How to Get Accurate Quotes from Manufacturers: A Guide to Effective Communication
Getting accurate quotes from manufacturers isn’t always as easy as sending an email. For many fashion designers, communicating with manufacturers can be one of the trickiest parts of the production process. If you’ve ever found yourself waiting for a response or struggling to get clear information, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll explore some tips on how to get accurate quotes and why effective communication is the key to success.
Understanding the Development Stage: How It Affects Your Quotes
It’s essential to differentiate between the development and production stages when communicating with manufacturers. Many designers make the mistake of asking for quotes during the development phase when the details are still up in the air. At this stage, things like fabric choices and patterns may change, making it difficult for manufacturers to give reliable quotes.
Finalise your designs before moving to production. Once you have a settled design, the quotes will be much more accurate. Remember, manufacturers need a solid foundation to provide precise quotes, so taking the time to perfect your designs in the development phase will pay off.
Be Clear and Concise When Asking for Quotes
One of the most common mistakes designers make when requesting quotes is providing too little information upfront. While it’s tempting to send a whole lot of images on everything from labels to packaging in the tech pack you have made, this does not mean anything to a local (Australian) manufacturer as you will be sourcing these items yourself. What a manufacturer needs to know is the construction details and how it is made. This is especially true if you’re working with complex designs or multiple garments.
Instead, focus on one or two designs at a time and be specific about what you need. This is one of the main reasons why manufacturers want you to have completed development first so they are quoting on a successful garment first. Manufacturers are more likely to respond promptly if your email is clear and manageable. When requesting quotes, come with a sample, the pattern and ask them to make a sample to give a quote. this way the manufacturer can tell you if they have the machinery and skill level to complete you production. It will cost you money but is the best way to get a set production price. A straightforward approach will help you get quicker, more accurate quotes.
Why Timelines are Just as Hard to Quote on
Timelines can be just as tricky as quotes when it comes to production. Development timelines typically take two to three weeks per stage, but this can vary depending on both your organisation and the manufacturer’s current workload.
For example, if a manufacturer is particularly busy, this can extend your timeline and delay the development of your manufacturing. It’s essential to communicate clearly with manufacturers about your deadlines, but also to remain flexible and realistic. By staying organised and keeping an open line of communication, you can speed up the process and avoid delays.
Quotes and Fabric Availability: A Crucial Factor
In Australia, the fabric sourcing will be up to the designer. This is one of the key differences between Offshore and Onshore manufacturing. Fabric choice can have a significant impact the manufacturing quotes as difficulty of fabric or matching patterns can increase your production price by up to 150%. If you’re working with unique or hard-to-find materials, it’s important to confirm their availability before asking for quotes. Fabric agents may not always have access to specific fabrics, and sourcing them could be costly or time-consuming.
Doing your research on fabric availability can prevent delays and lead to more accurate quotes. When reaching out to manufacturers, be sure to include realistic fabric choices and provide any necessary information regarding suppliers. This preparation will help ensure that your quotes are both timely and accurate.
Invest in Communication to Get the Right Quotes
Effective communication with manufacturers isn’t just about sending a quick email. It’s about investing time in building a relationship that can lead to better quotes and smoother processes. It is also about investing in development, so a manufacturer has something solid to quote on. Manufacturers often receive complex requests that they put in the too hard basket, especially if they have a hint that someone is a start up designer (something we can see from a poorly made tech pack).
Consider setting up a meetings to discuss your needs in more detail. While this may take more time initially, it can lead to more productive relationships and faster quotes in the long run. Don’t be afraid to pay for initial consultations either—this investment can save you time and money down the road by ensuring you and your manufacturer are on the same page.
The True Cost of Quotes: Why Some Manufacturers Charge for Them
One aspect of communication that often surprises new designers is that some manufacturers may charge for quotes or sampling to give a quote. This cost is usually due to the time and effort required to analyse your designs, work out the best way to make the garment and provide accurate pricing.
With our clients, we create a design brief docuement (a tech pack minus the graded spec) and give a production price and quote for development at the very beginning. This document, which usually costs between $400 and $500, covers every aspect of your garment from fabric type to fit. While this fee might seem like an unnecessary expense, it’s an investment in ensuring your quotes are accurate and that both you and the manufacturer are aligned on expectations.
If you’re not ready to invest in a full quote just yet, consider attending events or workshops where you can learn more about costing. These sessions are often more affordable and can give you a broader understanding of what to expect from manufacturers. For instance, our upcoming event, The True Cost of Offshore vs. Onshore Production, is a great way to explore different pricing models and gain insights into the real costs of production.
Conclusion: Quotes Are More Than Just Numbers
In the end, getting accurate quotes from manufacturers is about more than just numbers. It’s about clear communication, understanding the stages of production, and building a relationship with your manufacturers. By simplifying your requests, finalising your designs before asking for quotes, and investing in detailed consultations, you can make the quoting process smoother and more efficient.
Next time you’re reaching out to manufacturers, remember these tips and see how they can improve your results. And don’t forget—our event on September 11th, The True Cost of Offshore vs. Onshore Production, is a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into pricing and get a better understanding of what to expect when working with manufacturers.
True Cost of Offshore v Onshore Masterclass
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