The Fashion Business Coach

Factory sourcing for fashion manufacture course - how to find a production partner

Industry how to, StudioVicki WallisComment
Factory sourcing for fashion manufacture service - how to find a production partner

If you saw my blog post on Friday about factory sourcing, you'll know that it's a tricky subject + just because one factory was great for someone else, it doesn't mean they'll be great for you (you can read that post here if you missed it). You may remember that I mentioned I offer services to help clients, usually who are new to the industry, find factories. There's a few options to suit different needs + budgets + I can help with some training + guidance on approaching factories yourself, I can find some suitable options for you, or I can provide a mix of both. 

Unlike other companies offering factory finding services, I don't take any royalties or expect anything else from you. Other companies usually get money from the factory (which means their information can be biased), or they don't give you the factory name + you're required to place all orders through them (which means you pay up to 20% commission on everything you make, essentially forever which can cost thousands, as you are never given the factory details). I don't receive any commission from anyone, so I'm able to be impartial + make an unbiased analysis of the pro's + cons. You're also free to work with the factories however you choose, I give you all of the contact details so I don't have to be involved at all. 

All of my packages include consulting time, so that you can get all of the information you need + you also have the opportunity ask any questions you'd like to have answered by an industry professional. I work with clients worldwide + am able to arrange a call time that works for you + your time zone. I can call any phone, so you don't need to have Skype or any special equipment or software, just a phone!

Factory sourcing for fashion manufacture service - how to find a production partner
Factory sourcing for fashion manufacture service - how to find a production partner

Service #1 Help you to approach + work with a factory

This option is best for those on a limited budget, as it is the lowest price + gives you the knowledge to go out + approach factories on your own. It includes consulting time in which I provide training on where to start looking for factories, the best way to get in touch with them + things to ask. We'll also cover things to look out for, that might be an indication that the factory isn't a good option, as well as how to respond when you get a positive reply from a manufacturer. The call is tailored to your situation, so you'll receive personalised information. 

After the consulting session, you'll also receive notes from the call, so you don't have to worry about making your own. I'll also include any links and/or resources that will be relevant to your situation. As well as the notes, I'll also send you a copy of my simple Excel template, which helps you to track responses + compare your options.

You can learn more about this service here. 

Factory sourcing for fashion manufacture service - how to find a production partner
Factory sourcing for fashion manufacture service - how to find a production partner

Service #2 Help you to approach + work with a factory (extended)

The extended version includes everything in #1 + some extras. This is for people who would like a little more support with supplier sourcing. After we've had our first session, clients go + research factory options, based on the training they received from me. When they receive replies from suppliers, they send them on to me for review. I can review up to 5 factory options for you. When this is complete, we can have another consulting session to discuss the options, the pro's, con's + further questions that need to be asked (if applicable), or next steps to take. 

You can learn more about this service here. 

Factory sourcing for fashion manufacture service - how to find a production partner
Factory sourcing for fashion manufacture service - how to find a production partner

Service #3 Factory information + sourcing help

#3 is a separate option to #1 + #2 + is best either for those wanting the most help, or those who don't have much time. Finding a factory does require a lot of searching, emails backwards + forwards + often patience. Many of my clients are working on their fashion business part time + have other commitments such as jobs + a family + simply don't have the time to be chasing factories. This package includes consulting time to go over your needs + what you're looking for in a supplier. I then go + start looking for + emailing suppliers. As I'm dependent on how quickly the supplier can get back to me, this usually takes a few weeks, but I keep clients up to date with progress. I put my findings in an easy to use Excel file, so you can easily compare the options, but we'll also discuss the pros + cons of each. You'll also get notes following the call so you can go over the information at your leisure. This service gives you all the information that you need to make an informed decision about which supplier option is best for you. As I mentioned in my previous post, as a lot of the success of a supplier partnership is down to the relationship you build, I provide information for you to make a decision with, rather than tell you which one to go for as I believe this leads to better results. 

You can learn more about this option, here. 

 

I hope this has helped you with some info about how I might be able to help you. If you're not quite sure which service is best for you, or if you're not sure if I'm the right fit for you, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have in a free call. You can book a 'free 15min enquiry call' via the link below + I'll phone you at your preferred time;

 

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