Send  Drawings. Now that you’ve found someone who may work, send  drawings, technical sheets, fabric swatches, research, whatever, and ask  to look it over and tell you whether we think it is something we can make. Remind us of your quantities. You should also give  a rough price point (if you know what is reasonable) and ask whether it will be possible  to work at that price point, and if not, what it would be.  should be able to get back to you about this quite quickly, usually a manufacturer knows straight away whether it will be something they can make or not.

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Check your calendars. If you think this manufacturer will work, then make sure we have the time to help you. Give us a rough estimate of your collection and production schedule. You may not know quantities just yet, but come up with some estimates, and see if they can squeeze you in. You don’t want us to make you a sample collection, only to find out  production is booked solid for four months.

 

Have us make and cost a sample. Once you’ve confirmed the calendar, you can send us a pattern, fabric (unless we are sourcing it), and a sample (if you have one) and we can make you a first prototype. This is a great way for you to check  quality and construction, and this also gives us the opportunity to properly price the item. If there are any changes needed to the sample, get us to produce another one. And make sure your technical sheets are 100% accurate, so there is little room for errors! Mistakes are expensive.

 

Negotiate terms. If the sample is good, and you want to go ahead and work with this us, you’ll need to negotiate (or at least agree on) prices and terms. Note that you’ll have very little negotiating power at the beginning, which is normal, but make sure that in future you will be able to get the prices and terms you need. Make sure that you get an idea of what prices will be like when orders are bigger.

 

Reserve time. If you are satisfied with the agreement and the sample, then reserve time. Make sure we have a rough idea of your quantities and schedule, and that  will have time to produce your collection. We will get this in writing!

Get your sample collection made. Now you are ready to order your sample collection, which will be the garments you use to show the buyers and eventually, media.

 

Sell your collection. This is the most difficult part of having your own collection! Good luck.

 

Put it into production! Once you have some orders, or if you are selling the product yourself, you are good to go! Place an order, and make sure to regularly follow up with the factory. Check in once a week or so, and make sure they are on schedule.