Case Study: Custom Adjustable Kids' Mannequin for a National Retail Chain in Japan

Adjustable Kids' Mannequin for a National Retail Chain in Japan

A National Retail Chain approached us with a adjustable kids' mannequin requirement for Japan. 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

• Inconsistent sizing between production runs
• Packaging that arrives crushed and unsellable
• Suppliers who disappear once the deposit is paid

What we specified

How it was resolved

1. We rebuilt the tech pack around Twill and locked shrinkage allowance before grading.
2. Decoration was moved to Padding and Wadding after strike-off tests showed better wash durability.
3. A pre-production sample was approved and retained as the golden reference.
4. Production ran with in-line inspection and a mid-run photo report.
5. 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 1.0%.
• 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?

Send us your tech pack or even a rough sketch — we will come back with fabric options, a costed sample plan and a realistic production calendar.