Case Study: Custom Grey Beanie for a Hotel Group in New Zealand
Source:Grey Beanie /
Time:2026-09-18
Grey Beanie for a Hotel Group in New Zealand
A Hotel Group approached us with a grey beanie requirement for New Zealand. 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
- Suppliers who disappear once the deposit is paid
- Long lead times that miss the selling season
- Packaging that arrives crushed and unsellable
What we specified
| Product | Grey Beanie |
|---|---|
| Client type | A Hotel Group |
| Market | New Zealand |
| Order volume | 800 pieces across 2 colourways |
| Base fabric | French Terry |
| Decoration | Ultrasonic Welding |
| Size range | S-4XL |
| Sampling rounds | 4 |
| Delivery window | 8 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
How it was resolved
- We rebuilt the tech pack around French Terry and locked shrinkage allowance before grading.
- Decoration was moved to Ultrasonic Welding 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
- 800 pieces delivered inside the 8-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
Lock the colour standard before grading. Once a shade moves, every downstream approval has to be redone and the calendar slips.
Planning something similar?
Tell us the quantity, target price and delivery window, and we will build a customisation programme around those three numbers.
