Latest update June 24th, 2022 4:42 PM
How to Find Clothing Manufacturers for Small Orders
Small to mid-sized clothing lines businesses always have a hard time looking for manufacturers they can easily work with due to their low value orders. Most manufacturers, particularly the ones abroad, only accept bulk orders of large quantities from their clients. Unfortunately, small clothing businesses cannot afford the minimum order quantity (MOQ) or extremely high unit prices of these suppliers and manufacturers. The worst part is that some manufacturers take advantage of these small businesses by charging expensive fees for their minimal orders. Small clothing lines are left with no choice but to give in.
These days, small businesses have been thriving mainly due to the emergence of the e-commerce industry. As a result, the gap between major companies and small businesses is bridged and the competition further tightens. It’s an open battlefield now since small businesses can now cater to their target market and the bigger companies no longer dominate most of the market. This development stays true for the clothing industry which is why it is not surprising to see a lot of clothing startups as of late.
Finding the RIGHT Clothing Manufacturers for Small Businesses
The rise of small up to mid-sized entrepreneurs paved the way for manufacturers and suppliers to consider small businesses and not look past them. In fact, there are manufacturers these days who focus exclusively on servicing and guiding small businesses. Startup clothing lines gained a lot of advantage because of this and finding clothing manufacturers is no longer a problem for them as long as they look at the right places.
With availability of manufacturers out of the equation, the problem shifts from finding a clothing manufacturer to finding the RIGHT clothing manufacturer. It is already established there are clothing manufacturers out there who are willing to cater to small businesses but the bigger problem is that not all of them are perfect for your business needs. There are still manufacturers who charge expensive fees, some may provide substandard work quality and there are others who are incompetent in the industry.
When looking for clothing manufacturers, there are aspects you need to consider before you hire a manufacturer to produce your clothing products. The first aspect you have to consider is their work quality. Always ask for a list of their past clients and products for you to check the quality of their work. It is also advisable to get feedback from their past clients or at least do your own background research regarding their company. It is important to get to know them based firsthand instead of reading or listening to how they advertise their services.
Another important aspect to consider is their prices and fees. As a small scale clothing business owner, your budget is critical and you do not have the luxury of having a big capital. You have to make sure your potential manufacturer has justifiable fees and prices. It is a huge plus if the manufacturer do not charge extra even if you can only afford their minimum quantity order (MOQ) as of the moment. They still have to be fair when it comes to providing services and not consider you as an inferior client for being a small clothing business.
Overlooked Aspects when Finding a Clothing Manufacturer for Small Businesses
The aspects mentioned above such as company reputation along with prices and fees are pretty standard qualifications when considering to hire a clothing manufacturer for small quantities. Both aspects are part of the protocol not just in clothing but in any other industry. Aside from those aspects, there are ones who are often overlooked by most businesses particularly small up to mid-sized businesses who are still new to the industry.
One of the most overlooked aspect when choosing a clothing manufacturer is customer support. A professional clothing manufacturer must not only be limited to manufacturing the products but they also need to have inputs and provide design support to their clients. As professionals who have been around in the industry for a long time, their inputs and advice will be important for small businesses most especially if they are still new to the game. They should feel free to give suggestions but at the same time not intervene with the business operation.
It is vital for small businesses to address to their potential manufacturers that they are seeking to scale up production later as soon as they are able to establish themselves. This is a goal and vision in which both the client and clothing manufacturer must altogether have. This also goes to show you are in it for the long run and not only as a small business with little expectations. There is a dream to become big someday and your potential manufacturer will be crucial for you to achieve this big goal. If you’re interested in small order clothing manufacturing, feel free to check us out: https://intrepidsourcing.com/solutions/garments-production-package/
