How to Source Clothing from China: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up your clothing brand is one of the fantasies you have always dreamt of. But bringing it to reality needs overcoming lots of problems, which makes it quite tough. The clothing production business is huge. Most of the time, this industry has China at its center. For fresh brands, this can look rather threatening. Most probable, it is the most problematic issue to get a trustworthy Chinese clothing manufacturer. It governs between a brilliant design and a prosperous brand. This instructs you on the way to a huge success by taking five simple measures. With this, we will help you become an expert in finding and building a trusted partnership for your brand’s growth.

China: The Fashion Industry’s Answer of Strength

Discussing fashion, China takes a totally different spot from what it was in the past. It is not only a place for cheap production but also a center for high-tech and quality manufacturing. The country attracts brands of different sizes as it comes with huge benefits. Thus, working with a Chinese clothing manufacturer is always a good idea.

In 2023, China’s clothing exports were $164 billion while it actually contributed 31.6% to the global market. This figure demonstrates its ironclad position in the firm.

Here are the major points:

• Complete Supply Chain: This is like a one-stop shop for you. Zippers, buttons, and unique fabrics are available all in one place. It saves time and costs.
• Skilled Workers: It is the result of many years of experience that workers are proficient in making intricate types of clothing.
• Modern Technology: Most of the plants employ high-tech machinery, which increases production speed and quality.
• Scalability: A reliable clothing manufacturer from China is able to expand with you. They work on small as well as large orders.

The 5-Step Framework for Sourcing from China

The process of finding the required partner begins with a multi-faceted, time-intense, and excruciatingly detailed planning phase. To help you, we have prepared a very basic framework to follow. You should go through five steps to come up with a good Chinese clothing manufacturer.

Step 1: Specify Your Product and Identify Potential Partners

First things first. You should know well your product specification before giving it to someone else. The point is to achieve clarity beforehand by creating a detailed technical specification sheet, also called a Tech Pack. A Tech Pack is a big idea for your clothing. It includes things like technical drawing, fabric types, measurements, colors, and labels. This is the most important tool for communication.

Once your Tech Pack is accomplished, you can begin the search for potential partners. Here are some possibilities to consider:

• Offshore B2B Marketplaces: Places like Alibaba and Made-in-China.com are good to start with. You can see many options there.
• Sourcing Agents: They are indeed the pros who can connect you with vetted factories. They can oversee the whole project for you.
• Trade Shows: Fairs like Canton Fair provide you with the chance to connect with manufacturers in person.
• Networks and Referrals: Solicit your peers in the fashion industry for leads. You can also look for online resources that list China’s top garment manufacturers to start with. But remember to verify independently.

Step 2: The Modern Vetting Checklist

This is the most crucial process. Proper vetting is your best bet to puzzle out dealings in future. You definitely should verify if you speak to a genuine manufacturer or just a trader. A trading company might be a less reliable choice.

Check out this modern-day checklist for vetting prospective partners:

• Check Their Website: Is the website looking professional? Find their business license. A real factory will have “manufacturer” in their business scope.
• Ask for Certifications: Ask them to send you copies of their factory audit reports. The certifications to specifically look for are ISO 9001, WRAP, and BSCI. These standards show that a factory cares about quality and ethical practices.
• Request a Video Tour: You can hold a live video chat with them to see their factory. If they are real manufacturers, they will be more than willing to show you around.
• Ask About Their Specialty: Do they mainly work on the type of product that you intend to make? For instance, is it sportswear or denim? Generally, a factory saying it does everything is a red flag.
• Check Their MOQ: MOQ is short for Minimum Order Quantity. Is their number reasonable for you? A very low MOQ could mean they are a trading company, not a factory.

Step 3: The Critical Sampling Phase

Never place a large order without seeing a sample first. Getting a sample is a reliable method to check the quality of the factory. Besides, it indicates its ability to follow your Tech Pack.

The usual flow is that a timely sample is sent to you. You send them feedback, they change whatever is asked, and finally, you get the last sample. It is important to make sure that all your comments are noted down and that they have accompanying photos.

It is a common recommendation of ours for clients to accept the pre-production sample which is sealed and marked “final”. This is what we call the gold standard that will be used for assessing the final bulk order quality. Consequently, any ambiguity will be eliminated.

Step 4: Negotiating and Placing Your First Order

Once you have given a nod to the final sample, it is the moment to talk business. You should come to a consensus on some essential terms before making the payment.

