How to Get the Right Price: A Checklist for Working with Clothing Manufacturers
When negotiating with a manufacturer, many fashion designers or brand managers are eager to get a price early in the process. However, at this stage, the quoted price may be inaccurate or higher than expected. Why? Because the manufacturer doesn’t have enough information about your design yet.
1. Prepare a Clear Design or Sketch
To get an accurate price, you need to have a clear visual representation of your design. This could be a detailed drawing, or even images of similar styles with notes about the changes you want. Without this, simply saying “I want to make a hoodie, what’s the price?” won’t work. The manufacturer needs to understand your design in order to provide a realistic price. So, the first step is to make sure your manufacturer fully understands your vision.
2. Focus on Key Details
In fashion, small details make a big difference. Even though styles may seem similar, the variations often lie in the details. Make sure to discuss these with your manufacturer upfront. When the manufacturer understands that you have special design details, the cost may change, so clarifying these early can help avoid mistakes and potential cost surprises.
3. Specify Fabric and Trims
Fabric and trims play a significant role in pricing, so be clear about your preferences. The type of fabric you choose and the trims you want to use directly affect the overall cost. Also, the size of the product impacts fabric usage, so make sure to provide accurate sizing information to your supplier.
4. Request a Sample
Never skip the sample stage. While samples may cost money and take time, they’re a worthwhile investment. A properly done sample ensures that your bulk production will turn out as expected. After approving the sample, you can confidently move forward with production and get the right price.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your manufacturer provides a more accurate quotation, saving both money and time while reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
Bonus Tip:
When your order reaches at least 300 pieces, you can negotiate for the sample fee to be refunded. Even if your order is 100 pieces per style, don’t hesitate to bargain with the sales representative to get a better deal.
