Monthly Archives: September 2024

Sep 27 2024

4 Ways to Protect Your Clothing Investment with Premium Custom Apparel Solutions

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Custom apparel can be a major investment for any brand—and like any investment, you should take measures to ensure you make the most of it.

The fashion industry’s shift toward brand marketing presents a significant opportunity for building stronger customer loyalty, as highlighted in The State of Fashion 2024 Report by McKinsey & Company.

Apparel companies can create deeper, more meaningful relationships with customers through their brand experiences. This builds a loyal customer base that goes beyond transactional interactions to create emotionally invested brand advocates.

Keep reading to find out how to elevate your brand with premium custom apparel solutions.

Why This Matters

It’s easier to understand the value of your investment when looking at concrete situations, so here are two hypothetical scenarios that illustrate what we mean…

Scenario 1: Ordering Company Uniforms

When it comes to outfitting your workforce, the decisions you make today can have a lasting impact on both your budget and your team’s satisfaction. 

Let’s take a look at two companies facing the same need for new uniforms for their 1,000-strong teams:

  • Company A, looking to minimize upfront costs, opts for the cheapest option on the market.
  • Company B, on the other hand, chooses to invest in quality, focusing on long-term value rather than immediate savings.

Fast forward two years, and the results are telling.

  • Company A’s Outcome: Their initial $20,000 investment has doubled due to faded uniforms, frayed seams, and the need for numerous replacements. Employee morale is low, with complaints about discomfort and an unprofessional appearance.
  • Company B’s Success: After spending $30,000 initially, their uniforms still look fresh and require only minimal replacements. Over five years, they’ve only spent an additional $3,000, and employee satisfaction is high thanks to comfortable, durable uniforms.

This real-world comparison highlights the importance of quality in custom apparel investments. While saving upfront may seem tempting, the long-term costs and impact on your team can far outweigh the initial savings.

Scenario 2: Ordering Garments to Sell to Customers

Now, imagine two e-commerce brands, both venturing into the world of selling custom apparel to their customers:

  • Company A, driven by the desire to maximize profits quickly, opts for the cheapest supplier.
  • Company B, having learned the value of quality in their previous decisions, chooses a supplier that aligns with their brand values and customer expectations.

Fast forward one year, and the outcomes highlight the difference between short-term savings and long-term success.

  • Company A’s Outcome: With a $10,000 investment, Company A launches their apparel line, excited to see sales roll in. However, shortly after, complaints start flooding their inbox—shirts are shrinking, prints are fading, and customers are dissatisfied. Negative reviews on their website and social media platforms hurt their reputation, leading to returns and a drop in sales. The low-quality garments have created a customer service nightmare, and the initial profit margins quickly evaporate as refunds and replacements pile up.
  • Company B’s Success: Company B, having invested $15,000 upfront in high-quality, durable garments, sees a different outcome. Their customers love the feel and durability of the clothing, leading to glowing reviews, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Instead of managing complaints, Company B focuses on growing their loyal customer base. Their long-term investment in quality pays off, as they build a trusted brand that continues to see strong sales growth.

Just like in our previous scenario with employee uniforms, Company A’s decision to cut costs resulted in higher expenses and a damaged brand image, while Company B’s focus on quality has strengthened customer loyalty and profitability.

The lesson is clear: investing in quality from the start builds trust, reduces costs in the long run, and sets the foundation for sustained success.

So, how exactly can you do this? Let’s explore further…

Partner with Scrappy Apparel for Fast, High-Quality, and Reliable Manufacturing

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Custom Apparel Investment

Here are four effective strategies that will help you make smart decisions and get the most out of your custom apparel venture.

1. Selecting Reliable Suppliers

When it comes to protecting your custom apparel investment, choosing the right suppliers is crucial. You need partners who can deliver quality products consistently and support your brand’s growth. 

Here’s how you can select reliable suppliers for your custom apparel venture.

Before committing to a supplier, it’s essential to do your homework. Look for manufacturers with a proven track record and positive client testimonials for their custom apparel solutions.

