The success and longevity of your fashion brand boil down to two factors: design and quality. You have the most control over design, but if you outsource production to a manufacturer, then you have to do the best you can to maintain quality. A manufacturer that doesn’t deliver what is expected can spell your fashion brand’s demise. No fashion brand would ever discuss production mishaps, but trust us, there are many.
Ideally, you are going to do your due diligence before availing a clothing manufacturer’s services. However, it’s possible to see red flags only when you have already partnered with one. In this blog, we’ll share tips on how to address both.
Choosing a manufacturer is a process. A solid partnership with a manufacturer means smooth operations, consistent quality, and zero to little hiccups. Meanwhile, the wrong manufacturer can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and even damage to your brand’s reputation. Sometimes, things don’t work out along the way so we adjust accordingly.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 8 red flags you should look out for when choosing a clothing manufacturer. These red flags can help you avoid potential problems and ensure you select a partner that will help your fashion brand thrive.
A good manufacturer is not afraid to show their production area and processes. Manufacturing clothing is a standardised industry and there aren’t many specialised equipment that manufacturers have hidden from competitors. What manufacturers differentiate in is through service, expertise, costs, materials sourcing, and processes. All of these are hard to replicate because it takes time and a great culture to build.
If a manufacturer refuses to divulge information, they might be hiding something. It can be anything from unethical practices to poor working conditions or unreliable production capabilities.
Always request detailed information about the manufacturer’s processes, including where they source materials, how they manage production, and their pricing. If they are unwilling to provide this information, it’s time to look elsewhere.
Be wary of manufacturers who make overly optimistic promises about production times, pricing, or quality. Many manufacturers will tell you they can meet your needs, but you must verify if they can handle your project within the agreed timeline and at the quality you expect. It's important to set realistic expectations and avoid suppliers who seem too eager to please. If a manufacturer offers significantly lower prices or shorter lead times than competitors, it could be a red flag that they are cutting corners or may not be able to deliver on their promises. Overpromising manufacturers tend to do this to win your business, but the long-term consequences can be severe.
Before committing to a manufacturer, request samples and assess their previous work. Check with their other clients to see if they have a reputation for delivering on their promises in terms of pricing and delivery times.
A lack of experience in the clothing manufacturing industry can be a red flag. While new manufacturers may offer competitive rates, they may not have the expertise or resources to handle large orders or complex designs. Incompetence or inexperience can lead to production errors, delays, or even legal issues due to non-compliance with industry standards.
Research the manufacturer’s experience, especially in producing the types of garments you need. Check how long they’ve been in business and request references from other clients who have used their services for similar products.
You can’t expect experience with unique pieces though. Be understanding. In cases where you want a unique garment made, give a reputable clothing manufacturer a chance and maintain constant communication to foresee and fix potential problems along the way.
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.” - Nat Turner
Effective communication and customer service are essential for a successful business relationship. If your manufacturer is hard to reach, slow to respond, or fails to give you clear updates, you could be in for a world of trouble.
Good communication is necessary, especially if you’re dealing with overseas clothing manufacturers. Your manufacturer should be able to understand your needs and adapt accordingly. If you’re dealing with a manager who’s hard to understand or communicate with, even with highly detailed tech packs, consider this as a major red flag. How can you get what you need if you two can’t understand each other?
Test the manufacturer’s communication skills early on. Do they respond to your emails or calls in a timely manner? Are they clear and concise in their responses? If communication is lacking from the start, it’s best to move on to a more reliable partner. Look for manufacturers that are easy to reach and willing to go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction.
While everyone loves a good deal, if the pricing from a manufacturer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Lowball offers often come with hidden costs or result in poor-quality materials and workmanship.
Unrealistic pricing is often an indicator that the manufacturer cuts corners somewhere—whether that’s by using substandard materials, underpaying workers, or skipping important quality checks. In the end, you might end up paying more to fix the issues or even dealing with customer complaints and returns.
Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others you’ve received. It’s better to pay a fair price for quality work than to save money upfront and deal with long-term headaches. Make sure you understand exactly what’s included in the price, from materials to shipping costs.
Manufacturing errors and defects happen. But if they become a regular occurrence, it’s a serious red flag. A manufacturer with a history of quality control issues is a major red flag.
Before signing a contract, ask about the manufacturer’s quality control process. Do they have regular inspections? What steps do they take to ensure product consistency? Request samples and consider hiring a third-party inspector to verify the quality of the final products. Look for evidence of their quality control processes, such as certifications or testimonials from previous clients. If you notice any issues, it's a good sign that the manufacturer may not be able to produce high-quality products.
Certifications are a good indicator of quality. However, these are expensive to get and may not make economic sense to some. A site visit and a check of their quality control process might help indicate if the clothing manufacturer will provide good services.
The financial aspect of your relationship with a manufacturer is another area where red flags can pop up. Be cautious of manufacturers that request unusual or suspicious payment terms. If they require upfront payments or excessive deposits, it could be a sign of financial instability or a desire to avoid fulfilling their obligations. Stick to standard payment terms and avoid any arrangements that make you feel uncomfortable.
Negotiate fair payment terms that include reasonable deposits and progress payments. Ensure you have a secure payment method in place, such as escrow or a Letter of Credit, to protect both parties.
These days, consumers and regulators are more concerned than ever about ethical and sustainable practices. If your manufacturer isn’t compliant with industry standards, it could spell trouble for your brand. We never work with manufacturers that lack basic industry standards.
Non-compliance can result in fines, legal issues, and damage to your brand’s reputation. Consumers are increasingly demanding ethical products, and working with a manufacturer that cuts corners can backfire. Moreover, a lack of compliance can signal other hidden issues, such as poor working conditions or financial instability.
Ensure your manufacturer has all the necessary certifications and is compliant with the laws in their country of operation. Ask for proof of compliance and conduct third-party audits if needed. We make it standard practice to avail the services of clothing manufacturers with international certifications. They may cost a bit more, but in our experience, we’re less likely to see defects, and they are easier to deal with.
Choosing the right clothing manufacturer is an important step in building a successful fashion brand. If you recognise these red flags, you can prevent costly mistakes and guarantee that your manufacturing partner is a good fit for your business. Remember, it’s better to walk away from a questionable manufacturer early on than to deal with the long-term consequences of poor production, missed deadlines, or quality issues.
Take your time in vetting potential manufacturers, ask the right questions, and always trust your instincts. A solid manufacturer will be transparent, reliable, and committed to helping your brand succeed.
