If you’re a new merchandiser, remember one thing:

“The last stage is the most important.”

No matter how good stitching is, if finishing is poor — the buyer will reject it. We call the finishing department the beauty parlor because it prepares the garment to look their best.

Let’s learn the finishing process step by step, in a very easy and real way.

What is finishing?

Finishing means:

• Cutting extra thread
• Ironing the garment
• Checking for defects
• Adding tags and stickers
• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) checking
• Folding
• Packing
• Final checking
• Putting into cartons

It’s the last work before the garment goes to the buyer.

Step-by-step finishing process

1. Thread Cutting

After sewing, some loose and uncut threads are always there.

Workers use Suction Thread / Trimming Machine to remove them.

Why important?
Loose thread = poor quality = buyer complaint.

Tip for merchandiser:
Check 2-3 pieces daily randomly for clean thread trimming.

2. Ironing (Pressing)

The garment is wrinkled after sewing. Pressing makes it look new and clean.

T-shirt: Light iron
Pants: Steam press
Shirt: Flat press with collar shape

Tips:

• Use the right heat (too much heat = damage).
• Avoid water marks or shiny spots.
• Keep pressing area clean.

3. Final quality check

After pressing, a quality checker looks at each piece.

They check:

• Stitching
• Label position
• Size
• Fabric holes or stains
• Missing trims (like button or zip)

✅ OK = Goes to tagging
❌ Not OK = Goes to alter table or reject

Tip:
As a merchandiser, stand there for 10 mins a day. You’ll learn real problems.

4. Tagging & labeling

Now it’s time to add:

• Hang tag
• Price tag
• Brand tag
• Barcode
• Size sticker

Follow buyer’s instruction. Check sample. Don’t guess.

Mistake to avoid:
Wrong tag = full shipment rejection.

5. SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) Checking

Before packing, make sure every garment matches the buyer’s order exactly.

• Check style, color, size, and quantity against the order sheet.
• Match tags, barcodes, and labels with the correct SKU.
• Use the buyer’s packing list or system for reference.

Follow the packing plan — no mix-up allowed.

Mistake to avoid:
Wrong SKU = wrong delivery = unhappy buyer + extra cost for correction.

6. Folding

Now workers fold the garment neatly.

They use a folding board so every piece is the same.

T-shirts: Folded like a square
Pants: Folded in half
Shirts: Folded with collar straight

Tip:
Folding size should match the polybag size.

7. Polybag Packing

Each folded piece goes into a polybag.

Check:

• Poly thickness (8mm, 10 mm , as per buyer)
• Correct size sticker on bag
• Seal / logo/warning properly

Tip:
Some buyers want recyclable polybag — check PO sheet.

8. Bundling & Assortment

Now you bundle by color and size.

Example:
1 bundle = 20 pcs

• S – 6 pcs
• M – 8 pcs
• L – 6 pcs

Put one bundle sticker or list on it.

Tip:
Follow size ratio from buyer chart.

9. Final Inspection

This is the most serious check.

Done by:

• Factory QA
• Buyer QA
• Third-party (SGS, BV, Intertek)

They check:

• AQL standard
• Measurement
• Cleanliness
• Packing
• Labels, Tags

Tip:
Merchandiser must be present during inspection. Keep a checklist.

9. Carton packing

All bundles go into cartons.

Check:

• Carton size
• Carton sticker
• Polybag count matches
• No damage

Seal with tape. Sometimes, add straps.

Tip:
Some buyers want waterproof poly inside carton.

As a beginner merchandiser — what you should do?

Task	Action
Check finishing area	Go daily for 15 minutes
Talk to QA	Ask what problems they are facing
Keep buyer instruction	Print and give to finishing supervisor
Watch folding & packing	See if it matches approved sample
Be ready before inspection	Don’t wait for the last day

Common mistakes in finishing (avoid these!)

Mistake	Problem
No size sticker	Buyer can reject whole order
Wrong tag position	Bad presentation
Poor ironing	Garment looks used
Dirty polybag	Buyer blames factory
Missing label	Total shipment block

Real Life Example: What Happens in Finishing Floor

08:00 AM – Steam presses ON. Garments start coming in.
10:00 AM – One bundle found with missing tag. Work stopped.
11:30 PM – Merchandiser updates buyer: “80% poly packing done.”
2:30 PM – QA finds folding size mismatch. Workers re-do it.
4:00 PM – Final inspection starts. Random 80 pcs checked.
6:00 PM – QC gives green signal. 40 cartons sealed.

That’s a real day on the floor.

Final words: Finishing is the final game

If finishing is good:

• Buyer says “Excellent!”
• Shipment goes on time
• No air cost
• No tension

If finishing is bad:

• Shipment gets stuck
• Buyer gives warning
• Payment delay
• Big headache

So dear new merchandiser:

✅ Visit finishing floor
✅ Talk to QA and finishing in-charge
✅ Make checklists
✅ Follow buyer instructions strictly
✅ Stay alert till the last carton is sealed

Because in garments, finishing is everything.

  
  
  
  
  



  

    

      
Finishing Section Checklist
    
    

      

        

          

            
Step
            
Status
          
        
        

          

            
Loose thread removed (Sakar machine)
            

              
                OK
                Not OK
              
              ✔️
            
          
          

            
Ironing smooth & clean
            

              
                OK
                Not OK
              
              ✔️
            
          
          

            
Labels attached properly
            

              
                OK
                Not OK
              
              ✔️
            
          
          

            
Folding done as per size
            

              
                OK
                Not OK
              
              ✔️
            
          
          

            
Polybag with correct sticker
            

              
                OK
                Not OK
              
              ✔️
            
          
        
      
      

        📥 Download Checklist PDF