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How to ask factories for introduction
Hello,
I am trying to reach out to manufacturers to get idea about how they work and if it suits my requirement. I know a few things to ask for example, their lead time, MOQ policy, shipping policy, factory capacity etc. I am not sure what more I can ask for in order to get better and clear picture.
Thanks in Advance.
Rutu
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7 Replies
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Hi Rutu,
we have summarized 12 questions you can ask the manufacturer in this post:
https://memberzone.apparelentrepreneurship.com/questions-to-ask-the-clothing-manufacturer///Klas
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Hi Klas,
Thank you for this.
Rutu
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Great question Ruth and thanks for the post Klas. When is the best time to visit the manufacturer? I’m thinking after a sample is approved and up to your standards. Is it wise to get samples from manufacturers in the same city/country and then visit the ones you’ve put on the shortlist?
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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. -
Hello Again,
I had a question regarding term FOB. It means “free on board” and it includes all charges of making a garment and transportation cost to the shipping port. But my confusion is if I chose to go with FOB with manufacturers, does that mean they work only with their own suppliers? Can I ask them to work with my suppliers for fabrics and trims etc?
Best,
Rutu Shah
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Hi Rutu!
Absolutely, even if you go with FOB, you can ask them to go with your chosen suppliers.
//Klas
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Thanks Klas.