It always feels wonderful getting your product exceed customers’ expectation and to have him getting back to you over and over again. That is for sure related to how well you have done with your products in the first place.
An owner cannot start selling product or promote a business without manufacturing, unless owner himself are fully involved in the production. Fully involved doesn’t means sew yourself, but find a factory who can do it for you. For example, the sample which is shown to buyer is the way to get his interest in your jacket and it must be assured that the rest of the items in the pipeline are identical to the sample. Secondly, the idea for production and operating cost can not be just a mouth of words until the real experience or the dialogue is not made with the real factory or production unit. It not only tells the accurate cost, but helps in calculation of retail pricing. To start a jacket production, there is a need to find production unit.
Step 1: Creating a Prototype (First Model)
A prototype is necessary to tailor product idea as sample and to further work on it. Initially a fine picture or product sample is designed or drawn in sketches. This is what the owner chooses to share with the factory telling them what exactly is product requirements and what they are
actually approached for.
Sometimes it is a complete production process which means only sketches are shared with the factory and they choose from fabric to buttons or sometimes it is only piping, zipping or logo embroidery for your Jacket.
Step 2: Finding a Manufacturer
A fine research work is required to find a manufacturer . For this not only local but international sources re checked too. For example ; in terms of quality leather and other products for jacket, many of Pakistani factories are trustworthy for quality production. Use best personal contacts for this purpose too. Sometimes designers are loath to share best factories details or experiences , but those are the most reliable as attached to known experiences. After doing maximum research and collecting enough data following can be helpful in finally reaching to the results for finding a factory.
- Are they taking new customers?
- What are the products they produce?
- What are the manufacturing products range and capacity in order to any addition.
- What is the minimum order quantity?
- Credit terms?
- Estimated cost as per your rough ideas for your product.
- Past experience working with other companies and some product samples.
Out your collected data, if anyone complete above in detailed manner, there can be a trial manufacturing started.
Step 3: Quoting the Project
- Send them drawings:
Here we talk about a complete clothes production. For example a jacket. A factory is chosen out of data collected and possible inquires are made for checking its capability to work for your cloths. A drawing is sent to the factory, technical sheets, fabric swatches, research work, or whatever you have to better explain them the choices and complete requirements.
In this the price does an important role. A rough idea for reasonable price is discussed and negotiated with the factory. Considering all fixed and variable cost, retail price idea and market prices, logistics cost etc. Usually the factory is straightforward, according to routines, experience and expertises regarding what price can be and what can be possible logistics cost. Any local brokerage services provider can give a complete idea of import charges and complete quotation. Duties, shipping any other charges. This would help in getting more accurate about your cost and determination of price.
- Check your calendars and get your samples done:
The factory also needs the time to complete the sample order. Calendar is checked with some grace time and such flexibility must be considered to avoid any false commitment. Even can not be so hurried that samples are ready before four months and sudden change in climate can disturb your commitments with the final buyer. Once the sample is done, the quality is checked and everything is up to mark. These are in the situation where mistakes are expensive!
Step 4: Beginning the Production Process
- Negotiate terms:
The cost of the sample is different from the final order and the difference is the quantity. Cost incurred in the production of clothes in large quantity makes you able to negotiate with the factory. Not only on the prices, but payment terms, credit period , advance payment ratio, are decided.
- Reserve Time:
There are minimum 90-120 days required in Jacket manufacturing with factory. Such timing must be kept in mind before making a final commitment but final customer.
Step 5: Placing the Order and Taking Delivery of Goods
- Get your collection made:
These are the garments to show the buyer and eventually, can be displayed at media too for selling purpose.
Production and working with a manufacturer can be hectic, time taking or tiresome initially , but the same happens in any chore you choose. If the results are happier , the factory is again contacted with new orders. There must be no end to research work as there can always be a chance for better. If your factory is working accurately, these work terms must be then turned into a long period as it make you more comfortable and trustworthy with every new project you work in with.
