9 Tips Before You Select A Textile Supplier For Your Clothes Brand
Updated: May 27
Choosing the suitable textile for your clothes collection is fundamental, but selecting the right supplier may be even more crucial. If you're currently testing a few different factories, this is the article for you. Here are ten tips to find the perfect fabric supplier.
Check minimum and maximum quantities
Suppliers often work with minimum and maximum quantities that buyers can order for every shipment. Buying textiles in bunches is crucial to saving money and time, so make sure you consider both when selecting the right supplier for your business.
Delivery time
Delivery time is another fundamental point to keep in mind. Obviously, the sooner, the better. On average, always agree on a common delivery time so that you can schedule and organize all your orders in advance. Confirm everything by email so that you will have proof of your agreement if problems arise.
Location
Whether your supplier is located in China, Mexico, or your own country will have a massive influence over your business. Why? First and foremost, you may have a different holiday calendar. For instance, most Asian countries celebrate the so-called Lunar New Year. This may influence your deliveries as factories tend to be closed for this period. Another thing to remember is whether your chosen supplier is in an area prone to natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes. Last but not least, if your supplier is located in a remote area, keep in mind that there may be delays in your deliveries from time to time.
Quality
It is unnecessary to say that quality should be your top priority when selecting your supplier. Always ask for samples before buying in big batches. You can then conduct your own tests to see how the material fits your designs, how stretchy it is, how resistant it is to water, and so on.
Also check with your supplier which kind of tests they carry out on their textiles to ensure the highest quality. Ideally, you want to choose a factory working with third-party companies, that make sure their products maintain high standards over time.
Payment methods
Payment methods are also a must. You must both agree to a method that ensures both parties pay the least amount possible on taxes. For instance, while many people tend to use PayPal for this sort of transaction, this platform still charges its clients high fees.
If your supplier is based in a different country, remember to agree on the currency in which your transactions will be made. Some currencies fluctuate greatly over time due to inflation, so choose a stable one.
Return Policies
Always read a company's return policy before making a huge order. What if your supply arrives late? What if your chosen fabrics have defects? What if you change your mind and realize you prefer another textile? Check whether you will be fully refunded or if you'll be entitled to a partial refund. On top of this, talk to your supplier about their return policies, preferably by email. Simply reading the factories' return policies may not be enough, as some companies will try everything they can to avoid refunding your money in case of delays or mistakes. A written record of your agreement will come in handy if problems arise.
References
This is probably the most important factor. Only work with suppliers that have plenty of positive reviews. Ideally, you want to get your products from a factory you know directly. Always prioritize suppliers working for people you know personally. This is the best guarantee you can have. However, if you are unable to do so, ask your supplier to talk to some of their clients to be one hundred per cent sure they are a valid company.
Client Service
Picture this scenario in your head: You ordered a huge supply of denim, and it did not arrive on the pre-established day. You keep contacting client service, but there's no reply. Frustrating, right? We've all been there, whether with an Amazon package or one Uber dinner. We often underestimate the importance of client service, but trust us. You will regret this whenever a problem arises.
Make sure your supplier's client service is top-notch. Test it out before placing an order, for instance by checking their response time and seeing in how many ways you can contact them directly, such as by email, phone, and on different social media.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility refers to a business model that helps companies be socially accountable. This internal self-regulation aims to contribute to societal goals, regulating the supplier's environmental impact and workers' rights and conditions.
Ideally, you want to opt for companies that prioritize green policies. Not by chance, according to a 2022 survey by Google; nowadays, 66% of consumers actively seek out eco-friendly brands. On top of this, 55% of them are willing to pay more for greener options (Google, 2022). This means that if you decide to opt for sustainable textiles, you will not only attract more clients but will also be able to increase your prices.
Remember to also check the workers' rights and conditions of your supplier. In some countries, for instance, within the EU, this shouldn't be necessary, thanks to the strict legislation in place there, but this is not the case for all developing countries, where, in some cases, child labour is unfortunately still common.
Here is our last suggestion. Check whether your supplier has internationally recognized certification. For instance, the GOTS certification is among the most common in the textile industry. This certification is only given by factories taking a stand on environmental matters, for instance, opting for organic fibres and keeping track of their CO2 emissions. Opting for a supplier that is GOTS-certified will most likely help you increase sales as, according to a 2022 survey, 60% of GOTS-certified businesses reported increased opportunities, while 90% of these declared that the GOTS goods sold by their companies accounted for 90% of their sales of organic products (GOTS, 2022).
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