A counter sample is a sample made by the factory in response to your tech pack and specifications. It's the factory showing you their interpretation of your design before you commit to production.
The Counter Sample Process
The brand sends the tech pack to the factory. The factory makes a counter sample and ships it back. The brand reviews it against the specs, sends comments, and the factory revises. This loop continues until the sample is approved.
What to Check
- Tech pack compliance - did they follow your specifications?
- Fabric and trims - are the materials correct?
- Construction accuracy - seams, stitching, and finishing as specified?
- Measurements - do they match your spec sheet?
Common Issues
Factories sometimes substitute materials to cut costs or misread unclear specs. The best prevention is a precise, unambiguous tech pack - every assumption you leave in the document is a decision the factory will make for you.
FAQs
- How many counter sample rounds are normal?
- 1-3 rounds. More than that suggests the tech pack needs work.
- Who pays for counter samples?
- Usually the brand, often credited against bulk orders.
- What's the difference between a counter sample and a proto?
- Proto is the brand's first concept test. Counter is the factory's first attempt at making it.
Glossary: see the full fashion glossary for more apparel industry terms.