The top 10 questions to ask manufacturers for creative & fashion businesses
You want to design, develop, and source your own fashion pieces or soft goods. Part of that journey involves approaching manufacturers and factories to see if they are a good fit not only for your product but also for your core values as a brand.
I always tell my clients, “Quality products start with quality relationships.”
To land those quality relationships, you need to do some legwork upfront and ask the right questions.
I made a list of such questions to make this part of your brand venture a little bit easier :)
1) What product types do you specialize in?
Different product types require different equipment and skillsets. For example, a denim manufacturer may not be your best bet to product swimwear. Get clear on the manufacturer’s specialties and capabilities. Do not assume.
2) What services do you offer?
Not all manufacturers are vertical (meaning, they have the equipment and capacity to do mostly everything in-house). Some trade partners specialize in one area of the supply chain. For example, a cut-house will only cut your materials, no sewing involved. Ask, do not assume. Many manufacturers will even provide you with a list of services they offer in-house.
3) If, from question number 2, you have identified the manufacturer as a vertical trade partner, ask if they have stock material you can work with.
Some, not all, vertical manufacturers will have bulk yardage of materials that you can pull from to make your garment. Because the manufacturer purchases fabric in bulk at a good rate, utilizing in-house material options can save you considerably - Activewear brands should definitely ask to see what options they have available to them.
Alternatively, where in-house stock material is not an option, the manufacturer may have a list of preferred material vendors they like to work with. There is no harm in asking.
4) Where are you located? Where are your factories? And where/what ports do you ship from?
Many, not all, manufacturers have offices or agents in a major city, but source or manufacture in a different city or another country. You want to get very clear on the logistics up front. Do NOT make assumptions. ASK as this will have an impact on your lead times, duties, compliance, freight charges, and potentially your core values.
5) Certifications
IF you are a mission-driven brand with core values to do better in the world (i.e. sweat-free, cruelty-free, eco-friendly), ASK for certifications. When a manufacturer is certified by a 3rd party organization in the areas of environment, labor, energy, etc, this helps you to confidently select the right trade partners who will keep your brand transparent and in alignment with your core values.
6) Reference brands
You may not always get an answer to this one due to NDAs, but ask anyway. Asking about the brands they have worked with is an excellent way to gauge whether or not this manufacturer can produce at the quality you seek.
7) Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Ask the manufacturer for their typical Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). More and more I find that manufacturers are increasingly flexible with their MOQ. They will have a standard range but are willing to work with you based on the complexity of the project.
8) Capacity
The opposite of MOQ, you may want to check to see if they have a max capacity that they can produce at, especially if you plan on scaling.
9) Lead Times
For the sake of establishing your business rhythm and getting your product in-house at the right time, ask for Lead Times in the following areas:
Development - the average amount it takes to land on an approved counter sample (Pre-Production Sample)
Production - the estimated amount of time it will take for the manufacturer to turn around your Purchase Order
Shipping - the estimated amount of time it will take for your product to arrive at your DC after it leaves the manufacturer (note, this question is better suited for a shipping carrier or freight forwarder, but the manufacturer may have a ballpark estimate)
Non-working days - these are days, or periods of times, the business plans to be closed
10) Terms & Conditions
Before entering into any agreement (NOTE HERE: Submitting a Purchase Order is a contractual agreement), you want to get the service agreement and prices in writing. As a preliminary exploratory activity, ask to see a draft or example of their Services Agreement, a standard price list for services, etc.
You’ll also want to be clear on payment terms. Ask. Always ask. Never assume. There is no “standard” to which factories must comply.