Getting the right price is important when making clothes. Many brands have problems. They get surprise costs or unclear prices. Sometimes, suppliers are slow to answer. This can mess up production. It can also cost more money. Or, you might get clothes you don’t like.
How do you stop this? Ask for a good price quote. Give clear details. Ask the right questions. Then, you’ll get a fair price. It will match what you need. This guide will show you how to get accurate price quotations from garment manufacturers.
Why Accurate Price Quotations Matter
A price quote is not just a number. It helps with budgets, plans, and making money. Here is why getting the right price matters.
- Budgeting: You can’t know how much it will cost without a good quote. This can lead to money problems.
- No Hidden Fees: Some places don’t list everything, like fabric or shipping. Clear details stop surprises.
- Time Plans: A good quote makes sure the time to make clothes is realistic. Both sides know what to expect.
- Good Teams: Right prices build trust. This helps you work with suppliers for a long time.
Bad price quotes cause delays and cost more. They can even lead to fights. As a brand owner, a clear quote protects your product and your money.
Key Information to Include in Your Quotation Request
To receive an accurate and comprehensive quotation from garment manufacturers, it’s crucial to provide detailed information about your product requirements. The more precise you are, the less room there is for misunderstandings, incorrect cost estimates, or production delays.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential details to include when requesting a quotation:
1. Product Details
Be specific about the type of garment you want to produce. Include:
- Style and Design: Provide reference images, tech packs, or sketches if available.
- Sizes and Measurements: Mention the size range (e.g., S, M, L, XL) and any specific measurements required.
- Colors: Specify how many color options you need and any particular shades (Pantone codes are helpful).
- Quantity: State the total number of pieces per style, color, and size. For instance, at Valtin Apparel, our minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 200 pieces for 4 sizes and 2 colors.
2. Fabric Specifications
The choice of fabric significantly affects the price, so be clear about your requirements:
- Type of Fabric: Cotton, polyester, linen, silk, etc.
- Weight and GSM (Grams per Square Meter): This helps manufacturers understand the fabric’s thickness and quality.
- Color or Print: Mention if you need dyed fabric or custom printing.
- Sourcing Needs: If you need the manufacturer to source fabric, provide details or original samples. Being located close to China’s largest fabric market, Valtin Apparel can source a wide variety of fabrics upon request.
3. Customization Requirements
If you need personalized elements, be sure to specify:
- Labels: Custom woven or printed labels.
- Hang Tags: Design specifications for your hang tags.
- Packaging: Custom packaging options like branded poly bags or boxes.
- Logos and Embroidery: Placement, size, and style of branding elements.
4. Production Timeline
Clearly communicate your timeline expectations:
- Sample Production Time: For example, at Valtin Apparel, we typically deliver samples within 10-14 days.
- Bulk Production Time: Our bulk production process generally takes 28-35 days after sample approval.
- Shipping Time: Mention any preferred delivery timelines to align production with your selling seasons.
5. Shipping Requirements
Shipping details can significantly affect your final cost. Include:
- Destination: The country and city where you want the goods shipped.
- Preferred Shipping Method: Air, sea, or express courier.
- Incoterms: Clarify if you prefer FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), or EXW (Ex Works).
By providing this detailed information upfront, you’ll not only receive more accurate quotes but also position yourself as a professional and organized buyer. This encourages manufacturers to prioritize your inquiry and treat it with seriousness.
Questions to Ask for a More Accurate Quotation
Even after providing detailed specifications in your initial request, it’s crucial to ask specific follow-up questions to ensure the quotation is complete and transparent. This helps you avoid unexpected costs, misunderstandings, and production delays.
Here are the essential questions to ask manufacturers to get the most accurate price quotation:
1. What is Included in the Quoted Price?
Don’t assume that the quotation covers every production element. Confirm if the following are included:
- Packaging: Are basic packaging materials included, or is there an additional charge for custom packaging?
- Labeling and Tags: Are standard labels included, or will custom labels cost extra?
- Shipping Costs: Does the quotation include delivery to the specified destination, or are shipping fees separate?
2. Ignoring the Importance of Fabric and Trims
Fabric is one of the most significant factors affecting price. If you don’t specify the type and quality of fabric, the quote might be based on lower-grade materials, leading to price variations later.
