Case Study: Custom Adjustable Kids' Mannequin for a Department Store Buyer in Mexico
Adjustable Kids' Mannequin for a Department Store Buyer in Mexico
A Department Store Buyer approached us with a adjustable kids' mannequin requirement for Mexico. The brief was specific: a defined look, a hard launch date and a unit cost that had to survive shipping and duty. This case study records what was specified, what went wrong in sampling and how the bulk order was delivered.
The challenge
- No reliable way to track a order once it enters production
- Long lead times that miss the selling season
- Inconsistent sizing between production runs

What we specified
| Product | Adjustable Kids' Mannequin |
|---|---|
| Client type | A Department Store Buyer |
| Market | Mexico |
| Order volume | 8,000 pieces across 3 colourways |
| Base fabric | Selvedge Denim |
| Decoration | Puff Printing |
| Size range | Custom grading |
| Sampling rounds | 2 |
| Delivery window | 12 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
How it was resolved
- We rebuilt the tech pack around Selvedge Denim and locked shrinkage allowance before grading.
- Decoration was moved to Puff Printing after strike-off tests showed better wash durability.
- A pre-production sample was approved and retained as the golden reference.
- Production ran with in-line inspection and a mid-run photo report.
- Cartons were packed to the client's own barcode and size ratio specification.

Result
- 8,000 pieces delivered inside the 12-week window.
- Unit cost held within 4.5% of the original quotation.
- Return rate linked to fit or workmanship stayed under 1.5%.
- The specification is now on file, so reorders reproduce the approved sample.
What we would repeat
Keep one process owner on both sides. Most delays come from hand-offs, not from machines.

Planning something similar?
Tell us the quantity, target price and delivery window, and we will build a customisation programme around those three numbers.