You can verify their qualifications, including industry certifications and compliance with safety and ethical standards. Reading reviews from other brands they’ve worked with can give you valuable insights into their reliability and quality of work.

Consider conducting interviews to get a better sense of their operations and company culture. This will help you determine if they align with your brand’s values and production needs.

2. Maintaining Quality Assurance Processes

A reliable supplier should have robust processes for quality assurance in custom apparel. This is crucial because poor-quality raw materials can lead to disruptions, reputational damage, and financial losses. 

Ask potential suppliers about their quality control measures, from raw material selection to final product inspection.

Look for suppliers who perform regular inspections and have clear procedures for addressing quality issues. They should be able to provide samples of their work, allowing you to assess their craftsmanship, material quality, and ability to meet your specific design requirements.

Choose a manufacturer that is responsive to your inquiries and provides clear, detailed information. They should be willing to discuss expectations, address concerns, and offer feedback regularly.

A good supplier will also be able to support your business as it grows. Ask about their production capacity and ability to handle increased order volumes. Additionally, inquire about their turnaround times and flexibility in meeting tight deadlines.

By carefully selecting reliable suppliers, you can significantly reduce risks and enhance the quality of your custom apparel investment. The right supplier isn’t just a vendor—they’re a partner in your business success.

3. Implementing a Quality Check System

To protect your custom apparel investment, implementing a robust quality check system is crucial. This system ensures that your products meet the highest standards throughout the production process. Let’s explore the key components of an effective quality check system.

Pre-Production Samples

Pre-production samples play a vital role in safeguarding your custom apparel investment. These samples allow you to evaluate the design, stitching, and labeling before large-scale production begins. By carefully examining pre-production samples, you can identify and address any issues early on, saving time and resources in the long run.

When reviewing pre-production samples, pay close attention to fabric quality, stitching accuracy, and overall garment construction. This step helps ensure that the final product aligns with your vision and meets your quality standards. Approving pre-production samples is crucial before moving forward with bulk production.

Final Product Evaluation

The final product evaluation is your last opportunity to assess the quality of your custom apparel before it reaches your customers. This crucial step involves a comprehensive inspection to verify that the finished products meet your desired quality standards.

During the final evaluation, conduct thorough visual inspections to check for any visible flaws, such as fabric defects, stains, or irregularities in print or embroidery. Test the functionality of features like zippers, buttons, and snaps to ensure they operate smoothly. Additionally, verify that the garments are correctly labeled with accurate size information and care instructions.

If you work with an end-to-end supply chain management partner like Scrappy Apparel, you can trust them to handle the final product evaluation stage for you (as well as all the other stages of the QA process). You need a reliable partner to complete this final check, so vet potential vendors thoroughly.

4. Protecting Your Brand Identity

Your brand identity is what sets you apart from competitors and creates a lasting impression on your customers. To safeguard your brand, you need to focus on consistency, quality, and authenticity.

Consistent Branding Across Garments

Maintaining brand consistency across all your custom apparel designs is essential for building trust and recognition. When customers see the same logo, colors, and style across all touchpoints, it reinforces your brand’s reliability. Custom corporate apparel ensures that every employee becomes a walking ambassador for your brand, from the front desk to the sales floor.

To achieve consistency, create a comprehensive style guide that outlines your brand’s visual elements, including logo usage, color palette, typography, and imagery. This guide serves as a rulebook for anyone creating content or products for your brand, ensuring uniformity across all channels.

Use High-Quality Labels and Tags

Consider using both internal and external labels to maximize brand visibility. Internal labels provide essential information about the garment, while external labels or hang tags make your brand easily recognizable. You can use these elements to convey important details, like size and care instructions, while reinforcing your brand identity.

Private labeling your garments is a great way to protect and elevate your brand. When you add your logo and brand name to neck labels and hang tags, it gives your custom apparel designs a polished, professional look that strengthens your brand with every wear. It adds extra value to your products and helps prevent counterfeiting or unauthorized reselling. 

