What You Need to Provide a Garment Manufacturer for Accurate Quotes
Are you a fashion designer looking to take your designs to the next level by producing them in bulk? It’s important to understand what information you need to provide to a garment manufacturer to get an accurate quote for your bulk order. From your design concept to the target market, there are several pieces of information you should have ready to ensure a smooth and successful production process.
1 – Design (Linesheet)
The first step in obtaining a quote for bulk manufacturing is to provide the garment manufacturer with a clear and detailed design concept. Ideally, a linesheet. A linesheet is a document used in garment manufacturing that includes all relevant information about a particular product line, such as product images, descriptions, colors, sizes, pricing, and other specifications. It will help in providing your manufacturer with a clear overview of the line you’d like to produce.
This should include sketches or drawings of the garments you want to produce, along with information about their shape, color, and style. The more detailed and specific you can be, the better. If you have any inspiration images or mood boards, be sure to share those with the manufacturer as well. The goal is to provide the manufacturer with a clear understanding of your vision for the garments.
2 – Tech Pack
A tech pack is a detailed document that outlines all of the information about the garment, from the measurements to the materials to the construction methods. This is a crucial piece of information that will allow the manufacturer to accurately estimate the cost of production. Your tech pack should include the following:
- Design sketches or photos
- Detailed measurements for each garment size
- Fabric information, including type (knitted/woven), construction and count, color and weight. If you require prints, provide the artwork.
- Trim information, such as zippers, buttons, and thread
- Label information, including size and care labels
- Construction details, such as stitching, seam allowance, and finishing
- Packaging details, including box size and weight
If you’re not familiar with creating a tech pack, there are many resources available online or you can hire a freelance tech pack designer to create one for you. Our team at Knitwin can also help you make your tech packs.
You can also read more on Tech Packs requirements in this excellent guide by Techpacker.
3 – Materials
The materials you choose will play a significant role in determining the final cost of production. You’ll need to provide the manufacturer with information about the type of fabric, color, and quality you want for your garments. Your manufacturer will determine the quantity of fabric required to produce them. Don’t forget that if you require your fabrics to be printed, your manufacturer will need to see the artwork for printing. Depending on the artwork they will be able to advise printing technique and determine the related costs. It’s important to choose fabrics that are within your budget but also meet your quality standards. If you’re unsure about which materials to use, do get in touch with us, we’re always happy to discuss the pros and cons of sustainable fibres and fabrics!
Working with a garment manufacturer to produce your designs in bulk can be a complex process. However, by providing the right information, you can streamline the process and ensure that your designs are produced to your exact specifications.
4 – Quantity
The quantity of garments you need is another important factor to consider. The larger the order, the lower the cost per garment will be, as the manufacturer can take advantage of economies of scale. Make sure to let the manufacturer know the quantity you require to get an accurate quote. It’s also important to consider your budget and how much inventory you can realistically sell. The quantity of garments you’d like to produce should be provided to your manufacturer by units per size per color and per style. A number per style alone will not be sufficient to get an accurate costing, as larger sizes will consume a lot more fabric than small ones.
5 – Delivery Date
The delivery date for your garments is also important. Let the manufacturer know when you need your garments delivered as the delivery date will affect the production schedule and availability of materials. It’s important to be realistic about your delivery date and give yourself and the manufacturer plenty of time to produce the garments. Rush orders may be possible, but they will likely come with additional fees. At Knitwin, the very minimum lead time we can work with for a bulk order is 2 months and only in very specific cases. Productions otherwise usually require an average of four months from PO placement to despatch.
6 – Target Market
It’s important to let the manufacturer know who your target market is, as this will affect the materials, construction methods, and pricing. Be clear about your target market and any specific requirements they may have. For example, if you’re designing activewear for women, you may want to use moisture-wicking fabrics and include features such as pockets for phones and keys. The manufacturer can help you choose materials and construction methods that are appropriate for your target market.
In summary, to quickly get an accurate quote, provide your manufacturer with the 6 following points:
1 – Design (Linesheet)
2 – Tech Pack
3 – Materials
4 – Quantity
5 – Delivery date
6 – Target Market
By having these details ready and sharing them from the get go, you can ensure a smooth and successful production process that results in high-quality garments that meet your expectations and those of your customers. By understanding the necessary information required to obtain a bulk manufacturing quote, you’ll be well on your way to producing a successful fashion line that stands out in the industry!