Case Study: Custom Unisex Outdoor Cap for a Wholesale Distributor in Portugal
Source:Unisex Outdoor Cap /
Time:2026-09-18
Unisex Outdoor Cap for a Wholesale Distributor in Portugal
A Wholesale Distributor approached us with a unisex outdoor cap requirement for Portugal. 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
- Long lead times that miss the selling season
- Suppliers who disappear once the deposit is paid
- Packaging that arrives crushed and unsellable
What we specified
| Product | Unisex Outdoor Cap |
|---|---|
| Client type | A Wholesale Distributor |
| Market | Portugal |
| Order volume | 3,000 pieces across 3 colourways |
| Base fabric | Recycled Cotton |
| Decoration | Screen Printing |
| Size range | XS-3XL |
| Sampling rounds | 4 |
| Delivery window | 5 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
How it was resolved
- We rebuilt the tech pack around Recycled Cotton and locked shrinkage allowance before grading.
- Decoration was moved to Screen 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
- 3,000 pieces delivered inside the 5-week window.
- Unit cost held within 2.0% of the original quotation.
- Return rate linked to fit or workmanship stayed under 2.0%.
- The specification is now on file, so reorders reproduce the approved sample.
What we would repeat
Fix the size ratio early. Changing the ratio after cutting starts is the single most expensive change a client can request.
Planning something similar?
Book a 20-minute call with our merchandising team and get a written quotation within 48 hours.
