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Top 10 questions to ask a clothing manufacturer. Learn how to contact, email, and talk effectively with clothing manufacturers - Synerg

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Clothing Manufacturer Before Placing Your First Order

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Published in: Clothing Information

If you’re planning to launch your clothing brand or expand your apparel business, finding the right manufacturing partner is key. But knowing how to contact a clothing manufacturer, how to email a clothing manufacturer, and especially what questions to ask a clothing manufacturer before starting production can make all the difference.

Whether you’re sourcing from Tirupur, India — a global hub for garment manufacturing — or exploring t-shirt factories abroad, this guide will help you navigate the first conversation with confidence.

1. What Is Your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

MOQ can be a deal-breaker, especially for startups or small brands. Always ask:

  • What’s your MOQ per design and per color?

  • Do you support small batch manufacturing?
    Understanding their flexibility early on helps you avoid wasting time with manufacturers that can’t meet your needs.

2. What Is Your Manufacturing Capacity?

Ask about their monthly or weekly capacity. This ensures they can handle your order volume and scale with your brand:

  • How many pieces can you produce per day or per month?

  • Can you scale production during high-demand seasons?

3. Are You a Factory or a Trading Company?

It’s crucial to understand whether you’re speaking to the actual manufacturer or a middleman. Direct factory communication is generally preferred for:

  • Better pricing

  • Clearer communication

  • Faster problem-solving

4. Do You Have Certifications or Social Compliance Audits?

With rising global standards in ethical manufacturing, ask for:

  • Sedex, SA8000, GOTS, WRAP or OEKO-TEX certifications

  • Latest compliance audit reports
    This is essential if you want to label your clothing as sustainable, ethical, or eco-friendly.

5. Can You Share Recent Samples or Client References?

Before investing in bulk, always check product quality:

  • Ask for real production samples

  • Request references from other brands

  • Inquire if they’ve produced for fashion brands similar to yours

6. Can You Handle Tech Packs and Custom Designs?

Send a tech pack and see how well they interpret it. Ask:

  • Do you have in-house pattern makers?

  • Can you help develop samples and prototypes?
    A manufacturer familiar with tech packs will better understand your vision.

7. What Is Your Lead Time?

Timelines are critical in fashion. You must ask:

  • How long for sampling?

  • What is your bulk production lead time?

  • Do you offer rush production options?

8. What Are Your Payment Terms?

Clarify all financial terms upfront to avoid surprises:

  • Do you require a deposit (commonly 30%)?

  • When is the balance due?

  • Do you accept bank transfers, PayPal, or LC?

9. Can You Source Accessories and Trims?

If your design requires zippers, buttons, labels, or tags:

  • Can you source accessories locally?

  • Do you charge extra for trims?

  • Are there any sourcing MOQs for accessories?

10. How Do You Handle Quality Control and Replacements?

Quality issues can hurt your brand’s reputation. Ask:

  • What are your internal QC processes?

  • How do you handle defective items?

  • Will you replace faulty products or issue credit?

Knowing how to talk to a clothing manufacturer and what questions to ask sets the foundation for a successful and long-term business relationship. From capacity to certifications, every detail matters when you’re scaling a brand in today’s competitive fashion space.

Whether you’re sourcing from the renowned clothing manufacturers in Tirupur, India, or any global hub, use these questions as your checklist before making a commitment.

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