Choose a range you can specify and approve
Start with a clear product brief: who will wear the garment, the size range, material expectations and which branding details make it part of your collection. For a schoolwear range, separate everyday shirts from PE garments. For sensory-friendly clothing, identify the label and seam decisions the sample must resolve. Each additional style creates another set of decisions. A focused first order can make approval easier, but the range should still meet your customers’ needs rather than simply maximise the number of designs.
Separate development charges from production prices
Ask what the sample quotation covers: materials, pattern work, sewing, decoration trials and any agreed revisions. Check whether different sample sizes or additional colour trials change that scope. Our sample fees are paid in full, and published reference fees vary by garment type and complexity. Do not assume that sampling is free or that every development charge will be refunded against bulk production. Any credit or waiver needs to be confirmed in the quotation for the actual order.
Build garment costs from style-colour quantities
Use a row for every style and colour, then multiply the agreed unit price by its quantity. Our minimum is 100 pieces per style and colour with four mixed sizes. One T-shirt style in two colours therefore starts at 200 pieces, before adding any other garment. Record the size allocation separately. If two suppliers quote different quantities or materials, the resulting totals are not directly comparable. Ask for an equivalent specification and quantity before concluding that one factory is cheaper.
Identify branding and packaging charges
Confirm whether the garment price already includes labels, decoration, individual bags, size stickers and carton packing. Separate any one-off artwork or setup charge from repeated per-piece costs so it is not counted twice. A label supplier or custom packaging order may have its own sourcing constraints even when the garment minimum is small. Decide whether you need all proposed packaging for the first order and obtain a sample or clear specification before approving artwork quantities.
Keep shipment expenses and payment timing visible
Obtain a freight proposal using the destination and expected shipment details; freight is paid by the customer. Determine which inspection, destination handling and import-related charges are included or still unconfirmed rather than entering zero for unknown costs. At our factory, bulk payment is 70% deposit followed by 30% before shipment after photos or video, or inspection. Those instalments divide the agreed bulk amount; they are not extra costs to add on top of the same amount. Sample fees remain a separate item unless the quotation says otherwise.
Use a budget with explicit open items
Calculate garment production as the sum of quantity times unit price for each style-colour row. Add confirmed development charges, branding or packing charges not already included, inspection and delivery items. Keep any unquoted item marked pending and state the currency of each quotation before combining figures. Compare this budget with the actual supplier scope and your required arrival date. Retain the first-order cost record for reorders, but request a fresh quotation instead of assuming that materials, freight or prices will remain unchanged.
| Cost group | Basis | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Development | Written sample scope and revision agreement | Assuming a refund |
| Garments | Quantity × unit price for each style and colour | Combining styles to meet one minimum |
| Branding / packing | Only charges excluded from garment price | Counting included labels twice |
| Delivery / inspection | Confirmed scope and destination | Treating unquoted items as zero |
| Payment schedule | 70% + 30% of agreed bulk amount | Adding instalments on top of the total |
Buyer worksheet
Download and complete the worksheet, then send it with your enquiry. Downloading does not submit your details.