For any hard-working clothing designer, finding the right manufacturer can be both a daunting and time consuming task. And with good reason, clothing manufacturers have the ability to make or break a label in the global fashion sector. Take Kathie Lee Gifford’s short lived career in fashion design for example. The child labor scandal that rocked the 90’s concluded that the factory used to manufacture her designs profited from child labor and routinely used less than ethical tactics. No fashion designer wants to be associated with something like that!
Choose the Right Manufacturer for the Job
While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to selecting a manufacturer to partner with, selecting the correct manufacturer is going to save a significant amount of headaches and money in the long run. When researching the lengthy list of potential factories to partner with, questions you will want to consider are:
* What is the cost per item?
* Are bulk discounts available? If so, how many of each item do you need to order in order to qualify for a discount?
* How quickly and the manufacturer fulfill your order?
* What quality control metrics do they have in place to ensure that your design specs are being followed?
* How much lead time do they require for larger orders?
* Do they offer shipping services?
* What is their return policy for faulty garments?
Touring the Facilities Is Crucial to the Survival of Your Label
Regardless of whether the manufacturer you choose is a small cut and sew shop out of New York or a large, fully functioning factory someplace in Asia, it is crucial to the survival of your business that you first take time to tour the entire manufacturing facility. The reputation of your design label depends greatly on the ethics, quality of workmanship and capabilities of your manufacturing partner. It is better to see firsthand what is occurring behind the closed doors of the factory than it is to read about it on the news after your big clothing launch. Programs that help you find decent manufacturers include Digital Fashion Pro. You can also visit website url to learn more about the fashion industry and all it has to offer.
Consider Hiring an Agent
Agents are public relations experts. They know the ins and outs of the design world and serve as pseudo business coaches. Good agents are committed to increasing your brand recognition and, therefore, can refer you to great manufacturers.