Questions to ask your clothing manufacturer before working with them

Custom streetwear clothing manufacturers can bring your vision to light and turn your dreams into reality. They are one of the keys to starting a successful business. But one of the biggest problems that many fashion designers face is choosing the right manufacturer to produce their streetwear clothing. When you are starting to design your clothing, you may not know how to properly screen your manufacturers before working with them. Here are some questions you can ask your clothing manufacturer.

Are you open to working with new clients?

You do not have to waste a lot of time engaging with a manufacturer if they are not taking on any new customers. You should also avoid wasting your time on manufacturers that are overbooked, putting you on a waiting list that may run for months. Find a different manufacturer that will fit into your production schedule and meet your goals.

Can you share the brand names you work with?

You should ask for proof of their previous work or portfolio to help you assess the ability of the manufacturer and their capacity.

Can I visit your factory?

An in-person visit is the best way you can access the production equipment of the manufacturer and learn about its operation. You will discover how the manufacturer treats their workers and handles their raw materials or how they manage defect inspections in their production lines.

Any custom clothing manufacturer that is not allowing visits should be a red flag. They are either subcontracting their work or not complying with the industry requirements. You could send a representative if you are unable to visit the manufacturer in person.

Do you work with subcontractors?

Subcontracting may make it easy to get your products off the production lines. However, it may expose you to poor production and delay causing misunderstandings. If the manufacturer outsources to third parties, you should ensure that it is for a specialty that they cannot handle by themselves.

What is your production capability?

While you might start with low production runs, you may wish to work in anticipation of expanding your business. You would want to ensure that the clothing manufacturer you work with is equipped for large productions in case you wish to increase your orders from fifty pieces to five hundred pieces. The production capacity of the manufacturer depends on the number of employees and machines available. If you are dealing with a small manufacturer, you would want to learn about their growth to determine if they are suited to your business ambitions.

What do you charge for samples?

Getting samples is an effective way to sample the products before committing to large orders. Samples justify the ability of the manufacturer to produce the products to your requirements. They also eliminate expensive returns and reworks.

Most custom streetwear clothing manufacturers charge a premium for samples because it is costly and time-consuming. Some companies charge three times the production price whilst others include a one-off development cost. Some might do both so you should be clear on how much you will be charged.