What are the key elements of a tech pack that affect shipping costs and delays?

1 Fabric and trims

One of the main elements of a tech pack that affects your shipping costs and delays is the fabric and trims you choose for your product. Different fabrics and trims have different weights, volumes, and availability, which can impact how much space they take in the container, how long they take to produce and source, and how much they cost to transport. To reduce your shipping costs and delays, you should consider using fabrics and trims that are lightweight, compact, durable, and easy to find. You should also specify the exact fabric and trim codes, quantities, and suppliers in your tech pack, to avoid confusion and waste.

2 Packaging and labeling

Another element of a tech pack that affects your shipping costs and delays is the packaging and labeling of your product. Packaging and labeling are essential for protecting your product, identifying it, and complying with the regulations of your destination country. However, packaging and labeling can also add to your shipping weight, volume, and complexity, which can increase your shipping fees and risks. To reduce your shipping costs and delays, you should consider using packaging and labeling that are minimal, eco-friendly, standardized, and clear. You should also specify the exact packaging and labeling requirements, dimensions, and materials in your tech pack, to avoid errors and penalties.

3 Quality control

A third element of a tech pack that affects your shipping costs and delays is the quality control of your product. Quality control is the process of checking and testing your product for defects, damages, and deviations from your specifications. Quality control is crucial for ensuring your product meets your expectations and your customers' satisfaction. However, quality control can also cause your shipping costs and delays to increase, if your product fails to pass the inspection, or if you have to rework or return it. To reduce your shipping costs and delays, you should consider using quality control methods that are rigorous, consistent, and timely. You should also specify the exact quality control standards, procedures, and tools in your tech pack, to avoid disputes and rejections.

4 Lead time and delivery

A fourth element of a tech pack that affects your shipping costs and delays is the lead time and delivery of your product. Lead time is the amount of time it takes from placing your order to receiving your product. Delivery is the method and mode of transporting your product from your supplier to your destination. Lead time and delivery are dependent on many factors, such as production capacity, availability of materials, seasonality, weather, customs, and logistics. Lead time and delivery can affect your shipping costs and delays, if they are longer or more unpredictable than expected, or if they incur additional charges or complications. To reduce your shipping costs and delays, you should consider using lead time and delivery options that are realistic, flexible, and reliable. You should also specify the exact lead time and delivery terms, dates, and conditions in your tech pack, to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

5 Communication and collaboration

A fifth element of a tech pack that affects your shipping costs and delays is the communication and collaboration between you and your supplier. Communication and collaboration are the foundation of a successful tech pack and a smooth shipping process. Communication and collaboration involve sharing information, feedback, and updates, as well as resolving issues and problems, throughout the tech pack creation and execution. Communication and collaboration can affect your shipping costs and delays, if they are poor, inconsistent, or ineffective, or if they lead to confusion, conflict, or mistakes. To reduce your shipping costs and delays, you should consider using communication and collaboration tools that are clear, frequent, and respectful. You should also specify the exact communication and collaboration channels, modes, and expectations in your tech pack, to avoid gaps and glitches.

6 Revision and improvement

A sixth element of a tech pack that affects your shipping costs and delays is the revision and improvement of your product. Revision and improvement are the process of reviewing and refining your product based on the feedback, results, and learnings from your previous tech packs and shipments. Revision and improvement are important for enhancing your product quality, performance, and profitability. However, revision and improvement can also affect your shipping costs and delays, if they are too frequent, too drastic, or too late, or if they require more resources or changes. To reduce your shipping costs and delays, you should consider using revision and improvement strategies that are data-driven, incremental, and proactive. You should also specify the exact revision and improvement goals, methods, and metrics in your tech pack, to avoid waste and disruption.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?