The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Accessories in the USA: Sample Making

The sample is the heart of any production. It's where you test whether your design works and can be produced at scale. That's why sample making is so important - if there are any problems with the sample, they need to be addressed and fixed before you produce hundreds or thousands of pieces that may not sell because they might not be designed or tested correctly.

What are the reasons for making samples of your product, you might ask? One big reason is that it is necessary. You will need a 3D representation of what you are making in order to test the functionality, style and look. It is the final product that provides a reality check to align what was created during the tech pack stage. You may think you know what the finished product will look like, but there are many details in a physical sample that aren’t apparent on paper.

Without a well constructed final sample, it's impossible to know how the design will turn out. The process of making samples allows for better communication and cooperation between you, the designers who create the product, and your manufacturer who will be executing the making of the product. Once you approve the sample, it will then be used by your manufacturer to cost out materials and labor. It will also be used as your quality control -- it is now the top sample and will be the go-to example of what the entire production should look like. So, make sure when you are approving and reviewing, you are testing and looking over every detail. This is your responsibility as the designer and owner of your business.

By making a sample first, you can ensure that your product is made correctly and that it meets all of yours and your customer’s expectations. At Clutch Made Factory, we make sampling easy - you can be confident that your final product will be just what you envisioned. Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Article written by Kat Yasuda.

Kat Yasuda is the Clutch Made resident blogger. She loves to create and has a passion for design and art.