How to · Startups
Sample to bulk: what to expect on your first clothing production order
The step-by-step of a garment order — from tech pack to sample approval to bulk production, QC, and shipping — so you know what happens and when.
SR Santosh Rijal
Founder, Trishakti Apparel 2 min read
Founder, Trishakti Apparel 2 min read
A first production order can feel like a black box. It isn’t — good factories follow a clear sequence. Knowing it helps you plan timelines and spot a disorganised supplier.
The typical order flow
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- Consultation & quote — you share designs/tech pack + quantities; the factory quotes MOQ, price, lead time.
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- Sampling — the factory makes a pre-production sample to your spec (typically ~1–2 weeks for knits).
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- Sample approval — you review fit, fabric, and finish; revise until it’s right. Nothing goes to bulk until you sign off.
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- Bulk production — the approved sample goes to the floor; cut, sew, finish (typically ~4–6 weeks for knit basics).
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- QC — in-line and final inspection for stitch quality, measurements, finish.
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- Delivery — retail-ready packing, export docs, and shipping by sea or air.
Where timelines slip (and how to avoid it)
- Slow sample approvals — respond quickly to keep momentum.
- Vague tech packs — the clearer your spec, the fewer sample rounds.
- Fabric lead time — using in-stock fabric shortens the whole cycle.
We keep you updated at every stage — photos and status so you always know where your order stands. Start your first order.
Frequently asked
How long does garment sampling take?
Typically 7–14 days per sample round plus 3–5 days of courier time. Most first orders need one or two revision rounds, so plan roughly 3–5 weeks from first sample to approved pre-production sample.
Do I have to pay for samples?
Yes — sample making and courier are normally charged at cost, and reputable factories credit them against your bulk order. Free samples from an unknown supplier are a marketing cost someone recovers later.
SR
About the author
Santosh Rijal runs Trishakti Apparel, the export knitwear factory his family built on three decades in Nepal’s fashion trade. He writes about sourcing, duty and production from the factory floor in Gaindakot.