NNEP's Strategy for Overcoming Shrinkage Concerns
Helping your customers know what sizes of garments to order can be intimidating. And if your customer expresses concerns about garment shrinkage, it becomes even more challenging to get them in the right frame of mind to place that larger order with you, right now. They need reassurances that they are getting enough of the sizes they need, and not stuff that that will just sit in a box.
The amount of shrinkage varies between garment styles and brands, and is often the customer's primary concern. Here is how we handled it in our embroidery business - maybe it will help your customers too! Try this strategy by NNEP -
What we did was pick the wholesale supplier that we liked the best, and planned to order from the most regularly (NNEP members qualify for case pricing from many industry suppliers!). We selected our basic "go to" golf shirts in 100% cotton interlock, pique and a poly/cotton blend. We ordered a "size scale" of these shirts, in a variety of colors, 2 per size. We were often able to cover most of the colors the shirt was offered in, since we ordered 2S, 2M, 2L, 2XL, 2XXL, and even 1 or 2 XXXL if available. Then we washed (in hot) and dried (on high/hot) ONE of the shirts in each size. You end up with the new shirt and the washed and dried shirt in each size, which shows the shrinkage in that product.
We found that these samples helped our customers determine the right sizes most of the time. In all my years of selling embroidery, I think we only switched brands and/or had to reinvest in the samples maybe 2 or 3 times, because the supplier changed something about the garment, or we found a new product that we liked significantly better.
Shifting from wanting a successful business to having a successful business takes information, action and effort. The National Network of Embroidery Professionals (NNEP) exists to help embroidery and apparel decoration business owners make that shift. NNEP provides the information and the action steps. All you have to add to the mix is you!
Join NNEP today and begin the transformation, from being an embroiderer to owning a successful business. You can bring your dream business to life - and NNEP would love to help you do that!
What have you tried to address shrinkage? Post your comments below!