At Scrappy Apparel, our private labeling program is designed to help you take your custom apparel to the next level. We offer this service across our entire product range, giving you the opportunity to create a consistent brand experience with a small additional cost per garment. This investment pays off big in terms of brand ownership and distinction.

Let us help you turn standard garments into powerful brand ambassadors, so your apparel not only looks great but truly represents your brand in the marketplace.

Maximize Your Custom Apparel Investment with Scrappy

At Scrappy Apparel, we’re always working with your best interests in mind. Our team offers far more than basic custom t-shirt printing.

We know that investing in custom apparel is no small expense, and we’re dedicated to helping you maximize that investment. Our team understands that quality matters—from the small details to the overall durability of each piece, we make sure your apparel is built to last and delivers a five-star experience every time. 

As supply chain experts, we’re able to find cost-effective ways to streamline the apparel production process, from manufacturing to apparel fulfillment, all without cutting corners on quality. By combining these custom apparel solutions, we help you cut unnecessary costs and optimize your investment from start to finish.

For more details, check out our custom screen printing and all-over sublimation printing services.

Ready to take your garments to the next level? Let’s maximize your investment with streamlined custom apparel solutions!

Sep 20 2024

Tyler, the Creator x Supreme: A 2024 Streetwear Revival & Its Impact on Apparel Fulfillment

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The announcement of a collaboration between Tyler, the Creator and Supreme has sent shockwaves through the fashion world—instilling nostalgia in streetwear fans who remembered the very first collaboration between the two icons.

You might be wondering why this partnership has caused such a stir. As a cultural icon and innovative artist, Tyler’s influence on streetwear culture has been profound, making his team-up with Supreme a game-changing event.

This alliance brings together two powerhouses in urban fashion that always redefine the boundaries of style and creativity.

The Announcement That Broke the Internet

The streetwear world was set ablaze when Supreme unveiled its latest campaign featuring none other than Tyler, the Creator.

As the hype for Supreme’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection built, the iconic brand added fuel to the fire with a new set of wheatpastings showcasing the rapper-turned-designer.

This collaboration marks a full-circle moment for Tyler and Supreme, sparking excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.

Social Media Reaction

Supreme’s Instagram post, featuring high-resolution photos of Tyler wearing a white tee with a green Supreme box logo, quickly garnered attention.

Fans flooded the comments section with enthusiasm.

Even Tyler himself joined in on the hype, commenting, “MR. GREEN HAT, REALLY?”

Industry Response

The collaboration has sparked speculation within the fashion industry. Some fans have even suggested that Tyler might be named Supreme’s next creative director, a position left vacant since Tremaine Emory’s departure last year.

Given Tyler’s long-standing relationship with the brand and his proven industry credentials, such a move would make sense to many observers.

Fan Excitement and Nostalgia

For longtime Supreme fans, this collaboration taps into a deep well of nostalgia. Many remember Tyler as an avid wearer of Supreme during his early career with Odd Future.

In a behind-the-scenes clip, Tyler reflected on this history, saying:

“At 16, 17, 18, 19, Supreme was our Louis Vuitton.”

This sentiment resonates with fans who have followed Tyler’s journey from his early days to his current status as a fashion icon.

When a high-profile collaboration like Tyler, The Creator and Supreme emerges, the excitement and anticipation can be overwhelming for fans—and brands.

In the streetwear world, hype often leads to massive demand, making it crucial for brands to have a robust e-commerce and fulfillment system in place to handle the rush.

This is an area where Scrappy Apparel could help.

As a bulk manufacturing and apparel fulfillment company, Scrappy streamlines the entire supply chain. From manufacturing to order fulfillment, we offer a fully integrated solution, allowing brands to focus on marketing and sales without the headaches of logistics.

A collaboration of this scale requires seamless operations to ensure products are delivered on time and customers remain satisfied. We empower you to navigate the chaos of high-demand launches smoothly, maintaining both quality and speed.

