THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD SAMPLE REPORT

A sample report is an update to the tech pack reporting on any changes during the development process until the sample is confirmed correct and ready for bulk production.

There are so many factors that can impact the manufacturing process and how long and expensive it can be. The more accurate you can be with the information you provide to the clothing manufacturer, the better, and this is just as true when providing feedback on updates in the sample stage.

You might be thinking, didn’t I do this already when I created my Tech Pack? The difference here is that you are now assessing samples that have been produced and refining these.

The sample report may include updates to:

• Fit
• Measurements
• Finishings and trims
• Maker instructions

The sample report helps minimise:

• Maker error
• Sampling costs
• Fabric wastage
• Sample process time

The sampling process can quickly get chaotic if information is misunderstood or gets lost through scattered communication channels, which likely results in wrongly made products and wasted time and money for both the factory and the client. Therefore it is very important to keep information consolidated, clear and precise and keep it all within the tech pack.

A sample report is not something you can do yourself unless you have training and experience. It is a report that has to be detailed, you have to have knowledge of the construction of garments and design language.  If you have this knowledge and would like to attempt your own sample report to save on costs we have created a manual for you to work off of – Sample Report Manual

Now let’s break down some of the points for a good sample report!

Provide details of Clothing Fit

By taking photographs of your clothing reference sample on a live model, you will give your manufacturer a much more visually indicative example of how your designs are meant to be shaped and how they should fit when worn.

Provide Specifications and Measurements

A sample report will allow you to indicate whether the measurements of the samples are approved, or if you have some refinements that will need to be implemented for the next set of samples.

Minimise Sample Errors

A sample report is a very in-depth assessment of the samples received. It should cover everything from fit specifications, variance and relevant adjustments and an array of other specifications and comments. The reason these details are required in a sample report is to minimize sample errors and make this process as quick and efficient as possible.

Minimise Manufacturing Sample Costs

When you provide a detailed sample report, you not only reduce sample errors, but you will, by proxy, minimize your costs and wastage. Costs are already a critical factor in the success of a fashion brand, especially those that are new to the industry or funding the business alone. In this early stage, you’re investing a lot of money in your fashion brand without generating sales to offset the expense of starting the business. As such, a well thought out and detailed sample report can really help minimize costs at this stage in the fashion design process.

Reduce the Sample Process Time

A sample report provides detailed information to your clothing manufacturer and designer, which means they’re able to refine the next set of samples into much more accurate pieces. The faster your design vision can be brought to life, the quicker you can go to market and begin to make a return on your investment.

Many of us go into fashion design with a creative, artistic spirit driving us. And having to create another information-dense report like a sample report does not exactly inspire or stir our creativity. However, as we’ve discussed in many of our previous blogs, a successful fashion brand is a marriage between creativity and business acumen.

If you’d rather focus on your designs and leave the tedious documentation to someone more experienced, Visionise can help you create a detailed Sample Report. We have a do-it-yourself option if you feel experienced enough in this area, or you can book a design consult if you’d like us to help create your sample report for you.