Sampling Prices
How Much Does Sampling Cost In The UK ?
Sampling costs are a big part of any small fashion brands budget. Clothing samples can cost up to five times the production price. As a very rough guide, a blouse sample may cost £40 – £150, without a pattern. A tailored jacket sample may cost £120 – £300.
Those prices dont account for making the pattern, which can be a significant part of sampling costs. That topic is covered more in our page on garment sample development if you would like a fuller understanding of the process.
Online Video Course.
We have created an online video course for anyone interested in how to start a fashion brand in the UK. The course consists of nineteen chapters. It is available to download to study from home in your own time. Just email for details.
This online video course was created by senior fashion business adviser, designer, and entrepreneur, Emile Vidal Carr. He has over twenty years experience in the fashion industry, running his own businesses and helping UK startups. He is also author of The Fashion Formula.
How Much Does The Video Course Cost ?
The online video course on how to start a fashion brand costs £200 for all nineteen chapters. Or less than half price using the code LPC 24 – Just £99 for all nineteen chapters.
Specialists.
For some types of clothing you will need a specialist sample machinist with specialist sewing machines. Sometimes only a specialist factory will have the facilities.
Contour wear, swimwear, lingerie, and sportswear often need specialists, although sometimes samples can be mocked up well enough to serve their purpose. Expect to pay more for a specialist machinist though.
Hourly Rate Vs Job Rate.
Deciding whether to use an hourly rate, or a rate per job can be tricky. Many freelancers prefer to use an hourly rate, as there can be all sorts of unexpected hold ups and complications.
I normally advise my colleagues to use a per job rate so that clients know exactly how much they will be paying for the job. in advance. It is important to be very clear and transparent regarding pricing.
How To Get Samples Made.
Who you choose to make your samples depends on your own unique requirements, and your budget. You have four choices : Freelance sample machinist ; Sampling factory ; CMT factory ; One-stop-shop.
Sometimes you may find a seamstress or dressmaker who can do the sampling job at a very reasonable rate. Its important to be aware that they would not necessarily be trained in the fashion industry though.
London has many skilled freelance sample machinists and small clothing factories, but it tends to be more expensive than other areas of the UK.
Freelance Sample Machinist.
The cheapest alternative for sampling is the freelance sample machinist working from home. They have fewer overhead costs, and generally dont charge VAT. The best freelancers are worth their weight in gold.
If your products require a high degree of skill, you need to employ the best sample machinist you can afford. If your samples require less skill, then you may be able to employ a less experienced sample machinist.
A freelance sample machinist should charge £18 – £45 per hour, depending on experience and skills. The best sample machinists are in high demand, and are always busy.
A sample machinist who can also do a little pattern cutting could be a good cost effective option, but they are few and far between.
The Sampling Factory.
The sampling factory will probably be a little more expensive than the freelancer, but cheaper than the CMT factory. They will just make samples, but may do very small production runs. They will have overheads, and may charge VAT.
Cut Make And Trim Factory.
The basic CMT factory will make your samples and do the production, but not much else. Sample prices can vary, depending on how popular the factory is. Prices may be comparable to the sampling factory, or could be considerably more expensive.
One-Stop-Shop.
The one-stop-shop will probably be the more expensive option for sampling, as you will be paying for the convenience of having all the knowledge, experience and skills in one place. You will also be paying VAT. It can be a great option for startup entrepreneurs with a reasonable budget, but with little free time.
Why Does Sampling Cost So Much ?
Much of the cost of sampling is in the pattern price. It is not just the cost of making the initial pattern, but also the cost of making the toiles (mock ups) where necessary, and of alterations, and producing a final perfected pattern.
Our Services.
The London Pattern Cutter is a small collective of fashion industry specialist freelancers and small factories, devoted to providing reasonably priced expert services to fashion startups, small businesses, and individual clients.
Each of our freelancers should be able to provide you with a range of services and advice within their field of expertise, that goes way beyond sampling.
Our expert sample machinists should be able to help with sourcing, fitting, tech packs, pattern alterations, and general advice. All at a reasonable hourly rate.
We can provide you with a choice of specialist freelance sample machinists, sample factories, and one-stop-shop manufacturers to suit your specific needs.
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