FAQ

FAQ

I’m new to the industry: Can Sample Room help me?

Yes, we provide the technical services of Pattern making, Sample making, Grading, and Specifications required to create the final package of information you need to take to your Manufacturer. What that means for you, is simply bring your design idea and technical requests to us and we can create all the information a Manufacturer needs to produce that idea. If you would like to know more about the overall process you can visit our ‘Emerging Designer’ page and watch our online Start Up Launching Point video just by clicking here. We can also help in Design and Business development; traditionally these processes were completed by different companies, you can think of the Sample Room as your one-stop shop!

What is the Fashion Label Launchpad?

The Fashion Label Launchpad is a six month support program designed to help clients who are new to the manufacturing industry launch their first range.
Already studied Fashion Design? The Fashion Label Launchpad is the perfect progression after your course to help you get industry knowledge fast!
You can find out more by clicking here.

Is Sample Room a Manufacturing company?

Yes. We offer small-run production (minimum order 20 units) for clients who have completed their full development through our company or who have completed our Fashion Label Launchpad program.

Will Sample Room help me find local manufacturers?

Yes, we have many manufacturing contacts who we happily offer to our clients. However, this is information we only offer when your construction, quantities, and fabrics have been finalized. It is important to find the right manufacturer, as many will have minimum orders, specific/ limited machinery and/ or specific requirements.

Do you sell or provide fabric for my designs?

No, Sample Room does not sell or source fabrics on behalf of our clients. However, we do offer fabric sourcing Consultations, whereby we can take you to visit fabric agents and assist you in choosing the correct fabric for your designs.

Do I need to provide you with all the trims, hardware or buttons needed for my designs?

Yes, you need to provide us with all the necessary components for your designs before we can start sampling. We do not stock any types of trims and if we are required to source on your behalf, the cost of each item plus freight from the supplier will be billed to each client.

How much will development cost for all of my designs?

We do not offer quotes as every style we create is different and customised to each of our clients’ needs. Development is a very fluid process and many decisions are finalized during the process; a change in mind on fabrics, trims, and/or construction can affect the overall cost of your development and production. Need help setting up your budget? Check out our Online Start Up Launching Point video to give you an idea of the process involved by clicking here.

I have created my own patterns, can Sample Room create my samples?

No. Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer Sampling alone as we find many home-made Patterns are not well balanced, haven’t accounted for fabric behavior/shrinkage and the Patterns often need to be corrected.

Does Sample Room offer one-on-one Consultations?

Yes, if you would like to book in an initial Design or Business Consultation, please get in touch by phone (03) 9041 3488 or e-mail info@sampleroom.com.au
If you are new to the Manufacturing Industry, we recommend watching our Online Start Up Launching Point video before booking an initial Consultation, just click here.
As it will help you to prepare before meeting with our lead Pattern maker; preparation is key to a successful development and production process.

What do I bring to an initial appointment?

More is more when it comes to initial consultations, here are some items that will help convey your individual Designs:
Reference garments, reference images, trade sketches, fabric swatches, and customer profiles.

Also, make a list of any specific questions you need to be answered to best utilize the allotted time in your appointment.

How much will it cost to release my first clothing line?

This is a common question and one that is very hard to answer; clients that we have worked with in the past estimate that they have spent between $30,000-$100,000 in their first year.
This includes (but is not limited to) patterns, samples, fittings, grading, markers, sampling fabrics and trims, production fabrics and trims, manufacturing, website development, graphic designing costs, and photo-shoots. Also consider the loss of wages, as logistically many clients will need at least 1-2 business days each week to run around and develop their range (the Fashion Industry generally operates Monday – Friday).

Starting a fashion label is an investment and there is no guarantee you will make a return on this amount in the first year.

Is Sample Room ethically accredited?

Yes, we are! We are very proud to have gained accreditation from Ethical Clothing Australia from 2015.