A pre-production sample (PP sample) is a garment sample made by the supplier, using the materials, trims and methods planned for bulk production, so the brand can give its final approval. It usually follows the fit sample rounds and comes before bulk production starts.
Once fit and development samples are approved, the brand asks the supplier for a PP sample made with the actual production fabric, trims and construction. The brand reviews it against the spec, checking measurements, materials, workmanship and finish, and either approves it or sends back comments for another round. The approved PP sample then becomes the reference the supplier follows in bulk production.
The PP sample is the last checkpoint before large quantities are produced, so problems found here are far cheaper than problems found in finished goods. A clear production sample approval also leaves a record of what was agreed, which helps when quality is questioned after delivery. Brands therefore want requests, deadlines, comments and the final decision kept in one place instead of across email threads.
In Delogue, each style has a Sample Request sub-tab where brands ask suppliers for samples using sample types set up in Admin, so a pre-production sample can be requested as its own type. Requests, due dates and feedback stay linked to the style, and reporting shows sample status and approaching deadlines in one place. See the core features of Delogue PLM.