1. What is your minimum order quantity? This is the minimum number of garments that you need to order in order to work with the manufacturer. Some manufacturers have very high minimums, which can be a barrier for small businesses.
2. What are your lead times? This is the amount of time it takes for the manufacturer to produce your garments. Lead times can vary depending on the complexity of the garments and the manufacturer’s workload.
3. What are your payment terms? This is how you will pay the manufacturer for your garments. Most manufacturers require a deposit upfront and then payment upon delivery.
4. What are your quality standards? The manufacturer should be able to provide you with a sample of their work so that you can see their quality standards. You should also ask about their quality control procedures.
5. What are your sustainability practices? If you’re concerned about sustainability, you should ask the manufacturer about their environmental and social responsibility practices.
6. Do you have any certifications? There are a number of certifications that clothing manufacturers can obtain, such as Fair Trade and GOTS. These certifications can give you peace of mind that the manufacturer is committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
7. Can I visit your factory? Visiting the factory is a great way to see the manufacturing process firsthand and to meet the people who will be making your garments.
8. What is your communication style? How will you communicate with the manufacturer during the production process? It’s important to find a manufacturer who is easy to communicate with and who is responsive to your questions.
9. What are your guarantees? The manufacturer should be able to provide you with guarantees on the quality of their work. This could include a warranty on the garments or a guarantee of satisfaction.
10. What are your terms of cancellation? In case you need to cancel your order, you should ask the manufacturer about their terms of cancellation.
11. What are your references? The manufacturer should be able to provide you with references from other businesses that they have worked with. This is a great way to get feedback from other businesses about the manufacturer’s work.
12. Do you have any other questions for me? This is a good way to end the conversation and to make sure that you have all the information you need to make a decision.

By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the manufacturer’s capabilities and their commitment to quality. This will help you make an informed decision about who to work with and ensure that your clothing is made to the highest standards.

Additional Tips

• Do your research. Before you start contacting manufacturers, do some research to learn about the different types of manufacturers and their capabilities. This will help you narrow down your options and find a manufacturer that is a good fit for your needs.
• Get multiple quotes. Once you have a shortlist of manufacturers, get quotes from each one. This will give you a good idea of the costs involved and help you make the best decision.
• Trust your gut. When you’re talking to manufacturers, pay attention to your gut feeling. If you don’t feel comfortable working with a particular manufacturer, don’t be afraid to move on to the next one.

Finding the right clothing manufacturer is an important decision that can have a big impact on the success of your business. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can find a manufacturer who is a good fit for your needs and who will help you create high-quality garments that your customers will love.