How to Know if You’re Ready for Small Batch Manufacturing
And Why You Might Want Sample Batch Manufacturing Instead
Traditional manufacturing operates on large-scale orders, with Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) established before you can begin working with them. While conventional manufacturing makes sense for established businesses, who know they have the demand for their products, ordering several hundred or thousands of product units is out of reach for most new entrepreneurs and product designers.
In recent years, “small-batch” manufacturing has become popular as an alternative to mass production. But how small is a “small batch,” and how does it work? Is it ideal for new entrepreneurs? Below is an overview of small-batch manufacturing and why you might need sample batch manufacturing instead.
What Is Small Batch Manufacturing?
Large manufacturers sometimes offer clients a small-batch manufacturing option, while others specialize in small-batch offerings. While the name “small-batch” may sound like an excellent fit for a new entrepreneur, the reality is that a “small” batch to a manufacturer still requires a minimum of 300-500 units.
Investing in small-batch manufacturing is a good option for sewn product sellers who have tested their product in the market and know they have a reliable market base to sell to. But what if you are just starting on your sewn product design journey? What if you’re still perfecting your pattern, seeking feedback from real customers, and testing the market? Instead of investing in 300 units, you’re then obligated to sell; you’re better off ordering a sample batch of 10-20 while you finalize your design.
This is where sample batch manufacturing steps in and fills the gap for new entrepreneurs.
The Benefits of Sample Batch Manufacturing
The main benefit of a sample batch is that you can test your new product in the real world without a significant financial commitment. Focusing on 5-25 samples gives you the ability to quickly adapt your product to customer feedback, pivoting designs or materials with a lower risk of having excess inventory and unsold products. Plus, when you work with a qualified patternmaker and sample batch manufacturing team, there will be greater attention to detail due to the small production scale. It’s far better to find and fix the mistakes in your design with a sample batch than investing in a small batch run or full manufacturing run.
Once you’ve sorted out all the kinks in your design with a sample batch, you can proceed to a small batch, creating a sense of exclusivity and scarcity around your initial sample run, which can also attract customers.
Key Features of Sample Batch Manufacturing
Low Production Volumes - Very small sample quantities, typically suited for limited-run products or prototypes.
Customizable and Flexible - Allows for easy modifications to product design, materials, or production methods between batches.
Smaller Initial Investment - Reduces your initial investment because you’ll be ordering a fraction of what manufacturers require, even if the per-unit cost is higher.
Greater Sustainability - Helps reduce waste by manufacturing only what is needed, avoiding overproduction.
Small Batch Manufacturing vs. Sample Batch Manufacturing: Which is Right for You?
Here’s how to assess whether small-batch manufacturing or sample-batch manufacturing is best for your business:
#1 Consider Your Business Goals
Are you launching a new product and want to test the market? Do you value the flexibility to iterate your design or test different materials?
If you’re still refining your design, sample batch manufacturing is a good fit for you.
#2 Evaluate Your Target Market
Do you need to test your product with your target market? Are you catering to a niche market with specialized needs? Are you seeking customer feedback to improve your final design?
If you’re still testing your product with your market, sample batch manufacturing is a good fit for you.
#3 Assess Your Budget
Can you afford the per-unit costs and MOQs of small-batch manufacturers? Do you have the patterns and tech packs in place to ensure a manufacturer produces your product correctly?
If you are constrained by budget or still need to create the resources required for professional manufacturing, sample batch manufacturing is the better fit for you.
#4 Analyze Demand
Is the demand for your product uncertain or unpredictable? Are you producing seasonal or custom products that don’t require mass production?
Sample batch manufacturing can minimize the risk of overproduction until you gain clarity on the demand for your product.
Sample Batch Manufacturing for Sewn Product Designers
Sample batch manufacturing is a strategic tool for entrepreneurs who want to test their product in the real world with their target market before investing in large quantities of inventory. Whether you’re ready to invest in a sample batch or prepare your pattern and tech pack for small-batch manufacturing, MADE Apparel Services can help. Browse our services to find out where you are in the sewn product journey.
