What is Counter Sample in Garment Sampling?

Counter sample can be defined as the reference sample of the original and signed sample. The counter sample is made the same way as the original sample is made and sent to the buyer.

Garment factories make samples for buyer's approval on various things - like garment fit, garment spec and detailing, print and embroidery work, bulk fabrics, bulk trims.

Garment sampling

You know factory develops garment samples at various stages for specific purpose. In each stage factory need to send number of garment samples as asked by the buyer (as required by buyer). The factory makes a few additional samples (at least one additional sample).  The additional sample is made as to the sample sent to the buyer. This is called a counter sample or reference sample.

Especially the pre-production sample (PP Sample) is a very important one to factory merchandising team, quality team and production team. At some point, every department needs to refer to the PP sample. But the factory gets only one approved PP sample the buyer. So when needed they share the counter sample with the factory team.

Secondly, the buyer intimates factory about approvals the sample by mail after checking and approving the PP Sample. But factory receives the signed sample after a couple of days. To start the bulk production without delay factory follow the counter sample.

Some merchandisers always keep one reference sample in their locker. In case sealed and signed sample is lost they refer to that counter sample. Counter sample is not signed by buyer. Normally counter sample is locally signed  by merchandiser.

Prasanta Sarkar

Prasanta Sarkar is a textile engineer and a postgraduate in fashion technology from NIFT, New Delhi, India. He has authored 6 books in the field of garment manufacturing technology, garment business setup, and industrial engineering. He loves writing how-to guide articles in the fashion industry niche. He has been working in the apparel manufacturing industry since 2006. He has visited garment factories in many countries and implemented process improvement projects in numerous garment units in different continents including Asia, Europe, and South Africa. He is the founder and editor of the Online Clothing Study Blog.

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