You’ve the idea, maybe even a tech pack? But what now? When should you contact the factory and how should you contact them. If this weeks ‘BRA-nd Studio’ (a library full of information where I answers questions and give you an insight and support into launching a Brand.
So what does your factory wishes you knew before you contacted them. It’s broken into sections covering this:
What Does a Factory Actually Need From You?
Your First Email: Make a Good Impression
Why Your Tech Pack Matters
Minimum Order Quantities: What Are You Actually Committing To?
The Mistakes That Make Factories Lose Interest
Are You Ready to Approach a Factory? (checklist) - I have attached below, the checklist I use in the BRA-nd Studio for you to use.
So, what does a factory need from you? You don't need to have everything figured out, but you do need to know what you're asking them to make.
Before approaching a factory, think about having the following information:
1. Your product
Are you making wired bras, soft bras, briefs, shapewear or swimwear?
How complicated is the construction?
2. Your designs
Technical drawings.
Design details and construction ideas.
Reference images where helpful.
3. Your materials
Do you have fabric preferences?
Are you supplying materials or expecting the factory to source them?
Do you need specialist components?
4. Your collection
How many styles? How many colours?
What size range?
5. Your budget and quantities
How many pieces do you want to produce?
What is your target manufacturing cost?
You don’t need to know the answers to all these questions, and if you have a tech pack then the majority of these questions would have been answered. If you are unsure about how many pieces you want to produce, speak to the person who designed your tech pack, they should have some knowledge on quantities. Your MOQ (minimum order quantity) will be related to if you are getting anything made that is specialised, so keep that in mind.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SAVE THIS AS A CHECKLIST TO WORK THROUGH BEFORE APPROACHING A FACTORY.