Manufacturing and Production

Apparel Costing and Merchandising

Apparel orders are frequently quoted from an experienced guess and lost or regretted afterwards, because the elements that decide margin are fabric consumption and standard minutes, and neither is known when the price is given. This course replaces the guess. Delegates work through fabric consumption estimation, including marker based calculation and the allowances that are legitimate. Trims, accessories and the wastage rates to apply follow. Standard minutes and converting them into a cost of making are covered. Overhead absorption and the difference between a factory rate and a wishful one are addressed. Freight, duty and the terms of trade are covered, including what each incoterm shifts. Buyer negotiation and the concessions that are safe to give follow. Merchandising is addressed as the coordination role it is: sampling, approvals, critical path management and the follow up that prevents a late shipment. The course closes on order profitability after the fact and on learning from a loss making style.