Tech Pack FAQ
What Is A Tech Pack ?
(090-070). A tech pack is the blueprint that the factory use to produce your design. It should contain all the information necessary to make your design exactly as you intend.
There is nothing mystical about a tech pack. As long as it contains the right information in a clear manner, that is all that is required.
Is A Tech Pack Important ?
It depends on how critical it is to you that your design is made in a particular way, to precise specifications. and whether your factory insists on being provided with a tech pack. Often a factory will insist on one mainly because they want to cover their back.
If you do provide a tech pack, it is very important that it is made by a highly experienced professional. Mistakes are often made through inexperienced tech pack designers providing poor information.
Who Makes Tech Packs ?
Tech packs need to be made by highly experienced fashion professionals. The best tech pack designers needs to have in depth knowledge of fashion design, pattern cutting, sample making, product development, and garment construction.
Ideally your sample maker would provide your tech pack, as long as they employ professional tech pack designers. If you have chosen a good sampling unit, then they should have the relevant skills and experience. Choose carefully, as a poor tech pack can be disastrous.
Can I Make A Tech Pack Myself ?
If you need to ask, then definitely not. Tech pack design requires extensive experience in all areas of the sampling and production.
As with any industry, there are all sorts of words, phrases, and jargon that are taken for granted within the industry, but not understood outside. A careless use of the wrong word can result in a completely different garment.
We provide our own tech pack design service, using highly experienced fashion industry professionals.
Alternatively, we provide tech pack design workshops for anyone interested in learning how to make their own tech packs.
Do I Need A Tech Pack For Sampling ?
Not necessarily. We at The London Pattern Cutter prefer that you discuss this with us beforehand, because a poor tech pack can cause all sorts of problems and misunderstandings.
We prefer to use our own in-house tech pack designers where possible. so that we receive all the important information direct from the designer, first hand.
Is A Tech Pack Needed For Production ?
Ideally yes, but it is not always essential. You should discuss this with your chosen factory. Its use should benefit both the designer and the factory. Many factories will insist on using one, but others will be happy to work without.
If it is important that your design is made exactly to your requirements, then you would be strongly advised to provide a tech pack.
The important thing here is that the sample makers use experienced pattern cutters who know how to interpret your design. And know what questions to ask in order to interpret your design accurately.
Do I Need A Tech Pack To Produce Abroad ?
A professional tech pack is essential if you are using an offshore factory for production. While it can be significantly cheaper and rewarding to manufacture abroad, it can be risky if you do not supply the factory with accurate information. It is important to reduce those risks as much as possible.
Can You Supply Tech Packs ?
Yes, we can supply tech packs. Our tech pack designers are extremely experienced within the fashion business.
What Is Included In A Tech Pack ?
The contents of a tech pack can vary considerably. Most small fashion businesses and startups are not manufacturing in sufficient quantities to warrant an in depth tech pack. Please check our tech pack design page for full information on what is included in a tech pack.
How Much Does A Tech Pack Cost ?
A tech pack can cost anything from £100 to £3000, or more – depending on how in depth the tech pack is. A small or startup label on a limited budget should be looking to pay £80 – £300. A complicated style that has a lot of detail may cost around £300 – £1500. Please check our tech pack prices.
The price you pay for a tech pack should reflect the total sales value for each design. Technical garments may well require more in depth tech packs, as they can be complicated. But, as the designs generally have a longer life, it is more cost effective. And more essential.
EMAIL thelondonpatterncutter@gmail.com