It can be a long process to finding a manufacturer you want to work with especially if you’re going in blind, with no peer recommendations or industry knowledge. Once you’ve found them though, you’ll want to build a relationship that hopefully lasts through multiple seasons. Here’s some tips on how to get what you want while keeping (and building) a strong working realtionship.
Know your quantities.
Before manufacturers engage with you they will want to know how many pieces you are wanting to produce.
Your first production run can be a problematic because:
You may not know how many pieces you’ll sell
You don’t want to overspend
You’ve limited storage space for a very large order
That in mind you do still need to come up with a figure. Most minimums are 100 pcs per style and that’s a good place to start once you’ve spread it across your size range you might be able to ship in minimal containers – meaning minimal cost.
Do your research
If it’s been your dream to start a fashion brand, you must understand the manufacturing process & what it takes to have samples created. You must do your research, it is not the manufacturers job to explain to you how it all works. Going in uneducated, will potentially result in unnecessary spending –which you will want to avoid.
Before you even begin to talk to a manufacturer you’ll need to answer questions like:
Where will you get your patterns made?
Which fabrics and in what shade will you use on each garment?
What trims are needed on each garment? Do you have to source them?
Are you placing your logo on each garment? If so where and how (screen print, embroidery, laser print etc)?
By understanding what it is you require and how to achieve that, you’ll be able to know if the manufacturers you talk to are capable of doing what you are asking. It will help to list each garment and note everything that is needed to create this garment.
Discuss ETA’s (Estimated Time of Arrival)
You need to tell your manufacturer:
When you need your first sample in your hands
When you’d like to start production on your first batch order
You need to figure out the timeline you want before you talk to the manufacturer, because if you say – “I don’t have a deadline” to them, they will always put other clients who do have a deadline ahead of you. So, be smart and tell them your preferred ETA ‘s, but be willing to negotiate. Delivery times vary from manufacturer, I encourage you to know your lead times; Sample lead times, CMS (Cut Make Sew), Shipping, Fabric etc. Generally, a new product sample will take 6 weeks, CMS 1 or 2 weeks and fabric from mill (12-8 weeks).
Prepare a Spec Sheet for your order
A beautifully presented Tech Pak is every ones dream, but a simple Specification Sheet with all the details about your order will make your manufacturer’s life easier.
Have your Spec Sheet include:
- The Basics (prototype and production deadline; product colors, fabric, patterns)
- The Grading (which sizes and how many of each)
- The Trims (buttons, zippers, thread, etc.)
- The Labels and the Packaging (poly bag, carton dimensions, etc.).
Follow up every 10 days. Not every day.
Your contact at the manufacturers will more than likely be the same person managing seamstresses and staff operating the machines, all working on garments that will be shipped (potentially) across the entire globe. Lots of different orders, for lots of different clients. Although your order will be important to them, you are not the only customer they have.
Avoid annoying them with daily interruptions, and instead digitally follow up with them every other week.
Understand & Research Freight Costs
Some manufacturers will handle shipping to entice you into you working with them, but they are not couriers, so it might be more beneficial for you and your business to handle this. Educate yourself on customs, duties, billing lading, and research variety of routes.
Avoid errors, overcharging and mis-deliveries by just hiring your own third party freight forwarder or starting a business account on Fedex, UPS, or DHL to save time and money. When importing stock from abroad you need to know as much as possible to keep costs low.
Get personal with your manufacturer. Ask for their story before telling yours.
At the end of the day they are people too and you will hopefully build a long-standing business relationship. So, ask questions – find out why they started their factory, they might share with you some helpful information.
Say, “Thank you!”
If your manufacturer did a great job, thank them. They are an essential part of your business after all.