10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS FOR YOUR MANUFACTURER

Approaching a factory to produce your collection can feel like a daunting task with many things to consider, in this article we will go over 10 essential questions which we believe to be of the most importance for startup brands.

1. What is your MOQ? (Minimum Order Quantity)

How many pieces in total must we produce for each style in order to work together.

Understand the factories quantity requirements, remember to start with small scale production in the beginning stages.

2. What will my total price per unit cost?

How much will each garment in my collection cost, per piece.

Be sure to include all applicable taxes, shipping cost, trim & packaging, etc.

3. What will the shipping cost be from factory to final destination?

What will be the total shipping cost from factory to my warehouse?

Be sure to include duties & taxes, etc.

4. What is your lead time for sample production, as well as full collection production?

How long will it take for you to produce & ship my first round of samples, as well as the full collection?

Have a good understanding of the timeline for production & shipment in order to plan for your brand operations.

5. Are you able to directly source the required materials described in my tech pack?

Is your factory capable of sourcing the high quality materials directly, which I have described in my tech pack?

Ensure the factory you are working with is able to source or produce the correct materials for each garment you are looking to produce.

6.  Do you offer excellent quality control insurance?

Have a strong understanding of the factory quality control protocols, as well as an agreement about what should happen if product arrives to you in poor condition.

Make sure that the factory will be held liable for replacement or refund, should product arrive in less than perfect condition or out of spec from the tech pack.

7. Are you capable of manufacturing the technical garments described in my tech pack?

Does your factory possess the necessary technology & craftsmanship to properly execute the technical designs which I have laid out in my tech pack?

Ensure the factory has the capabilities for creating the quality of garment which you want to produce & offer.

8. What types of speciality finishing options do you offer?

Does your factory offer the specialty finishing treatments which I require in my tech pack?

For example : If you want to produce a denim pant with a specific wash such as stone was or acid wash, ensure that the factory is able to achieve this finish before beginning production.

9. Are you capable of sourcing & customizing trim & packaging details?

Ensure the factory is able to source & customize the specific details of your product in terms of trim, packaging, labels & hang tags.

Be sure to include these specific details in your tech pack, in order to have proof of what the agreed upon final product should be.

10. Will I obtain / maintain ownership of the of the final product design?

Example : If your factory is creating the patterns for the garment, you want to ensure the pattern will then become your brand property for future use & rights.

We have seen before, factories that will use your tech pack, create patterns out of them & keep them for future clients.

Be sure to have legal agreements about anything necessary for your brand property.

Disclaimer : this is not business advice, only reiteration of our research & experience working with brands. Use information at your own discretion.