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Whether you are starting your own fashion business or buying for a large designer label, a suitable clothing manufacturer is absolutely essential. Customers expect to purchase high quality clothing, and outlets expect to receive their orders on time. If you want your fashion product to be made in New York City, how can you choose the best clothing factory for your business? Here are four things you should ask about.

Services

Ask a potential wholesaler what services they offer. Just as different buyers have different needs, different manufacturers offer different services. If you work for a small label, you may find it most efficient to outsource patternmaking, fabric sourcing, or other tasks, while larger businesses may need special shipping options. Find out whether a prospective manufacturer will provide the services you need in-house or if they will outsource them. Will they guarantee the quality of outsourced work?

Specialties

Does your manufacturer specialize in one category or another? You don’t want to order the first run of handbags a supplier has ever made, so be sure to ask how much experience they have in your category. There are many clothing wholesale suppliers in New York, and while some have experience with multiple categories, others will only have experience in one area or another. Do they make women’s, men’s, or children’s clothes? Accessories? Shoes? Find a manufacturer who is knowledgeable about your products and the market they will be part of.

Quantities

All manufacturers will have a minimum order requirement, and it is vitally important for small companies to make sure the minimum order is suitable to their needs. Ask the supplier what will happen if your business grows and you need larger orders. Will they be able to scale with you? If you are already placing a large order, make sure the manufacturer has the capacity to make the quantities you need in the timeframe you have in mind. How will they handle large orders differently from small ones?

Time in Business

New York’s garment district has changed drastically in recent decades. Many of the old stalwarts have passed, and many new companies have tried to fill the void. Choose a manufacturer with a proven history of success. A lot can go wrong in the process and many companies are reluctant to sign contracts. Be sure to find out who is responsible for errors and how they will be remedied. Consult the Better Business Bureau to make sure your supplier has a good track record of customer satisfaction.

Finally, as with any business transaction, customer service is vitally important. A clothing manufacturer should focus on making your label the best it can be. They should be easy to reach when you have questions and should make you feel important. Once you have a great manufacturer on board, your label will have its best chance at reaching success.

All manufacturers will have a minimum order requirement, and it is vitally important for small companies to make sure the minimum order is suitable to their needs. Ask the supplier what will happen if your business grows and you need larger orders. Will they be able to scale with you? If you are already placing a large order, make sure the manufacturer has the capacity to make the quantities you need in the timeframe you have in mind. How will they handle large orders differently from small ones?