FAQ | Style Shop

I'm new to the Industry: Can Sample Room help me?

We provide the technical services of Patternmaking, 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 a Design idea to us and we can create all the information a Manufacturer needs to produce that idea. If you would like to know more about this process you can visit our Emerging Designer page and watch our online Information Session 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 6 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?

We are not a Manufacturer. There is some confusion as to how we are different from a manufacturer, basically our job is to work with you to develop your Patterns, Samples and Specifications before meeting a Manufacturer. A Manufacturer’s job is to then take that Pattern, Sample and Specification and create your bulk production (a Manufacturer does not like to develop samples).

Will Sample Room help me find local Manufacturers?

Yes, we have many Manufacturing contacts who we happily offer to our Client’s. 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 machinery and specific requirements. We also Manufacturing Sourcing, where will find a Manufacturer on your behalf and manage your line through the entire Manufacturing process. Please call us on (03) 9041 3488 to discuss how we can tailor a solution to meet your needs.

Do you sell or provide Fabric for my Designs?

No, Sample Room doesn’t sell or source Fabrics on behalf of our Client’s. However, we do offer Fabric Sourcing Consultations, whereby we will 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 the whole process cost for all of my Designs?

We do not offer quotes as every Style we create is different and customized to each and everyone of our Client’s needs. Development is a very fluid process and many decisions are finalized during the process; a change in mind on Fabrics, Trims and Construction can all affect the overall cost of your development. Need help setting up your budget? Watch our Online Information Session to give you an idea of the process involved by clicking here.

I have created my own Patterns, can Sample Room create my Samples?

Yes, we can offer Sampling alone. However, if we find that your Patterns are incorrect, are not well balanced, haven’t accounted for Fabric behavior/ Shrinkage, the Pattern will need to be adjusted at our Pattern making prices before we can proceed to Sampling.
We don’t recommend supplying your own Patterns unless you are an experienced Patternmaker.

Does Sample Room offer one-on-one Design Consultations?

Yes, if you would like to book in an Initial Design Consultation simply call us on (03) 9041 3488.

If you are new to the Manufacturing Industry, we recommend watching our Online Information Session before booking an Initial Consultation, just click here.
As it will help you prepare for an Initial Consultation with our lead Pattern maker; preparation will be key throughout the entire development process.

What do I bring to an Initial appointment?

More is more when it comes to Initial Consultations, here are just some of the items to consider:
Reference Garments, Reference Images, Samples/ Toiles you have already created, Trade Sketches, Fabric swatches for each Design and Customer Profiles.

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

Does Sample Room provide Business Consulting services?

Yes we do, Owner/ Director of Sample Room, Julia Van Der Sommen has over 20 years of Industry experience and knows how to help Designers determine who their Customer is, what their Design aesthetic should be, how to sell their product and where? Please cal us (03) 9041 3488 if you would like a Business Consultation today.

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 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 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 in 2015.

If you would like to know more about how we can assist you with Ethical Accreditation you can find out all of the details by clicking here.