How to Avoid:
- Be specific about the fabric type (e.g., 100% organic cotton, polyester blend) and weight.
- Clarify details about trims like buttons, zippers, or custom labels.
- If you’re unsure about fabric options, ask for recommendations and samples first.
3. Overlooking the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Manufacturers typically have MOQs for styles, sizes, and colors. If you fail to clarify this, you might receive a quote for quantities you can’t commit to or find the price is higher for smaller orders.
How to Avoid:
- Ask for the MOQ for styles, colors, and sizes upfront.
- If your order is smaller than the MOQ, inquire if they can accommodate it with adjusted pricing.
- At Valtin Apparel, for instance, our MOQ is 200 pieces for 4 sizes and 2 colors.
4. Neglecting to Clarify Production and Delivery Timelines
A vague understanding of production timelines can result in missed selling seasons, especially for seasonal collections.
How to Avoid:
- Always confirm lead times for sample production and bulk production.
- Discuss timelines for shipping and customs clearance.
- At Valtin Apparel, our standard lead time is 10-14 days for samples and 28-35 days for bulk production.
5. Forgetting to Discuss Shipping Details
Shipping costs can vary greatly, and overlooking this detail can blow your budget.
How to Avoid:
- Confirm whether the quote is based on FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), or EXW (Ex-Works) terms.
- Clarify the preferred shipping method (air, sea, express) and destination.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you ensure that your quotation requests are professional, detailed, and effective. This not only helps in securing accurate quotes but also positions you as a serious buyer, encouraging manufacturers to prioritize your inquiries.
What to Do After Receiving a Quotation
Once you’ve received a quotation from a garment manufacturer, the next step is to carefully analyze the details to ensure it aligns with your expectations and requirements. This is a crucial phase where you assess cost feasibility, compare options, and negotiate terms if necessary.
Here’s how to approach the process effectively:
1. Analyze and Compare Quotes from Multiple Manufacturers
If you’ve received quotations from several manufacturers, compare them to identify the best value. Consider:
- Price vs. Quality: Don’t just go for the lowest price. Consider which supplier offers the best quality and services for the price quoted.
- Included Services: Some manufacturers may include extras like custom packaging, while others may charge separately.
- Production Capabilities: Ensure the manufacturer can handle the complexity of your designs or customizations.
- Communication and Responsiveness: Consider how well they communicate. Smooth, prompt communication is often a sign of good service.
Tip: Create a comparison table to easily evaluate different quotations side by side.
2. Seek Clarification on Any Ambiguities
If you notice vague or missing details, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. For example:
- “Can you confirm if the quoted price includes packaging and shipping?”
- “Are there any hidden charges we should be aware of?”
- “What happens if the production is delayed?”
This step ensures that there are no surprises later in the process.
3. Request a Sample Before Bulk Production
Never skip the sample stage. A sample allows you to assess product quality, fit, and overall craftsmanship.
- Confirm the sample fee and ask if it will be deducted from the bulk order. (For example, Valtin Apparel charges a USD 100 sample fee.)
- Review the sample for fabric quality, stitching, customization details, and overall appearance.
- Provide detailed feedback if adjustments are needed before bulk production begins.
By carefully reviewing and responding to quotations, you ensure a transparent and efficient production process. This not only reduces the risk of miscommunication but also helps you build stronger, long-term relationships with reliable manufacturers.
Conclusion
Requesting an accurate price quotation from garment manufacturers is a critical step that sets the tone for your entire production process. A well-prepared and detailed quotation request helps avoid misunderstandings, hidden costs, and delays that could harm your business.
By providing clear specifications, asking the right questions, and confirming every detail, you ensure that you receive a transparent and accurate quote that aligns with your production needs and budget. From clarifying fabric types and customization requirements to negotiating payment terms and understanding timelines, every detail matters in building a successful and stress-free partnership with your manufacturer.
At Valtin Apparel, we understand how important clarity and precision are when it comes to garment manufacturing. That’s why we prioritize transparent communication, detailed quotations, and high-quality production processes. Whether you’re an established brand owner or a new startup, we’re here to guide you through every step—from sampling to bulk production—ensuring your products meet the highest standards.
