cost of garment sampling and plans

First of all, let’s look at the production unit and the people involved with the sampling tasks – 

• Factory production manager – The person in charge of coordinating everything and communicating with the product development manager. The sampling and sourcing of garments necessitate precise communication of norms and criteria.

• Fabric weaver – It’s possible that the fabric weaver to be involved with yarn purchasing and sourcing. Produces a small batch of fabric according to your specifications. They’re incredibly busy, so this will take some time.

• Dyer – Produces lab dips for color approvals (which may take several attempts to get it perfect), then dyes tiny yardage with the smallest (most often used) dying vessel. If you require more than one color of fabric dyed, the price will go up.

• Washer – This is usually a separate piece of equipment from the dyer that takes the greige cloth and washes the garment to reduce shrinkage. At this point, mostly hand-feeling washes are added (Eg. fabric softener, enzyme wash, or bio wash).

• Patternmaker – If this isn’t created locally, a pattern maker will create samples based on the sample and specs, which may go through several rounds of revisions before being authorized. (Each size is evaluated for pre-production after the pattern is authorized.) He also sees that the industrial sewing machines installed at the hub do not damage the samples. 

• Sample sewer – He is the person who sews the clothes together. After fitting comments—the prototypes may be sewed multiple times before achieving a final one.

As one can see, a large number of people are involved. And, without going into too much detail, it requires a lot of time and effort on everyone’s part.