CHRONOLOGICAL PROCESS OF MERCHANDISING

1. Salesman Samples, Counter Samples, Approval Samples, Photo samples, Pre­production Samples, Production Samples, Shipping samples.
2. Swatch, and Trims, Trim's Related Affairs

Sample: Reference garment corresponds to:
· The artwork (styling) done by designer and/or developer
· Particular purchase order.
· Any revision to the style work.
· Conform to any specific requirement.


Sequence Of Sampling
1ST Pattern → 2ND Pattern → Counter Sample → Salesman Sample → Photo Sample → Approval Sample (Size Set, Mock-Up) →Pre- Production Sample → Production Sample → Shipping Sample.

First Pattern
First pattern is the first physical version of any garment as per the artwork done by designer and for developer.
Human Mind → Sketch → Paper Pattern → Sample

Purpose : See the design work & test the fitting
Status : Nothing specific
Material : Available
Price : Not confirmed
Quantity : 1 (for customer) + 1 (for merchandiser)
Delivery : As per urgency
Second Pattern
Usually designer /developer always ask for some changes to the first pattern. Second pattern is made as per comments.

Counter Sample
Where first pattern is made on designers artwork, Counter sample is to make not on designer's artwork, has to follow another sample given by the merchandiser.

Purpose : See the workmanship &test the factory skill
Status : Nothing specific
Materials : Available
Price : Not confirmed
Quantity : 1 (for customer) + 1 (self keeping)
Delivery : As per request

Salesman Sample
Salesman sample is made when price is confirmed and orders are on speculation, usually in l size in all color combinations of expected order. Buyer held a meeting with its customer and record their response on order quantity per color, size etc. And finally place order to their vendor.
Purpose : Sales meeting by retailers, market appraisal &
Demand / order forecast
Status : Final stage of the order confirmation
Material : Actual
Price : Confirmed
Quantity : There is minimum quantity per color combination
Delivery : Very, important to meet the delivery date.
Photo Sample
Photo samples are made with actual color and material to be worn by the models on the event of shooting for catalog.
Approval Sample
In any discrete period of time, whenever it required any revision in the sample, a new sample is made (some times mock-up is workable too) as per new specification. It is sent to buyer for his approval of the conformity that-the revision is done correctly.
SIZE SET: Consists of 1 pc from each size for each color combination.
MOCK UP: Any PART of the garment to make-for PARTICULAR purpose, not complete garment
Pre- Production Sample
When material for bulk production arrived, factory makes a sample with the actual material and sends to buyer.

Production Sample
It is a reference to the buyer that the bulk is being produced as per specifications. Buyer wants to be assured that correct material is sourced & line workmanship conformed to the quality level.

Shipping Sample
A sample is kept from every Pre-Shipping inspection to be referred, if required, after the order has been delivered. Usually for any disputes (e.g. Claim) shipping samples is important.
Swatch
Swatch is a presentation of all the materials is (Fabric & Accessories) used for any specific style /order. Usually small piece of fabric and each piece of accessories are attached in board paper in a systematic manner. Swatch is very important for production line to make the correct construction of a garment and QC department ensures it. Concerned merchandiser should confirm/approve the swatch.

Trims
Trims cover all the items used in the garment except the basic fabric. There are hundreds of items used to manufacture the garments, Proper selection of trims and its quality are very important for styling, otherwise the garment may be rejected or returned by the customers.
Following is a part of list that covers some names of the trims:

Zipper/Fastener
Teeth : Nylon, Vislon, Metal
Color : Tape Color, Teeth Color
Size : #3, #5, #8 etc.
Length : As per requirement 18 cm, 72 cm
End : Close End (C/E), Open End (O/E)
Slider : One Way, Reversible.