Choosing the right clothing manufacturer is important for your new fashion line. All your efforts invested into designing a line and making it unique is just a waste if you don’t find the right manufacturer to accomplish your dream.
Price isn’t the only critical parameter anymore to hire manufacturer A over manufacturer B. The decision-making process involves several other factors, like:
- Quality
- Delivery Location
- Ethical standards
- Market Reputation and more.
We understand that this part of the business may seem daunting, especially if you’re just starting. Don’t give up just yet! We’ll help you find the right clothing manufacturer that can turn your ideas into a reality.
Determine Your Business Goals
What do you wish to achieve through your fashion brand? Impress women, men, teens or any other market segment? When you know the purpose of your brand, you’ll be able to select the manufacturer that ticks all the boxes for you.
Gain a clarity over many other aspects of your business and ensure you do not end up hiring an incompetent clothes manufacturer.
Decide whether you want to operate locally or overseas
We live in a world where buyers are conscious of the material more than ever before.
With domestic manufacturers (such as in the U.K. U.S.A, or Europe), you’re going to get premium-quality clothes but at a high price. The only downside here is sourcing your products from a local manufacturer is an expensive option.
Plenty of manufacturers (in countries like China, or Taiwan) can help you with clothes at a lower price. However, be wary of the quality of the fabric and other supplies used.
Find more information on manufacturers
Ask Around: If you know someone in the industry, find out who they work with.
Search Online: Research online and look for cloth manufacturers with positive reviews.
Talk to Suppliers: If you sourced fabrics or materials from others, ask them if they have any recommendations to share.
Other industry sources: Check out magazines, newspapers, trade shows, etc. to find the information.
Questions to ask from clothing manufactures
Once you have researched and shortlisted some potential manufactures, consider asking these questions. This is the ideal way to find the right producer for your fashion line.
Do they specialize in your clothing brand?
Most manufacturers produce a wide range of fashion clothes. Some manufacturers specialize in specific products or processes. Partnering with an expert in your niche could be beneficial as it will clarify the process.
What are their fees and shipping charges?
Pricing though not deciding is an important factor to consider while choosing a manufacturer for your fashion brand. Choose one that can provide you with the highest quality products under an affordable price range.
Do not forget to negotiate with the shipping charges especially when you’re working with overseas manufacturers. Make sure you clear these things up during your initial conversations only. Unpleasant costing surprises can cut your sales margin short.
What are their minimum orders?
It is an essential aspect to consider especially when this is your first clothing label. Nowadays, most manufacturers understand the budget constraints startups have while entering the market. It is important to understand how their minimum order policy works.
It is not possible to predict the future of your brand, but it is necessary to choose a manufacturer that can scale your business growth.
Can they mirror your brand ethics?
Partnering with a manufacturer that matches your brand ethics will ensure that the product is produced with your company’s standards. Ask them questions like:
- How do they source materials?
- What processes do they follow?
- What steps do they follow to reduce their carbon footprint?
All these aspects will help you determine the suitability of the manufacturer with your brand.
What production processes do they use?
Clothing manufacturers offer a variety of production processes. The choice depends upon how much assistance you require.
CMT ( Cut, Make, Trim) gives you more control over the product and is a more cost-efficient option.
FPP ( Full Package Production) is suitable for someone who wants to cover everything from ideation to creating the final product.
What is their general timeline?
Choose a manufacturer that aligns with your timeline. Give them a rough estimation of your collection release and ask if they can deliver the slot within that period. There’s no point in making the contract with the manufacturer whose production is booked solid for the next few months.
Take a look at the samples
Before you finalize the manufacturer, make sure that you get the samples before you commit to a larger order. This is important because if something’s wrong, you can ask for adjustments. Imagine getting the full order only to find out something’s not quite right.
It is best to bring this up during your initial conversation only. Most manufacturers won’t mind sending you samples for a modest fee.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right clothing manufacturer is crucial, especially if you’re a start-up with limited knowledge and funds.
Remember this is a big decision for your fashion brand, so take time to think, do proper research, and carefully evaluate all your options. Avoid cheap options just for the sake of lower cost points.
