The key to any fashion business that has the desire for growth is getting products sourced, produced and delivered but there will be a time in every designer’s life when they need to make the decision of whether to produce in their home country or produce abroad.The purpose of sourcing is to negotiate the cost of the product, make sure that the deliveries are on time and deal with overseas production from bulk fabric to fit, freight and designer/buyer team liasons. If you run your own business you might have to wear all three hats (designer, rep and sourcing manager). The major thing to remember is that sourcing is really factory based and in following necessary precautions, your collection will arrive at the store on time.
1) Set aside ample time to research which factory in which country is right for your type of collection. People assume China is the cheapest, but depending on knitwear or denim, there might be a better production hub for you.
2) Double check your PDM (tech pack) which has all of the specks from measurements, fabric, finishes etc. to make certain it isn’t missing any information, therefore the factory will not have to call consistently with questions.
3) Look at excess tax stipulations placed on garments coming in from China shipped from the US to places like Mexico and Canada if you have retailers there.
4) Make an actual trip out to see the factory and meet with the people that are going to make your collection. Do not try to do it all via the web.
5) In working internationally find a Sourcing Agent that can facilitate all of the shipping, deliveries, customs forms etc.
6) Try to get an office or a staff in the country that you want to manufacture in given that this production decision is a permanent business plan, and not a seasonal decision (especially if you have over 200+ pieces per style).
7) Call the local embassy’s to find out about production in their country, as they will have lists of reliable manufacturers for you.
8) Look at add-on costs of producing your garment
The important thing to remember is that no matter how beautiful your collection is, you need to run it like a business. Survey your short term and long term business plan and see if international sourcing and manufacturing is right for you, and then do the proper research to make it happen.
-Lynn Furge
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