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Hi Suada
If the manufacturers you want to work with are in the same city, it can be good to go there for a hand-off. Meaning visiting them and the team, seeing the facility, the machinery (this can be specially important if you have a specific concept and sustainable and ethical standards) and having a big meeting with all the responsible people there from the different departments. The pattern maker, the technician, the merchandiser etc. All of them will be on board with what you are trying to achieve and if questions arise, you will be able to discuss this and solve it. Meaning when you have a hand-off, the first proto will be way better and more accurate than if you would just send the documents via email.
If you can’t have a hand-off then the most important time to visit is with comment on the first proto. You already have a sample to refer to and you know what to implement, you can talk about the fit, about details, about materials and solutions.
Yes, it’s absolutely fine to get quotes from several manufacturers and visit them. It can be tricky though… you can be open and say that you just want a quoted sample. In case you don’t work with them later at least you haven’t burnt any bridges.