We’ll share more about our solutions in a bit—but for now, let’s talk more about Tyler and Supreme.

Supreme’s Celebrity Collaborations: A Historical Perspective

Supreme has built its reputation on collaborations that span across various cultural domains.

The brand has partnered with sportswear giants, contemporary artists, industrial design brands, and even filmmakers.

These collaborations have been instrumental in elevating Supreme’s cultural cachet and expanding its influence beyond streetwear.

Past Notable Faces of Supreme

Over the years, Supreme has featured an impressive roster of celebrities in its campaigns.

The brand’s first photo tee showcased Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon the Chef, alongside his bodyguard and Elmo, capturing Supreme’s playfully subversive identity.

Other notable faces have included Mike Tyson, whose stark portrait became one of Supreme’s most coveted tees, and Lou Reed, whose standoffish pose embodied downtown cool.

Supreme’s celebrity collaborations haven’t been limited to musicians and actors. The brand has also tapped into the world of pop culture icons, featuring Kermit the Frog in a campaign that perfectly reflected Supreme’s sense of playfulness and youth.

How Tyler Fits into This Legacy

Tyler, the Creator’s collaboration with Supreme marks a full-circle moment for both parties.

As a longtime fan and wearer of the brand, Tyler has played an integral role in popularizing Supreme since the early 2010s.

He famously wore Supreme pieces to high-profile events, including the MTVU Woodie Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards in 2011.

Evolution of Supreme’s Marketing Approach

Supreme’s marketing strategy has evolved to include more diverse and unexpected collaborations.

The brand has partnered with luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, creating collections that blend high-end luxury with streetwear edge.

Supreme has also collaborated with artists like KAWS and brands like Comme des Garçons, further expanding its creative reach.

Celebrity endorsements remain a key component of Supreme’s marketing strategy.

By aligning with influential figures in music, film, art, and sports, Supreme creates buzz around its products and taps into existing fan bases.

Tyler’s Influence on Streetwear Culture

Tyler, the Creator has become a trailblazing force in both music and fashion, continually pushing boundaries and redefining style norms. His impact on streetwear culture is undeniable, with his unique aesthetic influencing trends and inspiring a generation of fashion enthusiasts.

Key Moments in Tyler’s Fashion History

Tyler’s journey in fashion began with the formation of Odd Future in the early 2010s.

The collective quickly gained recognition for their distinct style, which blended LA skate culture with punk and Wu-Tang influences.

In 2011, Odd Future opened a pop-up store on Fairfax Avenue, which became a permanent fixture in the streetwear scene.

This store served as a launchpad for Tyler’s own clothing line, Golf Wang, which debuted its first lookbook, “Holiday 1991,” in December of that year.

Impact on Youth Fashion Trends

Tyler’s influence on youth fashion is significant, and many can credit him for their “Supreme thirst.”

His style has evolved from the early Odd Future days of graphic tees and five-panel caps to a more refined aesthetic that blends preppy elements with streetwear.

Tyler has encouraged experimentation with atypical clothing, bringing a touch of femininity to men’s fashion through the use of pastel colors and painted nails.

Collaborations and Personal Brands

Tyler’s collaborations have further cemented his status in the fashion world. Notable partnerships include ongoing projects with Converse, resulting in the popular Golf Le Fleur trainer.

He has also worked with luxury brands, most recently collaborating with Louis Vuitton and Pharrell Williams on a collection featuring cardigans, suits, and vibrant pastel colors.

Through Golf Wang, Tyler has created a brand that reflects his eccentric personality and artistic vision. The line is characterized by bold colors, playful patterns, and unconventional designs.

As Tyler continues to push boundaries in both music and fashion, his influence on streetwear culture shows no signs of waning.

Love Streetwear? We Empower Brands with our Creative Manufacturing Solutions

At Scrappy Apparel, we understand that streetwear is more than just clothing—it’s a form of self-expression.

To bring those bold, vibrant designs to life, it’s essential to have access to the right printing methods and materials. That’s why we offer a range of premium manufacturing solutions to meet the creative needs of every brand we work with.

