How to Be the Kind of Client Every Manufacturer Wants to Work With

It’s Not Just About the Manufacturer—It’s About You Too

When designers start looking for a manufacturer—especially overseas—it’s common to worry about whether the factory will deliver good quality. But here’s a little secret: most manufacturers are actually pretty great.

The real question is—are you a great client to work with?

A good manufacturer wants to deliver quality results. But they also want to work with clients who are prepared, clear, and committed. If you’re constantly changing your mind, unsure about your designs, or dragging your feet, even the best manufacturer will start to lose confidence in you.

Let’s break down the three things you can do to make sure you’re someone a manufacturer wants to work with.

Step 1: Find the Right Manufacturer for Your Product

Finding a manufacturer isn’t just about Googling the cheapest one or going with a recommendation. You’ve got to match your needs with what the manufacturer can actually do.

Here’s what you should know before reaching out:

• Your minimum order quantity (MOQ): Be clear if you want 50 units, or 1,000.

• Machinery needs: Different manufacturers use different machines. Does your product need special stitching or finishes?

• Fabric sourcing: Will you buy from existing stock or order custom fabrics?

If you don’t give this info upfront, the manufacturer may assume you’re doing large-scale production and allocate resources that don’t fit your needs. That creates disappointment on both sides.

Step 2: Understand What Your Manufacturer Needs From You

This is a big one. So many designers message us at Sample Room saying, “The factory stopped sampling for me. What should I do?”

Usually, it’s because the designer was changing the design after every sample. The manufacturer is making Version 1… then Version 2… then Version 3… and before long, they realise the client is still figuring it out.

But manufacturers don’t want to figure it out for you—they want to produce.

A manufacturer’s job is to fill production space. If they feel like you’re not heading towards actual production, you become a risk. They’re running a business, and time is money.

 

Watch this week’s video to hear more on this topic

Step 3: Be Ready to Move Fast

This doesn’t mean you should rush. But when you’ve decided to work with a manufacturer, you need to be organised and responsive.

Many manufacturers source fabric from stock—meaning it’s first-come, first-served. If you take weeks to approve your sample, someone else might grab the fabric. The manufacturer may then replace it with something “close enough”—but 10% off can feel like 100% wrong when it’s your brand.

Quick turnarounds build trust. You show the manufacturer that you’re serious, and they’ll prioritise your production.

How to Keep a Good Relationship With Your Manufacturer

We hear it all the time: “I think I burnt that bridge.” 

Whether it’s through delays, unclear briefs, or last-minute changes—manufacturers do remember.

Being a great client means:

• Being clear on your design before sampling

• Communicating effectively

• Making decisions quickly

• Respecting the manufacturer’s time and business goals

If you don’t know how the production process works, that’s totally okay—but you do need to work with someone who does. That’s where we come in.

Why Sample Room Offers Production Management

At Sample Room, we’ve seen both sides. We have been a manufacturer, and we know how frustrating it can be to deal with unclear clients. That’s why we created a production management service.

Our job is to help you:

• Understand what the manufacturer needs from you

• Get your designs production-ready

• Communicate professionally and clearly

By preparing you properly, we make sure your manufacturer sees you as a dream client—not a designer who’s still figuring things out.

What to Do Before You Talk to a Manufacturer

Before you reach out to any manufacturer, make sure you’ve already done some groundwork:

• Go through pattern making and sampling. Don’t rely on a self-made tech pack that hasn’t been tested.

• Know your specs. Fabrics, trims, finishes—have this decided before production.

• Be confident in your design. Factories are not the place for trial and error.

The more ready you are, the easier it is for the manufacturer to say “yes.”

Good Clients Get Great Results

It’s easy to think that every manufacturer is just sitting around waiting for your order. But the truth is, no factory anywhere in the world wants to lose money—or waste time—on a client who isn’t ready.

Being organised, respectful, and decisive helps you stand out. Manufacturers love clients who are easy to work with because it means they can deliver a great result without stress.

Final Thoughts (And a Bit of Real Talk)

If you’re a designer who’s had trouble with manufacturers before, it might not be them—it could be the process.

And the good news? The process can be fixed.

By understanding what your manufacturer needs from you, you’ll get better samples, faster approvals, and stronger long-term partnerships.

And if you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help.

Want Support? Let’s Chat

Sample Room now offers production management services to help you get your collection into production without burning out—or burning bridges.

We’ll walk you through the process, connect you with the right manufacturer, and help you build trust and momentum from day one.

Send us a message or book a free call. Let’s make your next range the smoothest one yet.