7 Step Guide: How to Work with Cut and Sew Manufacturers
For fashion and apparel brands, understanding how to work with cut and sew manufacturers is a critical part of your supply chain. This guide walks you through a brief 7 step overview to ensure a smooth and successful production process. If you already have years of experience working with cut and sew factories, feel free to use this guide to improve your existing process.
1. Request Quotes
The first step is to understand the costs involved. When you're reaching out to manufacturers, especially if they're located overseas, it's crucial to ask for FOB (Freight On Board) Costs. This will give you a clear idea of how much it will cost to get your products produced, minus the shipping cost itself. Also, make sure to ask about sample fees, production and sample lead times, tolerances (order quantity and quality), and payment terms. Having a full understanding of these financial aspects upfront will help you manage your budget effectively.
2. Approve Fit and Fabric Samples
Before you give the green light for full production, you'll want to approve both fit and fabric samples. This step is vital for ensuring your quality and design standards. It's your opportunity to make adjustments and confirm that fit and fabric details meet your expectations. Your feedback at this stage can prevent costly mistakes down the line.
3. Develop a Golden Sample
A golden sample is essentially your blueprint for production. It's a single, perfected sample that sets the standard for all units to be manufactured. This sample should reflect your specifications and quality standards. By having a golden sample, you and your manufacturer will have a clear reference point to ensure consistency across the production line.
4. Review Pre-Production Samples
Once production is about to begin, it’s wise to request pre-production samples. This step allows you to see what the bulk of your products will look like before the full manufacturing process is underway. It's your chance to hold your cut and sew manufacturer accountable to the golden sample. Skipping this step can lead to surprises if nobody is keeping an eye on it.
5. Use Third-Party Inspectors
Utilizing credible third-party inspectors who specialize in your industry is a smart move. These professionals can provide an unbiased review of your products' quality and adherence to specifications. They can inspect pre-production samples on the fly to keep things moving faster than doing it yourself. Their expertise can help catch issues that you or the manufacturer might overlook, ensuring that your brand maintains high standards.
6. Request a Packing List
Request a packing list from your manufacturer as early as they can provide one. This will help you lock down freight pricing and schedule logistics once you know the production completion date. Knowing the weight, dimensions, and packing details can help you plan your shipping strategy more effectively.
7. Report Defects Promptly
In the event that defects occur outside of the agreed tolerance levels, it's important to report them in a timely manner. Most often, cut and sew manufacturers will offer credit rather than a refund for these defects. Prompt communication can help you manage this process smoothly and maintain a good relationship with your manufacturer.
The MakeMine Approach
Constantly improving production processes with your cut and sew manufacturers is a big, but time-consuming step for any fashion brand. Luckily, new tech-driven businesses like MakeMine enforce these standards with their manufacturing partners. MakeMine’s global network of cut and sew manufacturers are required to complete each step using proprietary software. Brands approve each step with the click of a button before factories can continue to the next. If you’re looking for the easiest way to implement these 7 steps, feel free to reach out to our team.