National Clothesline

We can promote routes, discounts, specials on storage, more convenient hours — everything helps — but if you want to keep good customers, make a constant effort for a fail-safe system of final inspection.

Plants that make this their most important function can go a step further. As the customer

enters, they have a spotlight on an area visible from the counter where they see an illuminated sign pointing out the final inspector.

The sign could say “Meet our valued and trusted Final Inspector!” And there she is, carefully looking over each garment before it goes to the assembly area. Placed for easy reach are caped hangers, tissue and packaging material, coat retainers, hanky tops and any notes to enhance the completed order. She has carefully noted the information put on the ticket at the counter.

This calls for a system that involves full cooperation of the entire plant in the day-to-day operation.

Start with the finishing department. Be aware that no one handles a garment more than a presser. All garments must have hangers in the right direction to advance on the finished line.

Should the presser see some flaw or a reason to reject the piece — a stain or broken button, for example — he or she simply puts it backwards on the finished line and it will be picked up and passed back to the right party for correction.

No words of explanation need be spoken that could interrupt the work flow. The assembly individual simply makes the decision and starts the rejected piece back for correction with no time wasted.

Everyone soon knows the drill. It all starts with the counter sales representative who handles each garment with a smile to the customer, perhaps with some pleasantry about the weather, then discusses when the garment will be ready and offering delivery service.

Then comes the important job — quickly inspecting the garment, marking any stains and any other concerns the customer may have. This provides an opportunity to mention that you can repair loose seams and fix missing buttons.

The CSR needs to put the garment on its way while giving the customer full confidence.

Many plants try to keep records, then call the production personnel to a staff meeting once every two weeks with management, pressers, the spotter and assembly persons.

The final inspector reads off how many garments were returned for stain removal or some special treatment. This can be a jovial house meeting where all can voice opinions and ideas to make the plant function smoother. Problem areas can be discussed, such as a need to change padding or mechanical problems that need to be fixed.

This is not to create any animosity but to let the inspector and management know how each important member of the team is working. It should be a brief, pleasant gathering where ideas are exchanged, refreshments served and perhaps pizza is shared. What is important is that all should know they are all on the same team and seeking ways to see the business grow with job benefits and security and better days ahead.