Some terms to be negotiated are:

• Unit price
• Payment terms. Common terms are 30% prepayment, and the balance when the goods are finished and inspected.
• Production time: How long it will take to produce the products?
• Shipping terms: FOB, or EXW, which defines who will take on the shipping cost?

Get these points in black and white under a proper Purchase Order (PO). A PO is your contract with the Chinese clothing manufacturer.

Step 5: Production Management, QC, and Logistics

Do not relax yet, as your job does not end when you have placed the order. Always keep the link with your manufacturer during production. Ask for updates to make sure everything is on track.

Quality Control (QC) is paramount. Make sure that you are satisfied with the quality before you make the last 70% payment. One of the best options would be to hire a third-party inspection company in China to visit the factory and check your products before they are shipped.

Finally, do not forget about bringing your products home. A freight forwarder is a company that manages the international shipping. They will also attend to the customs and tax issues for you.

More than the Big Cities: Specialized Clusters

Generally, the manufacturing specializations in China are not the same. The manufacturing industry is often found in specific areas (or clusters) which seek to create synergies and leverage on local skills and supply chains. Therefore, locating a Chinese clothing manufacturer in the right cluster will gain you an advantage in quality and prices. To illustrate, local expert skills and supply chains deliver superior products. It is these clusters that a major part of the world’s most prominent clothing manufacturers are found.

Check out this simplified guide to these areas:

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Manufacturing entails risks as a rule. The duplicate techniques are the surest ways of avoiding them. Knowledge of the Chinese garment manufacturing process is crucial in overcoming these pitfalls effectively.

• Quality Issues: The first sample is good, but the production in bulk is of a lower standard.

• Solution: Regular checks by a third-party QC service should be carried out before making the final payment.

• Poor Communication: Cultural and language barriers lead to misunderstandings.

• Solution: Be as detailed as possible in your Tech Pack. Put all the major points in writing. Use standard simple English and accompanying images.

• Intellectual Property Theft: Designs are replicated.

• Solution: Collaborate with reputable factories only. Additionally, register your brand’s trademark in China.

• Hidden Charges: Unforeseen costs appear in shipping, materials, or customs bills.

• Solution: Request a quote with every single item listed. Ensure the shipping terms are explicit in your Purchase Order.

Conclusion: A Partner for Your Growth

Determining the appropriate Chinese clothing manufacturer is indeed challenging, yet it is also rewarding. In such a case where you are following a simple but efficient five-step process, you can have a credible and trustworthy collaboration. This businesseship will later become the launch pad that can change your company from a small startup to a global brand. With dedication and appropriate communication, you will be able to make the idea of your clothing line a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What would be a reasonable MOQ for a newbie brand getting in touch with a Chinese clothing manufacturer?

The MOQ of a particular type of clothing varies by product and factory. For instance, you should prepare for an MOQ of 200-500 for simpler items like t-shirts per style or color. Whereas for more involved items like jackets, it can be 500-1000. Be sure to clarify this point when you contact a factory for the first time.

2. How much does it cost for a sample to be made?

Depending on the complexity of making the clothes, it may cost anywhere from 50 to 200 dollars for the sample. The cost of the sample is usually 2-3 times the price of the final product. Reciprocally, numerous manufacturers would either fully reimburse or assign the sample fee as credit once you place a bulk order.

3. Which one is the most secure way to make a payment?

Be it as it may, you first need to rule out the methods that are irreversible like Western Union. Almost all of the time, one of the best ways is bank wire transfers (T/T) or a secure platform like Alibaba Trade Assurance. Often, the most effective plan is a 30-50% prepayment at the beginning of production, with the 50-70% payment being done after the goods pass the quality check.

4. Should I travel to China personally to find a manufacturer?

Going to China might open some doors, but it is not as crucial as it used to be. It is still possible to manage the Chinese garment production right from your home. You will need detailed tech packs, factory tours through video calls, and third-party inspection services.

5. What sets apart a factory from a trading company?

Simply put, a factory is a business entity that manufactures goods in its own premises and thus, often, it concentrates on a certain clothing type. In contrast, a trading company will act as a broker, gathering your orders and outsourcing them to other factories. Consequently, by establishing a direct link with the factory, you can negotiate better prices, gain more control, and benefit from more clear communication.