What to Include in a Tech Pack Before You Contact a Manufacturer
The minimum information a factory needs to build an accurate first sample - and what to do if you don't have a formal tech pack yet.
Get a Custom Quote →A tech pack is the technical specification document that tells a manufacturer exactly what to build - measurements, fabric, manufacturing details, and trims - so the first sample matches your design instead of a factory's best guess at it. You don't need a professionally designed tech pack to start a conversation with a manufacturer, but the more complete it is, the faster and more accurate your sampling round will be.
What a Tech Pack Actually Needs to Include
- ✓A flat sketch or reference image of the garment, front and back
- ✓A size chart with measurements for every size you plan to order (chest, length, sleeve, waist, etc.)
- ✓Fabric type and, ideally, a target GSM (see our fabric and GSM guide if you're unsure)
- ✓Manufacturing notes: seam types, stitch details, closures (zippers, buttons, drawstrings)
- ✓Trim and label placement: where woven labels, heat-press logos, or embroidery should sit
- ✓Colorways - every color/style combination you want produced
What If You Don't Have a Formal Tech Pack?
This is normal, especially for a first order. You can send a physical reference garment, a PDF mockup, or even detailed reference photos with written notes, and a factory experienced in OEM work can build a working tech pack from that starting point during the sampling round. What matters most isn't the polish of the document - it's giving the factory enough detail to know what "correct" looks like before they cut fabric.
What Happens After You Submit a Tech Pack
Once your tech pack and artwork are confirmed, sample development typically takes 7 to 10 working days. The factory cuts and sews a single unit (or small run) to your spec, then dispatches it - usually via express air courier like DHL or FedEx - for your review. You check fit, fabric feel, and manufacturing finish against your original spec, request any revisions, and once you approve the sample, that approved version becomes the exact benchmark for your bulk production run.
Sample Fees and Refunds
Most factories charge a sample fee to cover the cutting, labor, and shipping cost of producing a one-off piece outside of a bulk run. It's worth asking upfront whether that fee is refundable - many manufacturers, including us, credit some or all of it back against your bulk order once you place one, which lowers the real cost of testing a new manufacturing relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does sample development take?
Typically 7 to 10 working days after your tech pack and artwork are confirmed, with the finished sample dispatched by express air courier for your review.
Q: Can I send a physical garment instead of a digital tech pack?
Yes - a physical reference sample, PDF tech pack, or high-resolution mockup all work as a starting point. Pattern makers can replicate fit, stitching detail, and fabric feel from a physical sample directly.
Q: What if my first sample isn't quite right?
Sampling exists specifically to catch this before bulk production. Flag exactly what needs to change - fit, fabric, manufacturing details - and a second sampling round is standard practice, not a failure of the process.
Sending Us Your Tech Pack
Whether you have a complete tech pack or just a reference image and a rough idea, send it to us and we'll tell you plainly what we need to get an accurate sample started. If you're still deciding between a fully custom design and one of our existing patterns, our OEM vs ODM guide explains which route needs a tech pack in the first place.
Testimonials or Case Studies
Include testimonials or case studies that provide social proof. Real-life examples of success stories help build credibility and trust.
Jon Doe
Company Name • Founder
“Working with Helanza Ind. has been a game-changer for our business. Their team is incredibly knowledgeable and responsive, and they transformed our activewear line with low MOQs and exceptional stitching quality.”
Marcus Vance
Company Name • Sourcing Director
“Their tech pack assistance and fast 7-day sampling turned our initial mockups into production-ready team uniforms in record time. We couldn't be happier with the bulk quality and export delivery.”
Sarah Jenkins
Company Name • Product Lead
“Direct factory communication with Ali Hassan made all the difference. No middleman margins, transparent pricing, and 100% on-time delivery across our entire private label tracksuit line.”