Must-Read for Fashion Professionals! Tips for Partnering with Garment Factories

For those in custom clothing manufacturing and wholesale, finding the right factory is half the battle to business success. But with so many factories flooding the market, how can you accurately screen them and establish reliable partnerships? Here are 6 core techniques to help you avoid pitfalls and secure trustworthy partners.

1. Factory inspections aren't just for show—always conduct on-site visits

Don't rely solely on brochures or online communication. Insist on visiting the factory in person, focusing on production line scale, warehouse management, and quality control processes. Request samples of finished products from past collaborations to examine craftsmanship details.

2. Verify every word in the contract; never rely on verbal agreements

Vague assurances like “no problem” or “we can handle it” are detrimental to collaboration. Clearly define contract details including delivery deadlines, defect rates, compensation clauses, material wastage ratios, and specify liability for breaches. Crucially, explicitly state “no subcontracting without written consent.”

3. Beware of factories offering rock-bottom prices—cost traps run deep.

When encountering quotes significantly below market rates, resist immediate excitement. Such factories may substitute inferior fabrics, use substandard materials, underweight products, or impose hidden charges. They often lure orders with low initial quotes, then demand additional payments during production citing “fabric price hikes” or “complex processes,” threatening to halt production without payment. Always compare quotes from at least three factories and be wary of unusually low prices.

4. Seal production samples for verification

If issues arise with bulk orders after partnership begins, lacking retained samples means no “comparison basis.” Samples may use premium materials, but mass production might cut corners. Presenting retained samples for comparison prevents factories from denying responsibility. If craftsmanship differs, retained samples serve as crucial evidence for demanding rework.

5. Stage payments to maintain control

Paying the full amount upfront risks delays or factory disappearance. Opt for “deposit + final payment” or phased payments tied to production milestones.

6. Avoid large factories for small orders to prevent order insertion

While many assume “big factories are more reliable,” small orders (e.g., 50-200 pieces) at large factories often lead to problems. Large factories prioritize major clients, indefinitely delaying small orders and compromising delivery reliability. For small-batch orders (under 500 pieces), opt for medium-sized flexible supply chain factories and explicitly request production line schedules.

When partnering with garment factories, seek the most compatible and reliable match—not necessarily the “best.” We hope this article proves helpful. We are Yuedong, and we look forward to collaborating with you.