When it comes to printing, we provide both screen printing and sublimation options, each tailored to different fabric types and design goals.

Screen printing, which works best on cotton fabrics, is ideal for producing clean, crisp designs in bold colors. While traditional screen printing can have limitations, simulated process screen printing allows us to print complex designs with multiple colors that wouldn’t be possible with standard screen printing.

For brands looking to cover the entire garment with vibrant, intricate designs, sublimation printing is the perfect solution. Using polyester fabrics, sublimation allows for full-coverage, all-over prints in unlimited colors. This technique is especially useful for streetwear brands aiming to make a bold statement with their apparel.

In addition to our printing capabilities, we source all the raw materials and fabrics based on what our clients envision for their collections.

Whether it’s heavyweight cotton for durability or high-performance polyester for sublimation, we ensure that every custom apparel project meets the highest standards of quality.

With Scrappy Apparel, our partners have the freedom to focus on creativity and design, knowing that we’ll handle the entire manufacturing process from start to finish.

Leverage Scrappy Apparel’s Bulk Manufacturing and Fulfillment Solutions to Scale Your Brand with Confidence

We designed our bulk apparel manufacturing and apparel fulfillment solutions with scalability in mind. You’ll never outgrow us!

Unmatched Product Range

From classic t-shirts to trendy hoodies, we’ve got your entire apparel line covered:

Comprehensive Solutions

We don’t just print—we deliver fully integrated supply chain management solutions, including the manufacturing and fulfillment services below:

Quality at Scale

Concerned about losing quality when you scale up? You won’t need to worry about that when you work with us. Our rock-solid processes and extensive resources allow us to scale up with you while maintaining the same quality and speed you expect.

Don’t Let Production Limitations Hold You Back

With Scrappy Apparel, you’re always ready to meet demand and exceed expectations. Schedule a call with us today and let’s scale your success together!

Sep 17 2024
quality assurance in apparel manufacturing- blog by scrappy apparel

How to Maintain Quality Assurance in Apparel Manufacturing

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If you’re selling apparel at a premium price, your customers will expect quality.

As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for!”

So, it’s paramount to make sure your customers will be impressed by the garments they receive from your brand.

Just think about what happens after your customer places an order…

They eagerly wait for the delivery of the garment they just ordered from your brand. They’ve been excited about this piece for weeks, and the anticipation builds as they tear open the package. The unboxing moment is filled with excitement, and they pull out the garment, expecting it to feel luxurious and well-made.

This could go one of two ways, depending on the quality of the product they receive.

In the best-case scenario, the garment exceeds their expectations. The fabric feels premium, the stitching is flawless, and the fit is perfect. Their excitement turns into brand loyalty, and they can’t wait to order from you again. They might even share their experience with friends or on social media, giving your brand invaluable word-of-mouth marketing.

However, if the garment doesn’t live up to their expectations—if the fabric feels cheap, the stitching is off, or the fit is inconsistent—their excitement turns to disappointment. Instead of keeping and cherishing the item, they’re now thinking about returning it. This damages their trust in your brand—and it also incurs extra costs due to returns and lost future sales.

So, how can you ensure that every unboxing experience is a positive one for your customers? The answer lies in implementing robust quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes throughout your manufacturing.

Today, our experts at Scrappy Apparel are here to share exactly how you can do that.

Order Premium Apparel in Bulk from Scrappy Apparel

What’s the Difference Between QA and QC?

While they share the same goal of maintaining garment quality, QA and QC focus on different aspects of the production process.

Quality Assurance

QA is a preventative, process-oriented approach that focuses on setting up systems and standards to avoid defects before production even begins. It ensures that every step of the manufacturing process follows predefined protocols, reducing the chances of errors occurring during production.

Quality assurance includes:

  • Developing clear quality standards and guidelines.
  • Establishing robust production processes to ensure consistency.
  • Training employees on best practices to maintain quality.
  • Regularly auditing processes and systems for improvement.

