Ordering Blank Garment Samples for your Group Project

Samples are an important step to make sure your bulk order is exactly as you want it to be.

With so many variables in play like fit, fabric texture, and fabric weight, it’s difficult to know exactly what to choose from pictures and manufacturer blurbs alone. Ordering a sample or two can help make sure your chosen garment is just right.

Ordering samples does take time, but is worth it! Please allow enough time to receive your samples (1-6 business days once paid for), with some additional time to try them out thoroughly. The entire process can add a few days to a few weeks to your turn time, depending on a lot of factors. If you have an event date, be sure to let me know as soon as possible so we can take that into account.

This post tackles only blank product samples; for information on decorated samples click here.

Step 1: narrow down your options

First, you’ll need to narrow down the options to what you like the best. See the full blog post here on how we will tackle that together.

I recommend selecting a few options to choose from so you don’t have to wait for additional items to ship if your first choice isn’t perfect.

Step 2: specify the details

Please provide a single shipping address for all samples to be sent to.

For each style you want a sample of, provide the following:

• Size(s)
• Color(s)

Step 3: approve and pay for your samples

I will email an order summary for you to approve which includes all of the samples you plan to order, the color and size for each, your shipping address, and pricing. Please look over this thoroughly to make sure everything is correct!

Along with your order summary I will send an invoice. I charge only what is required to cover the cost of the items and shipping them to you (nothing is marked up).

If everything on your order summary and invoice look correct, please pay the invoice and I will order your samples. Payment acts as your approval and no changes can be made after that point (I usually order the samples immediately upon receiving your payment in order to get them to you at the soonest possible time).

Step 4: wait for the samples to arrive

Samples will be received in 1-6 business days (unless there are shipping delays which are out of our control).

Step 5: try out your samples

Once received, put your samples through a test! Try them on, show them to your group members, wash them, and wear them doing whatever activities you’ll be using them for. Here are some ideas of what to pay attention to:

• Fit: does the item run smaller or larger than expected for the size you ordered? Does everyone in your group like how loose or tight it fits?
• Fabric: is the fabric as soft as you would like? Is it thick enough? Is it too heavy?
• Washability: does the fabric change texture when washed? Does the item shrink in the dryer?
• Wearability: how does the item look and feel while worn during your group activity? If ordering for a sports or summer event, is it breathable? Does it ride up while running? Does it turn see-through when wet?

Ultimately only you and your group will know what is most important to them in their apparel. Make sure to test all of those things before making your choice.

Step 6: make your selection(s)

Once your tests are done, select which item(s) you like the best. I suggest ruling out any you specifically dislike, and putting the rest in order of preference. That way if your first choice is out of stock when you place your order, you already have a plan B.

That’s it!

Relay what you find to me and we can move forward with your group order. You get to keep all of the samples. If you have any you don’t want, please give them away or donate them.