Many brands approve a sample and then find the bulk feels or looks different. Most of these gaps can be prevented with clear approvals.
Common reasons for differences
- Sample made on a different machine or yarn lot
- Shade variation between dye batches
- Different finishing settings in bulk
- Specifications that were never written down
How to prevent it
- Keep a signed and dated approved sample on both sides
- Write the key specs in the purchase order: composition, GSM, width, shade, shrinkage, fastness
- Ask for a pre-production or first-lot sample before full dispatch
- Agree tolerances for GSM, width and shade
Working with one supplier
When knitting, weaving and printing happen under one roof, there are fewer hand-offs where changes can creep in.