Use one comparable garment brief
List every style, colour, wearer range, measurements, fabric direction, artwork, labels and packing requirement. Send the same dated version to each manufacturer. A stock blank with a logo is not directly comparable with a new custom pattern, custom material or bespoke packing. Mark unresolved items as questions so no supplier has to fill gaps with assumptions.
Confirm what private label includes
Private label normally covers your brand identity on the garment: logo, label content, hangtag, bag and carton details. Ask who supplies the artwork, which information is required for the destination, and whether labels are printed or sewn. Private label can accompany OEM production from your specification or ODM work when product decisions still need development.
Make the sample an approval gate
Review measurements, fabric, construction, inside finish, colour, branding and packing as one finished reference. Record the style code, artwork revision and measurement chart with the feedback. Simple samples generally take 7–12 days and complex styles 15–20 days; actual scope, charges and timing must be confirmed for the proposed product. Do not treat a concept image or fabric swatch as approval of the complete garment.
Calculate MOQ by style and colour
At Nai Shi Clothing Factory, bulk MOQ is 100 pieces per style and colour, with a mix of 4 sizes. The same T-shirt in black and white is two colour lines, each requiring 100 pieces. A different neck construction is a separate style. Give each style-colour line its own four-size allocation; combined quantities across versions do not replace the minimum for an individual line.
Compare quotations by included work
Ask each manufacturer to show whether pattern development, samples, materials, decoration, labels, packing, inspection and freight are included, excluded or awaiting confirmation. State the destination and required arrival date. This makes quotes comparable without assuming that a factory completion estimate includes shipping, import clearance or local delivery. Freight is paid by the buyer.
Keep the repeat-order reference
Retain the approved sample, measurement chart, material reference, artwork, label wording, packing instructions and quotation version together. Agree how a material substitution or design change will be reviewed before the next order. A defined product record lets the buyer and factory discuss a repeat order from the same reference instead of relying on a website image or old invoice.
| Area | Question to ask | Record to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Stock item, modified item or new custom style? | Dated brief and style references |
| Development | Who owns pattern, material sourcing and sampling? | Sample feedback and measurement chart |
| Branding | Which label, artwork and packing work is included? | Artwork files, dimensions and placement |
| Quantity | How does MOQ apply to each style and colour? | Four-size allocation per line |
| Quote | Which production, inspection and freight items are included? | Comparable scope and destination |
| Reorders | How are substitutions and revisions approved? | Approved product record |
Buyer worksheet
Download and complete the worksheet, then send it with your enquiry. Downloading does not submit your details.