QA is about creating a framework that guarantees consistent quality throughout the entire production cycle. 

Quality Control

QC, on the other hand, is a reactive, product-oriented approach that focuses on identifying defects in the final product. It involves inspecting garments at different stages of production to ensure they meet the quality standards set by QA.

Quality control involves:

  • Inspecting raw materials for defects before production.
  • Conducting in-process checks during manufacturing.
  • Performing final product inspections to catch any issues before shipping.
  • Identifying and addressing defects or inconsistencies in individual garments.

QC is all about checking the output—catching any mistakes or defects after production has started and ensuring that only high-quality garments reach the customer.

Establishing Quality Standards for Apparel

To ensure quality control for your apparel line, you need to establish comprehensive quality standards. These standards should cover every aspect of your products to maintain consistency and excellence.

Identifying Key Quality Metrics

Start by defining the required fabric quality, specifying the type of material, thread count, and other relevant characteristics. Set guidelines for stitching, ensuring that seams are strong, neat, and uniform across all items. Stitch consistency plays a crucial role within your line, so knowing the finer details of what enables consistency matters.

Color accuracy is another essential element. Even slight variations can significantly affect the overall look and feel of your apparel. At Scrappy Apparel, we can Pantone color match your brand colors to ensure your garment matches your guidelines.

Size consistency is equally important, with precise measurements and tolerances to guarantee that each item meets the expected fit and dimensions. Size issues are the primary reason for apparel returns, accounting for about 42% of all retail returns—according to Narvar’s 2021 State of Returns Report.

Communicating Standards to Suppliers

Once you’ve established your quality standards, it’s crucial to communicate them clearly and effectively to all parties involved in the production process. This includes manufacturers, suppliers, and your internal team.

The right manufacturing partner will not only meet your production needs but will also have their own quality control processes in place. These manufacturers understand that their reputation is tied to the quality of the products they deliver, and they take active measures to prevent defects, reduce waste, and ensure your satisfaction.

Types of Quality Control Measures Manufacturers Should Take

Is your manufacturer implementing the right QC techniques? Here are important ones to look for:

QC Checks

To ensure the highest standards, apparel manufacturers must implement rigorous quality assurance processes that maintain consistency across all products. These key steps include:

  • Material Inspection: Checking the quality of raw materials before production begins to ensure that only premium materials are used.
  • In-Process Quality Checks: Conducting regular inspections during the manufacturing process to identify and address defects early, minimizing rework and waste.
  • Final Product Inspection: Performing a thorough examination of finished garments before packaging and shipping to confirm that they meet the required standards.

Retail-Ready Standards

Manufacturers should aim for retail-quality excellence in every garment. This involves:

  • Fit and Sizing Consistency: Ensuring that all garments adhere to specified measurements, providing a reliable fit for customers.
  • Color Matching: Verifying that colors are consistent across all garments and match the approved samples, avoiding any visual discrepancies.
  • Print Quality Control: For garments with screen printing or sublimation, checking the clarity, color vibrancy, and durability of prints to guarantee long-lasting quality.

End-to-End Oversight

Quality control must extend throughout the entire production process, from sourcing to delivery. This includes:

  • Supply Chain Monitoring: Overseeing quality control from the raw material sourcing stage through to the final delivery of the finished product, ensuring consistency and reliability.
  • Vendor Quality Management: When working with multiple vendors, ensuring that all vendors meet the same high-quality standards to maintain uniformity in the final product.

Guess What? Scrappy Apparel Provides All These Quality Control Measures for Our Partners!

At Scrappy, we understand that quality is everything when it comes to building a strong, trusted brand. That’s why our approach to custom apparel manufacturing and fulfillment is designed to exceed your expectations at every turn.

Our stringent QC processes catch any imperfections before they reach your customers. Each garment undergoes thorough inspections, ensuring retail-ready excellence from fit and sizing consistency to flawless printing quality. We also provide consistency across all product lines—whether it’s t-shirts, hoodies, or hats—guaranteeing that your customers are always satisfied.

