What is a sample? Does it have value?

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Teachermommyof2

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I found these at a thrift store and know nothing about what samples are or what I should resell these for. Any help is appreciated.
 
From what I know - samples like this were items shown in companies' sales rooms, where buyers from stores would come, see the next collection and decide which items they would order. The ones I've been to, they had each item only in one size, usually just the most popular size.
 
Midge said:
From what I know - samples like this were items shown in companies' sales rooms, where buyers from stores would come, see the next collection and decide which items they would order. The ones I've been to, they had each item only in one size, usually just the most popular size.
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yes this.

As far as I know a sample is no different in ‘value’ than the same garment when mass produced. So I wouldn’t price it differently because it’s a sample.
 
Karin and Ruth are right: samples are sample garments made up to show buyers (from other retailers or manufacturers). They were usually one offs, made as test garments for orders to be taken. Sometimes they weren't very well made, as the style is the thing, so the seams might be unfinished, and they were usually made in small sizes to fit the in-house model (size 6 or 8). The actual orders might have changes: different colours, or changes to the style if the customer wanted it.

I used to work for a London company and managed their sample range, which meant I got first pick at the end of the season and could have what I wanted at cost price.

So the short answer is yes, they have value but that value is variable - like all vintage, depending on quality, condition, style, demand etc.

Nicole
 
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