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Short answer: a sample is one piece made with care. A bulk order is thousands of pieces made at speed. They match only when the spec says, in numbers, what "the same" means. The five things that drift are weight, shade, size, hand-feel and finishing.
The five drifts and their fixes
| What drifts | Why | What to write on the spec |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter yarn or fewer loops saves cost | GSM and piece weight in grams, with a tolerance such as plus or minus 5 percent |
| Shade | Each dye lot comes out slightly different | An approved shade reference and "all pieces from one dye lot" |
| Size | Fabric shrinks in washing and finishing | Finished size after wash, with tolerance |
| Hand-feel | Softener on the sample, less on the bulk | "Feel to match approved sample after three washes" |
| Finishing | Hems, labels and stitching rushed | Stitch type, hem width, label position, with a photo |
1. Weight
Weight is the easiest place to save money and the easiest to check. A kitchen scale is enough. Weigh ten pieces from different cartons. If the spec says 540 grams plus or minus 5 percent, every piece should be between 513 and 567 grams. Our GSM calculator converts size and GSM into piece weight.
2. Shade
Even white varies. Ask for the bulk to be matched to your approved sample under daylight, and for the order to come from one dye lot where the quantity allows.
3. Size
Cotton shrinks. A towel cut to 70 by 140 cm can finish smaller after washing. State the size you want to receive, and say "after wash".
4. Hand-feel
A sample can be made to feel softer than the goods will after a few washes. Wash your sample three times before you approve it. What you feel then is what your guests will feel. Our desk test for towel samples shows how.
5. Finishing
Hems and labels are done by hand and machine at the end, under time pressure. A photo of the approved hem and label position, attached to the spec, removes the argument.
Keep a sealed sample
Sign and date two identical samples. Keep one and return one to the supplier. If there is ever a dispute, both sides compare the bulk with the same piece. See the three documents that stop disputes.
Write it down once
Our guide to writing a textile specification sheet lists every line, and the specification generator builds the sheet for you. When it is ready, send it to us for a quote.
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Written by
Dr Abin Babu
Founder & Chairman, Anabyn Global Ventures
Anabyn exports hotel and home linen from Kerala, India. These guides come from the questions buyers ask our desk. About the team
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