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Packing should suit what happens when the order arrives. A club may need kits packed by size, while a retailer may need garments labelled by stock-keeping unit and cartons prepared for its warehouse. Describe how the goods will be received when you send the enquiry, so the packing work can be included in the scope and price.
When you have no special requirements, you can ask for the factory's standard packing proposal. Ask what it includes and confirm any changes. There is no need to specify every bag before the discussion starts.
Choose the packing unit
| Order type | Useful instruction | Check before approval |
|---|---|---|
| Individual garment | One identified style, colour and size per agreed unit | Garment label and outer identification match |
| Matched set | List every component and its size within the set | Top and bottom sizes may differ, so state the combination explicitly |
| Numbered team kit | Pack by size, following the approved size breakdown and any number list | Every garment, number and size matches that allocation |
| Retail prepack | Define the styles, sizes, quantities and pack identifier | The prepack total matches the carton and the purchase order |
| Bulk size assortment | State the contents by style, colour and size | Partial cartons and any mixed contents remain identifiable |
A tracksuit set with a size M jacket and size L trousers, for example, should not be labelled simply “M” unless an agreed convention makes that combination clear. Keep the set identifier linked to its component list. Numbered kits need the same discipline, using the approved size breakdown and number list.
Supply label and barcode data
State the fields needed on the outside of the bag or pack: style, colour, size, quantity, stock code and any approved number or destination identifier. Confirm where the label goes and whether a hangtag repeats the data.
A GTIN identifies a trade item within the GS1 system. The brand owner or another authorised party allocating the numbers must manage them under the applicable rules. A manufacturer can itself be the brand owner, so being the buyer or the factory does not in itself decide who is responsible.
Provide an approved mapping between each trade item and its barcode data, and confirm symbol and print requirements with the retailer. Product identifiers are not the same as an SSCC, which identifies a logistics unit, and a warehouse may need one or both for different purposes.
Check data and printed labels together. A successful scan does not prove that a label belongs to the garment inside, and an ordinary scan is not a formal barcode-quality verification. Agree any required verification method and sampling with the receiving customer.
Define carton contents and receiving limits
Ask the destination warehouse for its packing instructions, including whether mixed cartons are allowed, dimensions, weight limits, marking and pallet requirements, and send them to us before the packing plan is confirmed.
| Packing field | Information to agree |
|---|---|
| Garment presentation | Fold, bag or other packaging, inserts and tag attachment |
| Set / prepack assembly | Components, size combinations and quantity per pack |
| Carton allocation | Contents, full and partial cartons, and destination |
| Carton label | Order reference, carton identifier, contents and required logistics data |
| Limits | Maximum dimensions/weight and any specified packaging material |
| Packing list | Carton-by-carton contents, totals, weights and file format |
| Palletisation | Whether pallets are needed, and the receiving specification |
| Approval | Sample pack or photographs, data check and final revision |
Packaging warnings, material rules and product traceability requirements have to be checked for the destination. Neutral branding does not mean that required business or safety information can be left out.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between GTIN and SSCC barcodes for clothing?
A GTIN identifies a trade item within the GS1 system and an SSCC identifies a logistics unit. A warehouse may need one or both for different purposes. GTINs are allocated under the applicable rules by the brand owner or another authorised party, and being the buyer or the factory does not settle that role. A successful scan does not prove that the label matches the garment inside.
How should a tracksuit set with different top and bottom sizes be labelled?
The label of a tracksuit set with different top and bottom sizes should list every component and its size, for example a size M jacket with size L trousers, rather than simply "M", unless an agreed convention makes that combination clear. Keep the set identifier linked to its component list. Before dispatch, check the number of sets and the component pieces against the packing list, carton labels and purchase order.
What should carton labels and packing lists show for a sportswear order?
A carton label for a sportswear order should show the order reference, carton identifier, contents and any logistics data the receiver requires. The packing list gives the contents of each carton, totals and weights in the agreed file format. Ask the destination warehouse for its rules on mixed cartons, dimensions, weight limits, marking and pallets before the packing plan is confirmed. Style, size and quantity totals should agree across the labels, packing list and purchase order.
Reconcile the order before dispatch
The packing list, carton labels and purchase order should agree on style, size and quantity totals. For sets, check both the number of sets and the component pieces.
Ask when the final packed dimensions, weights and documents will be available for booking transport. A late packing change can affect labour, carton count, freight or readiness, and a label revision is not always the only work involved, so confirm those effects.
Send the receiving instructions and any retailer template with your quotation request.