Having others produce for you.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ENGAGING
Their capacity What they normally produce Their quality, from samples Minimum order quantities Lead times Price per garment
WHAT TO SEND THEM
A sealed sample garment Patterns, graded
A specification: fabric, trims, construction, measurements
Labelling requirements
WHY A SEALED SAMPLE
It is the reference against which production is judged.
WHAT TO AGREE
Tolerances on measurements What constitutes a reject Who bears the cost of rejects What happens if the delivery is late
WHY TOLERANCES
Every garment varies slightly, and disputes arise without an agreed range.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE FULL PRODUCTION
Approve a pre-production sample.
WHY
It is the last cheap opportunity to correct anything.
WHAT TO CHECK ON DELIVERY
Measurements, on a sample of garments Construction against the specification Fabric and trims Labelling Quantity
HOW MANY TO CHECK
Enough to be representative.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT REJECTS
Raise them immediately, with evidence.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT FABRIC
Who supplies it.
WHY
If they supply it, you lose control of quality and repeatability.
WHAT TO AVOID
Paying in full before inspection Placing large orders with an untested manufacturer
WHAT TO START WITH
A small order.
