1. Build a complete product brief
The factory quotation is only as reliable as the information supplied. A vague request normally produces assumptions rather than a comparable cost.
At minimum, state the garment type, intended user, work environment, fabric composition and GSM, quantity by colour, size range, branding, packaging, destination and target date. Add a tech pack, reference sample or clear sketch wherever possible.
2. Understand what drives FOB cost
- Fabric composition, construction, GSM, dyeing route and finishing
- Garment consumption and marker efficiency
- Pockets, reinforcement, seams and operation count
- Reflective tape, zippers, snaps and specialized trims
- Embroidery, print, heat transfer and packaging
- Order quantity, colour split, size range and compliance scope
- Inspection, testing, finance and commercial risk
A low target price without a locked specification is not a final cost objective. Compare quotations only when suppliers are pricing the same construction, material and commercial terms.
3. Use sampling as a control stage
Sampling should resolve fit, construction, materials, trims, colour, branding and packaging before bulk production. Depending on the program, the route may include a development sample, fit sample, salesman sample, size set and pre-production sample.
Comments should be measurable. Replace statements such as “make it better” with specific instructions covering dimensions, placement, shape, seam construction, colour reference or approved component.
4. Define quality before production
Quality is not created by final inspection. It is created by a clear specification, approved sample, controlled materials and effective production checkpoints.
| Control | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| Pre-production meeting | Confirms construction, measurements, materials, risks and approval status |
| Inline inspection | Finds workmanship and measurement issues while correction is still possible |
| Final random inspection | Assesses completed production against the agreed sampling plan and specification |
| Laboratory testing | Checks agreed physical, colourfastness, dimensional or safety-related performance |
5. Confirm compliance before order placement
Social compliance, environmental claims, fibre certification, product safety and destination-market standards are separate issues. Do not assume that one factory certificate covers every material, product or buyer requirement.
State the required certification, audit platform, product standard, test method and evidence before factory allocation. Claims such as organic, recycled or certified high visibility should be supported by the correct transaction, material and test documentation.
6. Lock commercial and delivery terms
Confirm the incoterm, payment schedule, inspection responsibility, shipment mode, carton requirements, document set and delivery point. FOB is normally the cleanest manufacturing comparison because destination freight, import duty and local taxes vary by market.
DDP can be evaluated for selected orders, but the quotation should clearly state what is included, who acts as importer of record and whether duty, VAT, customs clearance and last-mile delivery are covered.
Reviewed by the DRESSOURCE workwear sourcing team. Last updated: .