Sampling Strategies That Save Time and Money

Sampling is where most apparel founders bleed money. Endless revisions, miscommunication with factories, and months of delays before you ever see production. Here's how to cut through the chaos and get production-ready samples faster.

The Real Cost of Bad Sampling

Every sample round costs you $50-500+ depending on complexity. But the real cost isn't the sample fee—it's the time. Each revision cycle takes 2-4 weeks. Three rounds of sampling? That's 2-3 months gone before you can even think about production.

Most founders don't budget for this. They think sample → production is a two-step process. In reality, it's more like: first sample → feedback → second sample → more feedback → maybe a third sample → finally production approval.

Set Up for Success Before You Start

1. Send a Complete Tech Pack

Incomplete tech packs guarantee revisions. Before requesting samples, make sure your tech pack includes every measurement, every material specification, every construction detail. No assumptions.

2. Include Reference Samples

Send the factory a physical garment that represents your target fit, fabric weight, or construction style. "Make it like this" is clearer than any written description.

3. Define What "Approved" Means

Before sampling starts, document your tolerances. What measurement variance is acceptable? What color matching is close enough? Put it in writing so you're not making subjective calls later.

During Sampling: Communicate Like a Pro

When you receive samples:

• Measure everything—don't trust your eyes
• Document issues with photos—circle problem areas
• Prioritize feedback—critical vs. nice-to-have
• Batch your changes—one comprehensive feedback round beats five small ones

When to Push Back (And When to Accept)

Not every imperfection needs fixing. Ask yourself:

• Will the customer notice? If not, it might not matter.
• Is it within tolerance? A 0.5" variance on sleeve length is probably fine.
• Is another revision worth 2+ more weeks? Sometimes "good enough" gets you to market faster.

Push back hard on: fit issues, visible construction flaws, wrong materials, color that's clearly off.

Accept or note for production: minor stitching variations, small measurement differences within tolerance, things fixable through QC communication.

The Two-Sample Goal

Your goal should be production approval by the second sample. Here's how:

• First sample: Major fit and construction validation
• Second sample: Final tweaks and production approval

If you're regularly going to 3+ samples, something is broken in your communication or tech pack process.

The Bottom Line

Sampling is a negotiation between your vision and manufacturing reality. The better you communicate upfront, the fewer rounds it takes. Invest time in documentation before sampling starts, and you'll save money (and months) on the back end.