If you’re looking to build your own line of clothing,
The best method to establish a profitable fashion business is to partner with a reputable UK garment manufacturer.
They have the expertise and contacts to help bring ideas to life.
From a sketch on paper, to a finished product which can be offered for sale.
If you’re trying to take your business in fashion to the next step,
What’s the next step? Consider some of the key factors to take into consideration when establishing relationships with a brand new supplier of clothing.
Present your fashion-related business and your vision
A successful partnership is built on the knowledge and openness.
Fashion designers are experts in their fields, and they also recognise that each person is unique.
It is, however, your responsibility to present yourself and the vision you have for your company.
There’s a chance an organization you speak to doesn’t seem to be a great match.
It is much better to know sooner rather than later after you’re committed and more advanced in the procedure.
The more you understand each other, the better chances you be able to create a successful partnership that can result in clothes that is ready to go on sale.
Talk about the stages of production
There is no need to be a production specialist when you contact the clothing maker.
But, there are some who are aware of the production procedure and others are not aware of the processes involved.
For instance certain designers require to run a limited production run after beginning their own business.
Some are carrying their tech kit prepared but others require help to prepare it.
This is why it’s important to talk about the steps they provide and what you’ll need.
In addition, you should discuss the number of pieces you are planning to make and the best way to increase the number of pieces if they do well when they first go on sale.
You must ensure that you are aware of all stages of the process and the length of time they anticipate things to take at each step.
Make sure you take the time to think about the issues thoroughly prior to making a choice to make sure it’s best for your business.
Talk about and negotiate pricing
Pricing is another crucial factor.
The greater the number of units you purchase more units you order, the less expensive each unit will be, but you need to consider the costs.
For instance, one among the highest priced parts in the production of any garment is the price of fabric. It can cost up to 70% of price.
It is therefore recommended that you keep a technology pack to prevent costs or unnecessary miscalculations.
If you don’t have a technology pack, then you must slow down and make it happen before proceeding.
A quote is in line with your needs in the moment.
It is crucial to plan ahead in the event that things go well Be realistic and that you have a budget in place.
Budgeting effectively
Effectively managing a budget is crucial for all production choices.
It is important to account for mistakes and mistakes and give your financial capability to handle the situation.
The failure to budget is among the main reasons why businesses that are new do not succeed.
Be flexible. You may not be able afford the number of units you’d like
You may also need to alter the style slightly to eliminate elements that drain your budget.
To plan your budget properly, make sure to request the full breakdown of your production costs prior to committing.
You might realize that they’ve taken on something you don’t require or that you can find elsewhere/do yourself.
Be aware that certain factories have hundreds of customers who require different items.
Therefore, it’s up to you to ensure you’re covered on all fronts.
Learn about the length of lead time and timelines
If you’re happy with the cost There is one final step to take before signing the”dotted line.
It is important to create an outline of the timeline that you can agree on.
For example, if the factory delivers the samples for testing, what time will you have to give feedback?
You must adhere to the timelines agreed upon.
For example, if , for instance, you promise to provide an answer within 72 hours and instead, you take six days to provide feedback,
You can’t be able to complain when your items fall off the list and need to be re-inserted into the schedule, which causes a delay.
It’s also essential to account for delays and incidents that are outside of your or the factory’s ability to control.
Production timelines, for instance, suffered a major setback in the course of the pandemic and nobody could have predicted the magnitude of this catastrophe.
Although the majority of delays will be brief and manageable, make sure you have an emergency cushion and contingency plan in case delays occur.
What questions should you ask the clothing maker
In order to ensure you’ve everything covered For a better understanding of the production process, here are some important questions you can ask as part of your production process.
Is there a minimum quantity of orders?
Make sure to inquire regarding minimum quantity of orders earlier in the process.
Some manufacturers require the requirement of a minimum order of 2000 parts, which isn’t feasible if you only require 100.
There are a lot of businesses that can handle small orders. Make sure you confirm this prior to confirming other information. Look up prices and breaks.
There is a possibility that with 150 parts, the production is cheaper.
Can I see a client’s portfolio?
It is always helpful to be aware of the other companies that the company has worked with.
However, due to disclosure agreements, etc it is possible that you won’t be able to look into the specifics.
However it is true that many UK clothing companies have reviews or examples on be found in case you need them.
The ability to examine samples is an additional way to judge the quality of the product.
How long is the average lead time?
The time for lead times can be different depending on a variety of factors, such as the time of year and supply issues.
Make sure you know the time they anticipate it to take from manufacturing to shipping.
Make sure to add a buffer of about two weeks prior to making forward plans to account for delays.
What are the production rates?
If you are able to place an order for 6000 pieces and the company is able to make 50 pieces per week, the timeframe will stretch out.
This is usually addressed during lead times, to give you a clear timeframe for when your order can be completed.
What is the average price for an example cost?
Making a single piece of clothing as a sample can be costly typically, it is double the cost for the full production.
Find out if it is a flat-rate or if it’s charged by hour which is crucial to your budget.
What are the terms of payment?
When are you legally required to make a payment? As a first-time customer, you’ll likely have to make the deposit.
Certain UK clothing producers will request a second instalment prior to sending the item.
Be aware of the terms of payment and ensure that suppliers are paid in time so that you don’t experience delays.
Is it possible to go to the factory?
Many UK clothing companies let new and clients who are already customers to tour the manufacturing facility and facilities.
We are DSA Manufacturing, you can schedule an appointment with our factory in Swansea.
Does the manufacturer of clothing has a quality certification or industry auditing data?
A lot of clothing manufacturers offer information about their processes for quality and show any certifications they have through their sites.
What is the procedure for quality control?
Another crucial aspect is the process of quality control. Every factory has its own standards for high-quality,
and you’ll witness this in person as you look at the samples.
Can I connect to the account manager?
When you’re making your clothes, you’ll be able to reach a one point of contact who can answer any questions you may have.
This could be a production assistant, account director as well as a production assistant.
Many factories and manufacturers of clothing provide you with a designated contact for you to facilitate communication throughout the process.
In DSA Manufacturing, we also offer a custom dashboard that will track each step of your purchase.