Our apparel-first, end-to-end supply chain management solutions promise quality at every stage of the process. Every product will align with your brand’s quality standards and reach your customers—on time, in perfect condition.

Fewer returns, higher satisfaction, and a stronger brand reputation are all within reach when you choose Scrappy Apparel as your manufacturing and fulfillment partner.

Ready to Begin Your Project?

Sep 7 2024

Improving Shipping Times for Apparel Brands: Strategies for Faster Delivery

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Are you struggling to meet customer expectations for quick delivery?

Many fashion retailers face challenges in streamlining their supply chain and improving order processing speeds.

However, fast shipping times are paramount for maintaining customer satisfaction.

According to a survey by Voxware, 69% of consumers are less inclined to shop with a retailer if an item isn’t delivered within two days of the promised date.

Additionally, 86% of shoppers have even greater expectations for delivery times during the holiday shopping season.

The good news is that there are strategies you can implement to boost your shipping efficiency and protect your customer satisfaction rates.

Let’s explore how partnering with a 4PL provider can revolutionize your logistics operations.

By putting these strategies into action, you’ll be well on your way to faster delivery times and happier customers.

Transform Your Supply Chain with Scrappy Apparel

Analyze Current Shipping Bottlenecks

To improve your shipping times, you need to start by identifying the bottlenecks in your current processes.

This analysis will help you pinpoint areas for improvement and develop targeted strategies to enhance your apparel fulfillment operations.

Identify Slow Points in Fulfillment

To streamline your fulfillment process, you need to focus on slow-moving inventory. This refers to products that have been in stock for an extended period without selling.

These items not only take up valuable warehouse space but also lead to rising inventory costs. They tie up capital that could be used more productively.

To address this issue:

  • Monitor how long items have been in inventory, focusing on those exceeding the typical sales cycle for their category.
  • Implement an inventory management system to track inventory movements and provide actionable insights.
  • Calculate the inventory turnover ratio to identify slow-moving items by comparing the cost of goods sold to average inventory.
  • Use accurate demand forecasting to align your stock with customer demand.

Assess Carrier Performance

Evaluating your carriers’ performance is crucial for improving shipping times. By tracking key metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about your shipping partners.

Key performance indicators to monitor include:

  • On-time performance (OTP): This metric is based on service level agreements (SLAs) and categorizes shipments according to delivery time. 95% or higher is considered a good OTP.
  • Average transit time: This measures the actual number of days in transit for your shipments.
  • Claim ratio: This percentage indicates the number of claims against a carrier compared to their overall shipments delivered.

To calculate these metrics:

  1. Define your time frame and criteria for on-time delivery.
  2. Use the formula: (Total On-Time Deliveries / Total Deliveries) x 100 to calculate OTP.
  3. Estimate transit times: Determine pickup and delivery locations, check carrier service maps, and consider delivery options.
  4. Calculate the claim ratio using: Total Claims / Total Shipments.

By reviewing these metrics, you can identify which carriers are performing well and which may be contributing to shipping delays.

This information will help you to optimize your carrier selection and improve overall shipping times for your apparel brand.

Improve Customer Communication

Communication is everything, especially when it comes to shipping delays. Customers want to know where their orders are at all times.

Here’s how you can give them peace of mind:

Proactive Shipping Updates

Many negative reviews result from delivery issues, especially in the fashion retail sector.

Did you know? 85% of shoppers seek out negative reviews to help them make informed buying choices, according to Neil Patel’s blog. This tendency is even more pronounced among younger consumers aged 18-29, with 91% of them doing so.

To address this, implement a system for proactive shipping updates. When delivery timelines change, promptly email customers to inform them of the delay and, if possible, provide a reason.

This transparency builds trust and reduces customer inquiries about order status.

Clear Delivery Expectations

Customers want clarity on shipping costs, delivery times, and return policies.

In fact, 45% of consumers emphasize the importance of clearly anticipated delivery times.

