Phase 1 — Concept & Design System

• Line map, SKU plan, target costs, size curve.

• Brand & design codes: trims, labels, hardware, color library, wash language.

• Technical & graphic design: placement, print, embroidery, appliqué.

Phase 2 — Tech Packs (your single source of truth)

• Spec sheet with tolerances, construction notes, BOM (bill of materials).

• Stitch types, seam finishes, labeling, care, packaging requirements.

• Colorways & artwork layers; graded measurement table.

• Factory-ready: no guessing, fewer rounds.

Phase 3 — Sampling & Fit

• Proto → SMS → PP (pre-production).

• Fit sessions with video/photo notes, changes logged against the spec.

• Approvals: fabric hand, shrinkage, lab dips, trims, and strike-offs.

Phase 4 — Sourcing & Costing

• Vendor matrix by capability (knits, denim, outerwear).

• MOQ, lead time, payment terms, landed cost.

• Alternative materials for margin or sustainability goals.

Phase 5 — Bulk Production & QA/QC

• Production calendar & checkpoints.

• Inline and final inspection, AQL levels, gold seal sample.

• Compliance: care labeling, fiber content, packaging regulations.

Phase 6 — Packaging & 3PL Fulfillment

• Inserts, poly, cartons—barcode/UPC, size stickers, sustainability notes.

• 3PL integration with Shopify: ASN, inbound, bin location, pick/pack SOPs.

• Pre-retail services: hangtagging, stickering, store pack ratios.

Common failure points (and fixes)

• Ambiguous specs → tighten tech pack tolerances.

• Last-minute changes → change-control sheet.

• Delayed approvals → fit calendar & single approver.

• QC misses → factory photo/video logs + independent inspections.

Wrap-up

With clean tech packs, disciplined sampling, and vendor-backed timelines, brands ship on schedule with retail-ready QA/QC—and margins intact.