Unpacking
Garments, which are flat packed in cartons, are removed from all the packaging and hung up on the customers agreed hanger. This is called unpacking or up and hang.
Although this appears straightforward, there are three basic methods dependent upon how the garments are packed.
- The garment is packed and transported with the hanger inside. The carton and outer packaging have to be opened and the garment lifted out and hung onto a rail.
- The garments and hangers are packed and transported separated within the same carton. The garments, hangers, packaging and carton divider are removed from the outer carton, counted and checked before the hanger is inserted into the garment and hung.
- Only the garments are packed and transported from the manufacturer. The hangers can be ordered and delivered direct from UK hanger suppliers. Both the garment and hanger boxes are opened and each garment can be taken out and the hanger inserted to place onto a rail.
Buyers have considerations and comparisons to make about which method to choose when they place orders. The implications vary from cost to condition of the garment after transportation. e.g. Placing a hanger in the box:
- Increases the transport cost from the manufacturer, which may be considerable if from the opposite side of the world.
- Reduces the number of garments that can be loaded in a container, which in turn increases the number of containers to be managed.
- The hanger could mark or crease the garment, dependent on the fabric.
- Additional packaging would be required if the hangers were transported separated within the same carton to avoid damage to the garment, which also increases the transportation costs.
- Placing the hangers loose in the bottom of the box means that the task of hanging the garments is the same as if the garments were delivered without hangers. So there is no saving on labour on receipt of the goods.
The use of experienced garment processors for unpacking can bring added value to their role. Trained unpacking staff will cast an experienced eye over each garment as they unpack, which is just a cursory inspection but invaluable. They can highlight creasing and some basic quality problems and bring them to the attention of their experts, who are able to advise the best course of action.
Accurate recording of all the cartons handled by processors can provide vital information to proceed with claims against suppliers who have delivered short within cartons. The condition of each carton with a discrepancy can be very informative and assist in investigations and claims.
Garment pressing companies who unpack and process deliveries are in the ideal position to resolve any creasing problems without delay. Their expertise at the unpacking stage can eliminate customers rejecting their orders and all the ensuing fines and additional transport costs. When the service includes quality inspection, a faulty delivery can be examined and re-sorted to ensure the customer is satisfied and receives only good stock, albeit reduced in quantity.
Garment processing companies such as Euro Pressing Services, which are used for unpacking and can also press and inspect garments, can be an invaluable part of any suppliers or retailers supply chain.