The document discusses various topics related to garment sampling including: 1. An overview of the garment sampling process and its importance. 2. Different types of samples including proto samples, photoshot samples, salesman samples, sizeset samples, and pre-production samples. 3. The roles and responsibilities of merchandisers in product development, which include communicating with buyers, developing tech packs and patterns, procuring materials, developing samples, and submitting cost sheets.

1. Module-13
NURUNNABI
Asst. Trainer, BTMA-SEIP Project
1. Introducing a sample, classification of samples, discussion on their requirments,
significance and merchandisers role in sample making and R&D
2. Introducing different pricing methods.
3. Introducing Purchase Order (PO) Sheet, various check points of a PO sheet.

2. Todays Topics:
1. Introducing a sample, classification of samples, discussion on their
requirements, significance and merchandisers role in sample making
and R&D
2. Introducing different pricing methods.
3. Introducing Purchase Order (PO) Sheet, various check points of a PO
sheet.

3. GARMENT SAMPLING
Garment sampling is very much important process. It is a
model of what the bulk production is going to be done. The sampling is
quite difficult but it will make the buyers to get attractiveness towards
the industry. Because the buyers generally places the order after they are
satisfied with the quality of the samples. Garment sampling is a very
important task in an apparel manufacturing because it gives the
satisfaction of the customer with respect to the product being
manufactured. This is in turn important because if the buyer is not
satisfied by the samples, this puts the following at risk:
i. Placement of the order
ii. Acceptance of the some or the entire quantity of garments
produced.

5. Purpose of Sampling:
To allow the buyer to judge the production capabilities of the manufacturer.
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.
The Details Attached to the Garment Sample
After the confirmation of order, each sample sent to the buyer has the
following details attached to it, with the help of a tag. It contains the details of
both, what the buyer has demanded and what the supplier fabric/trim etc they have
used.
•Ref no.
•Color
•Fabric
•Composition
•Description
•Quantity
•Style no/ Size
•Store

6. Sampling Process
The process of sample department varies continuously, and the
development process will covers a wide range of unique products from new fibers,
fiber blends, new yarns, fabric structures ,finishes and surface effects new
technology and all types of made up products such as woven , knit wear, hosiery, cut
and sewn garments, household products, technical and medical products.
There are different phases of sampling;
The first phase covers the development of the initial concept or design
idea and getting the approval by the customer.
The second phase covers the process after getting acceptance of the first
prototype sample and carry out the functions of sourcing and ordering component,
testing the product and carry out trails once the finalized sample specifications has
been drawn up.
The third and final phase includes a range of activities that are carried
out before large scale or bulk production capacity outside the producer/developers if
this is needed.

8. SAMPLING TYPES
•Proto samples or fit samples
•Photo shoot samples
•Salesmen samples or promotional samples
•Size set samples
•Pre-production samples
•Online sample
•Shipment sample
•Counter samples or reference samples

9. PROTO SAMPLES OR FIT SAMPLES
These samples are done after getting the new order
from the buyer. These samples are needed to check the
measurements, style and fit. So they can be made in available
similar fabrics but in the actual measurements and specifications
given from the buyer.
Some buyers may need these samples if they want
to print the photos of garments on packing box, hang tag, in
showrooms,etc.,.
After sending the proto samples the buyers will
conduct discussion over the samples and they will access the
content of the sample and give us comment and reviews.

11. PHOTOSHOOT SAMPLE
In this category which deals mainly with the
real fitting on garments.The buyers will conduct photoshoot
sessions with the samples we have sent. By this we can clearly
get the fitting requirements and problems in the
measurements.By doing this buyers can give us comments with
the photo attachments.

13. SALESMAN SAMPLE
The buyer needs these samples for getting the
orders from their customers. If the buyer is having 7 salesmen in
his office, then the buyer will ask us to make 7 samples in each
style.
The salesmen will book the orders from their
customers, by showing these samples. Buyer will place the
order to us according to customer attractness towards the
sample.
Sales samples are made with actual fabric and
trims and accessories. Buyer pays for salesman samples to the
developer

15. SIZESET SAMPLES
These sample are done after the salesman sample.In
SMS we will sent samples in one size only.Hence sizeset
samples are are done to check the grading of all sizes are ok and
the measurements are quite good.
COUNTER SAMPLE OR REFERENCE SAMPLE
These are the sample which are made as same as the
other samples.We will sent samples to the buyer and keep one
of the same sample for our reference.By getting acceptance
from the buyer we can proceed the work according to the
reference sample we have with us.

16. PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLES
These samples are almost like approval samples. They have
to be made in actual production fabric with actual bulk trims. They will
represent that the production will be like these samples.
These samples are to be sent before starting the
actual production. Hence these samples are needed to be perfect in all
manners. Buyer may check these samples for everything or anything.
Some times, they may do wash test also. We should not get any
remark or comment. We have to get only ‘OK’ from the buyer.

17. Online sample:
Once production is online, few pieces is taken
out in the middle of the production. Production pieces are sent
to buyer as TOP sample. All buyers does not asked for TOP
sample. Purpose is to cross-check whether factory is following
PP sample specification or not
SHIPMENT SAMPLES
These samples are to be sent just before shipment. They should be
sent in actual packing with all labels, tags, etc. (Generally these samples will not be
tested by buyer for anything). And even if we get some comments from buyers like
changes in price tag or changes in the assortments we can adopt the changes in the
process but its not the risk for the supplier.