To meet this expectation, display accurate estimated delivery dates at checkout. This practice can nearly eliminate “Where Is My Order” (WISMO) requests, saving your customer service team valuable time.

Offer a variety of shipping options. 66% of consumers have chosen one retailer over another due to more delivery choices.

Easy Returns Process

An easy returns process is essential for customer retention.

According to the 2021 Narvar Benchmarks Report, 76% of first-time customers who had an “easy” or “very easy” returns experience would shop with the retailer again.

However, 33% of repeat customers would abandon a retailer after a “difficult” returns experience.

You always want to set clear expectations and create a seamless shopping experience that encourages customer loyalty and reduces returns.

Optimize Your Supply Chain

The faster your supply chain operates, the faster you can get your garments into customers’ hands.

Here are the key components you should focus on when optimizing your supply chain:

Build Partnerships with Strategically Placed 3PL Warehouses

Partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) providers can significantly optimize your supply chain.

3PLs offer flexible storage options with multiple warehouses in strategic locations, allowing you to optimize inventory storage based on demand and reduce shipping costs.

By leveraging their established infrastructure, you can expand your reach into new markets without significant capital investments.

Track Inventory Levels in Real-Time

Implementing real-time inventory tracking is crucial for efficient supply chain management.

With access to a fulfillment platform, you can monitor your inventory across all sales channels, preventing stockouts and excess inventory.

This visibility allows you to make informed decisions about restocking and helps streamline your overall supply chain by limiting waste and improving efficiency.

Distribute Inventory Based on Demand

To streamline your supply chain, it’s a good idea to distribute inventory based on demand.

Analyze past sales data to identify seasonal peaks and trends that affect demand. Use this information to inform your stocking decisions, ensuring you have enough garments when demand increases.

This proactive strategy helps you capitalize on popular items and avoid getting stuck with outdated stock.

Use a Multichannel Fulfillment Strategy

Adopting a multichannel fulfillment strategy can help you meet customer expectations across various sales channels.

You want to integrate inventory, orders, and fulfillment processes seamlessly across channels, including retail stores, your own website, and online marketplaces.

By implementing this strategy, you can provide a consistent customer experience and optimize your supply chain efficiency.

Outsource Fulfillment to a Specialized 4PL Partner

Partnering with a fourth-party logistics (4PL) provider can revolutionize your supply chain management.

A 4PL partner like Scrappy Apparel offers comprehensive supply chain oversight by serving as a single point of contact for all stages of the apparel production process. This includes sourcing raw materials, managing manufacturing, and overseeing warehousing and fulfillment operations.

By integrating these functions, Scrappy ensures consistent quality and efficient operations, eliminating the need for managing multiple vendors. Our scalable solutions allow brands to grow without sacrificing quality, providing reliable manufacturing and timely delivery through an extensive logistics network.

With Scrappy, you can eliminate operational headaches and cut costs on bulk orders.

Streamline Your Supply Chain with 4PL by Scrappy

At Scrappy Apparel, we understand that optimizing the supply chain is crucial for success in the apparel industry.

By partnering with us, a leading 4PL provider, you can streamline your operations and stay ahead of the competition.

Companies with top-performing supply chains experience 79% higher-than-average revenue growth in their industries, according to data from Invesp.

Our solutions go beyond traditional logistics. With our manufacturing background (and 18+ years of experience doing it), we provide specialized printing techniques and private labeling options.

We also specialize in multichannel fulfillment to a variety of final destinations. Check out our fulfillment programs below:

About Scrappy’s 3PL MGMT Program

3PL MGMT is our e-commerce focused fulfillment solution, designed specifically for the apparel industry.

Enjoy fast delivery times, reduced costs, and a seamlessly integrated supply chain, enhancing the overall experience for you and your customers. 

Our fulfillment system integrates with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, allowing for automatic order processing and real-time inventory updates.

By choosing us as your partner, you’ll elevate your entire brand experience and become our next Scrappy Success Story.

Ready to transform your supply chain? Schedule a call with us today to discover how we can help you achieve your apparel goals.