Top 10 Questions to Ask your Potential Ready-made garment manufacturer

Considering to become a readymade garment vendor or a wholesaler in Nepal? 

Whether you want to sell fashion garments online or through physical outlets or even through omni-channel (highly advisable in today’s modern market), you need to establish a strong and more importantly a long-term partnership with Ready-made garment manufacturer.

It is crucial to have a supplier who can serve your needs and most importantly deliver products that sell.

Some Ways of finding Readymade Garment Manufacturer

With several options now available in Nepalese market, you might find the task of picking the right manufacturer a bit challenging. There are several ways to find garment manufacturer. Some of the ways are by conducting online research (search engines), visiting trade shows, online directories, word of mouth referrals, social media group and forums.

Once you come up with a list of potential manufacturers, it’s time to pick up the phone and start calling. However, it is crucial to pose relevant questions as most of us might struggle coming up with the right questions.

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Here’s a list of top 10 questions that all of the industry’s executives ask garment manufacturers before signing a contract!

1. Are you taking on new customers?

Every factory operates in a specific capacity. Find out if the clothing manufacturer is accepting new orders and if they have the ability to complete your first order.

The factory can be overbooked and taking on new customers may be placed on a hold. If that’s the case, put the phone down and dial a new factory.

2. Can they manufacture your product?

Inquire about the garments they produce. If you have a specific requirement, make sure they can accommodate it.

Inform them of the things you intend to manufacture and be sure to enquire if they have machineries and skilled workforce to meet up your specific designs and finishing needs.

3. What are the brands they work for?

If you are familiar with the reference brands, this might give you an indicator of the quality level. Also, inquire about references you might call to inquire about their participation.

 4. What is the Minimum Order Quantity and Production Capacity

The majority of ready-to-wear clothing manufacturers have a minimum order quantity. Make sure you choose a manufacturer who’s  minimum order quantity meets your requirements and doesn’t leave you with unsold inventory taking up valuable shelf space.

5. Are they working with third party suppliers?

Manufacturers occasionally outsource elements of their production to third-party vendors. If they do, see what parts they can’t handle on their own. 

Remember that if they use a third-party vendor, controlling that element of the process may be more challenging. It’s just another link in the chain that could cause delays and misunderstandings.

6. Can they provide Sample and  Price examples?

Ask for a quotation. This is one of the most basic yet significant demand as buyer. Remember, for an accurate price estimation you need them to make a prototype. It is only then they’ll know what your product will cost.

7. What are their typical payment terms and timelines of the garment manufacturer?

Is your manufacturer looking for full payment up front or payment in installments? Every Ready-made Garment manufacturer has its own way of doing business, so enquire about your options before signing any kind of contract..

8. What is the realistic turnaround time for orders?

Everyone’s business has a dream timeline, a realistic timeline, and a worst case scenario timeline. Make sure that you get a realistic expectation of the turnaround time from your supplier so that you can accurately plan your store’s year.

9. How do they handle shipping and defective items?

To deal with damaged items, most garment factories will have certain general principles in place. They’ll have people onsite to verify your products in the plant on a regular basis.

However, quality assurance in factories can be more unpredictable at times. Make sure to ask about the Quality management and policy for defective items.

10. What are the services they can provide?

Is it possible for them to handle patterns, grading, prototypes, fabric sourcing, and design? That is, Handing over more than just the production task to the manufacturer might be a quick and easy option.

However, you will have less control as a result of it. It’s like putting something into a black box, you don’t know what goes inside, and then something comes out that isn’t quite what you expected. 

Be sure to ask what services other then manufacturing are they willing to give you.  Asking for a slight bargain is always a good strategy.