19. What are the Merchandiser’s Roles in Product
Development?

20. 1) Deal with buyers or their representatives to accomplish the mission and vision. Make query on their product
line and request them to provide those items design, worksheet, color-way, fabric and accessories details that
are going to be used in next seasons. It would be better if you can collect reference sample from a buyer. It will
help you to track their instructions.
2) After review, the spec sheet/tech-pack/worksheet and product line then forward it to pattern maker to make a
new pattern for sample making.
3) Sit with sample master about the design and buyers requirements mentioned in the worksheet and describe
him precisely what they have to do. If any unclear point found from the discussion, please write down it in a
paper then ask the buyer to make it clear.
4) Meantime merchandiser has to check all other necessary trims price and fabric’s price. Prepare bill of material
(BOM) sheet and get ready to procure all sample items from local and abroad.
5) Fix estimate time of delivery (ETD) of sample and inform to buyer.
6) Examine fabric and trims quality and analyze their price, lead time etc. to make it competitive.
7) Get ready to do Lap dips and other lab test and send all lab reports, fabric swatch to buyer for approvals.
8) Please take extra care from sample development to production stage if value added processes like printing,
embroidery or washing are required in any wearers.

21. 9) Send all mock up like printing, embroidery, washing swatch, washing recipe etc. to buyer for approvals.
10) Arrange a table meeting in sample room before inserting the sample. Pattern maker, sample master, sample
operator, sample quality has to present in this session. Check swatch card and start cutting.
11) Time to time visit sample room to look after sample development. Guide sample operator and pattern maker
to execute buyer’s comments perfectly.
12) Once finished the sample, it should be checked by quality. Collect finished sample and quality report from
sample room.
13) Check finished sample thoroughly before dispatching to the buyer as you know better than other guys. Then
get ready to send the samples to buyer’s office through reliable courier. Sample tag, QA report, measurement
chart, and marker paper, technical comments need to be sent to the buyer along with samples for their easy
assessment.
14) Once dispatch the sample, forward the tracking number to track the sample. Thus, the 1st proto sample
making has accomplished by the supervision of a merchandiser.
15) Prepare cost sheet and submit it to buyer. Usually, buyer provides spec sheet to vendor to precede proto
making as well as to submit competitive costing. Costing is one of the important parameters that used to submit
buyer or higher management during proto stage. If your proposed price quotation pleased the respective buyer,
then they will be interested in dealing with you.
16) Buyer will review the 1st proto sample once they receive it. After consideration of the sample, they will make
some comments for improvement and request to make 2nd proto sample. Thus, a sample is ready to finished
goods by providing long efforts of a merchandiser.

22. R&D section
R&D (Research and Development) section plays a vital role to the overall production and quality of a fabric. The
task of R & D section starts from fabrication and ends at final inspection of finished fabric. That is they used to
follow up all the section like fabric planning, knitting, dyeing, printing, finishing, lab, quality control and
assurance etc. till the final finished product comes out.

23. Work Flow Chart of R & D Section
Sampling Order Receive from Merchandiser
↓
Analysis of Sample
↓
Selection of Yarn
↓
sewing Parameters Setting
↓
Finishing Parameters (Samples + Production)
↓
Check and Testing of the Sample
↓
Approved the Sample

24. Pricing Policies of Garments

25. one objective of pricing is to make a profit, but this may not be a firm’s primary objective.
Other objectives include: survival, profit maximization, target return on investment, market share
goals and status quo pricing.

26. Survival
A firm may have to price its products to survive, either as an organization or as a factor in a particular market. This usually
means that the firm will cut its price to attract customers. Such a goal can’t be pursued on a long-term basis. Consistent losses
would cause the business to fail.
Profit Maximization
Many firms may state that their goal is to maximize profit, but this goal is impossible to define (and thus impossible to
achieve). What, exactly, is the "maximum" profit?
Target Return on Investment
Target Return on Investment is the return on an investment (ROI) is the amount earned as a result of that investment. Market
Share Goals Market Share Goals is a firm’s market share is its proportion of total industry sales. Some firms attempt, through
pricing, to maintain or increase their share of the market.
Status Quo Pricing
In pricing their products, some firms are guided by a desire to avoid "making waves"—that is, to maintain the status quo. This
is especially true in industries where price stability is important. If a firm can maintain its profit or market share simply by
meeting the competition, charging about the same price as competitors for similar products, then it will do so.

27. Selecting a Pricing Method
There are three pricing methods that can be employed by a
firm:
1. Cost Oriented Pricing
2. Competition Based Pricing
3. Marketing Oriented Pricing

31. Pricing Strategies
These are some of the pricing strategies that are commonly adopted by companies.
They are
1. Geographical pricing,
2. price discounts and allowances,
3. promotional pricing,
4. discriminatory pricing and
5. product-mix pricing.

34. A purchase order (PO) is a commercial document and first official offer issued by a buyer to a seller, indicating
types, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services. It is used to control the purchasing of products
and services from external suppliers
How does a PO work?
A purchase order is a legally binding document between a supplier and a buyer. It details the items the buyer
agrees to purchase at a certain price point. ... Purchase order computer systems have made the purchasing
process more efficient and allow for better inventory and payment tracking.
Why do you need a purchase order?
In addition, the buyer should always clearly and explicitly communicate their requests to the seller so there is no
confusion when the purchase order is received. Also, in the event the buyer refuses payment, the seller is
protected because the purchase order is a binding contract between both parties.
What is the difference between a purchase order and an invoice?
An invoice, on the other hand, is a document sent by the seller to the buyer. It is a summary of the goods and
services the buyer has purchased (or agreed to purchase). An invoice can be sent after the purchase
order has been agreed upon and payment has been sent. ... the purchase order number, if a PO was issued.

35. What is the difference between sales order and purchase order?
Purchase order is a document used for ordering goods. Sales order is a document used for confirmation
of sale. Prepared by the buyer and is sent to the supplier. Issued by the supplier to its buyer before delivery