Knowledge base
How pair counts and retail packs affect a sock order
Keep pairs, retail packs, item identifiers and carton quantities connected when planning a sock assortment and approving packaging.
Sock specifications and retail-pack data need to be reviewed together before sample and order approval. A clear relationship between the two helps the buying team review quantities, artwork and presentation without relying on assumptions.
DALI manufactures socks in Jiangsu and Cambodia. The team reviews sock construction and retail-pack requirements against the same order brief. Share the sock reference and the intended assortment together, even when packaging artwork is still being developed.
Keep the quantity units distinct
State whether the order quantity means individual socks, pairs or retail packs. For an illustrative order of 2,000 three-pair packs, the knitted quantity is 6,000 pairs, or 12,000 individual socks. These are equivalent descriptions of one assortment, not three separate orders. The quantities are illustrative; minimum quantities are reviewed for the actual assortment.
If each pack contains three different colors, record the color of each pair within the pack. The example would require 2,000 pairs of each color. If packs also differ by size, show the size allocation separately. A single total hides the yarn, knitting and packing quantities needed for review.
Define the product before finalizing the pack
Record sock length, size range, yarn selection, cuff construction and artwork placement against the style reference. Any proposed cushioning, grip or other construction feature needs a defined location and evaluation requirement. A product name such as running sock does not, by itself, establish a tested performance claim.
The developed sock affects the folded dimensions and how a band, card or hanger sits on the product. Review pack dimensions using the relevant sample rather than an unrelated stock image. Changes to length, cuff or material thickness may require a packaging adjustment.
Assign identifiers to the actual selling unit
Identify the buyer-assigned item code and barcode for each retail assortment. State whether a pack contains identical pairs or mixed colors and whether sizes have separate identifiers. The manufacturer should receive the approved data associated with the exact pack contents.
The buyer supplies the approved retail identifiers and artwork files. DALI reviews their placement against the retailer's requirements for placement and verification. A changed assortment should be reviewed against the buyer's item-management rules before reusing existing artwork.
Evaluate the packaging sample against a checklist
Review folding, attachment, visible product information and the position of the approved artwork. Check whether the pair count, size, composition and care information correspond to the specified selling unit and destination requirements. Record any unfinished or substituted parts of the sample.
Keep product and packaging approvals distinct. Approval of the knitted sock does not approve a barcode or card layout, and approval of a printed card does not confirm sock fit. Identify the reference and version for each decision so the packing team receives consistent instructions.
Connect retail packs with carton instructions
State retail packs per carton and the buyer's carton-mark information. In the earlier illustrative example, a carton containing 24 three-pair packs holds 72 pairs. An order of 2,000 packs would require 83 full cartons of 24 packs and one partial carton of eight packs if that packing pattern were used. Agree how partial cartons should be handled.
Link carton quantities to the same item reference used on the retail artwork. Before production approval, align the assortment, approved pack, carton instructions and shipment requirements. Send DALI the proposed quantities and references to discuss knitting, finishing and packaging as one program.
Buyer questions
What packaging information does a sock manufacturer need?
Provide the pack format, pairs per pack, size and color contents, approved artwork and buyer-assigned identifiers. Add packs per carton and carton-mark instructions. State which details are provisional and which belong to the approved selling unit.
When should sock barcode and carton data be prepared?
Discuss the selling unit during development and supply approved barcode and carton data before final packaging approval. Review identifiers again if the size allocation, color mix or pair count changes.
Review your proposed program with DALI.
Share the product, quantity estimate, destination and the development decisions you need to address. Attach the available references so the team can review your requirements.
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