If you’re just beginning your journey to becoming a clothing retailer, there are a few factors to consider before selecting a clothing company.
1. Are They Able to Make Your Product?
It may seem like an obvious one, but it’s an important one. There aren’t all manufacturers of clothing capable of making all kinds of clothes. For example, outdoor or fitness clothing usually requires specific materials, like lycra or waterproof fabrics. Therefore, you must ensure that the company you select can produce the clothes you are looking for.
Better yet, consider a supplier who is specialized in the production of clothes you desire. For example, suppose you’re beginning an online clothing store that sells fashionable swimwear. In that case, it is best to partner with a company with a great deal of experience dealing with swimming wear. Similar to if you wish to market luxury clothing, then you may want to collaborate on behalf of one or more top luxury clothing companies, etc.
2. Manufacturing of clothing for overseas or domestic markets?
You must decide if you’re planning to collaborate with local companies in your area or country as well as foreign manufacturers.
This typically is a choice between manufacturers from America and Europe, or United States and Europe or companies in Asia (typically China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh). Unfortunately, it’s rare to find quality custom clothing manufacturer that are financially viable in less developed countries; however, when local-made is crucial to you, it’s possible to get it done.
Local (US, Europe) Clothing Manufacturers
There are many advantages to working with local clothing companies. Firstly, it is much simpler to speak with factories, visit their facilities and discuss your individual requirements, without having to communicate.
In addition, there are stricter labor regulations as well as more favorable working conditions. The public is becoming more aware of these aspects, and the fact that your product is “locally made” can be a practical selling feature. Also, you’ll benefit from faster delivery times, which makes customers content. Quality also tends to be better.
All of this is at a cost to your finances. For example, it’s generally more expensive to work with domestic companies, but you’ll also be able to charge more for clothes.
Overseas Clothing Manufacturers
The primary advantage of buying from overseas suppliers is the cost. They’re generally much less expensive, which is why much of the clothing you purchase is manufactured in China. However, this is typically because the standards of labor and working conditions are not regulated. That is something that you must be aware of.
It’s also more challenging for you to go to and examine factories. Although overseas producers can make high-quality clothing, it’s contingent on your choosing a reliable manufacturer.
The shipping times can be longer when products are shipped internationally. However, if you’re purchasing the clothing in bulk and then sending them by yourself, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Another benefit is that you typically have a more comprehensive range of choices with manufacturers from overseas in terms of fabrics, styles, etc. They’re more likely to do whatever it takes to work with you.
3. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
If you’re dealing with a private label clothing manufacturer, it is essential to determine the minimum order amount they require. This is the minimum amount of items you must buy in a single purchase. The MOQ can be between 200 and 2000 items or higher. It is incredibly uncommon for manufacturers not to possess an order minimum.
It’s essential to be aware of if you first begin working with a manufacturer and make your first purchase. They inform you that you must purchase one hundred thousand units of the item you would like to make it is possible that you won’t be financially able to buy it. It’s also not recommended to purchase 2000 items of clothing in case you’re not sure that you’ll sell the whole lot. In this way, you’ll end up with an excess of inventory that is difficult to get rid of.
In short, ensure that you can manage the MOQ before working with a clothing manufacturer.
4. Are they able to provide product samples?
Test before you buy. There’s a reason for changing rooms in the clothing stores, and it’s because buyers are keen to know what they’re buying before they purchase it. This is the same as your manufacturer.
If you’re looking for an outfitter to make garments for your business, it is essential to ensure that you look at samples before committing to a huge order. This is essential because if you find that something isn’t perfect, you can adjust it until it’s. Imagine receiving an order of hundreds of jackets you’ve designed only to discover that they’re not quite excellent or have the wrong type of button.
The most effective way to do this is to bring the subject up in your communications at an early stage. Many manufacturers are willing to send samples, typically at a reasonable cost; however, it’s up to you to get them to agree to the offer initially.
5. What are their fees and shipping costs?
In the excitement and excitement of bringing your business in the fashion industry into existence, it could be easy to forget essential due diligence. It’s as simple as one or two lines of an email asking the manufacturer whether they have any additional charges you need to be aware of and their shipping charges and timeframes.
This is an important fact that will help you decide if you want to cooperate with this manufacturer or not, so be sure to take note of it in the beginning. You can get the tips for 7 ways to save money when shopping online.
6. What is their production capacity?
It’s something you may not be thinking about until the business is growing. For example, when you’re beginning on your fashion line, you’re probably focused on placing your first order in and getting sales.
But what happens if the business is more successful than you expected, and your merchandise sells quickly? Do you have the confidence of the manufacturer of your clothes in a short time and at a higher volume in the future? This is why it is essential to check with your supplier on their capacity to produce. You should ensure that they can increase it when needed.
Also, inquire about turnaround times, also known as the lead time that is how long it will take the manufacturer to finish your order. It isn’t ideal to have to wait for months or weeks for your order, but you’ll miss the opportunity to make sales along the way.
7. What is their standard of Quality?
It’s not something you can inquire about with the manufacturer via email and then rely on their word. But, you can conduct the research yourself by looking up reviews on the manufacturer’s website and visit the facility (if it’s possible), and requesting samples.
Keep in mind how good your clothing will determine your reputation, so you must ensure that the dress you purchase is made of high quality. You’ll be better off paying a bit more for better quality products instead of risking your reputation for a couple of bucks.
8. What other brands have they worked with?
This is among the best methods to determine the quality of a company. First, ask them about other brands they’ve produced clothes for. Then, check out the websites of those brands. Are they doing well? What is their feedback from customers? Next, contact the owners of these brands and ask what their experiences were dealing with their manufacturer.
Did they encounter any problems? Are they satisfied with the product? You can’t beat real-world reviews to give you the confidence to go with a particular manufacturer. Sometimes, they may sound warning alerts that could aid you in deciding to switch to another company.
