How to Find HIGH-QUALITY Manufacturers | START YOUR CLOTHING BRAND in 2025

Summary

In this video, Vanessa, the founder of St Venus, shares her personal process for finding reliable manufacturers on Alibaba, focusing on how to avoid scams and ensure product quality. She emphasizes taking a slow, careful approach, treating the process like dating by assessing potential partners thoroughly. Vanessa discusses the importance of verifying suppliers, asking the right questions, and requesting proof of previous work. She also advises on negotiating payment terms, shipping, and quality control. The video is a step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs seeking to source products from manufacturers abroad.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use platforms like Alibaba for finding reliable manufacturers, but always vet your suppliers carefully.
• 😀 When reaching out to manufacturers, start by asking simple, focused questions to avoid overwhelming them.
• 😀 Always request proof of their work, such as photos or videos of similar products they've made, to verify their capabilities.
• 😀 Avoid stolen or generic photos from manufacturers; ensure they can provide original work examples.
• 😀 Always communicate on the platform (e.g., Alibaba) for protection; never move to unprotected third-party apps like WhatsApp.
• 😀 Ask for detailed information about payment terms, including upfront deposits and sample costs, before placing a bulk order.
• 😀 Ensure your manufacturer’s quality control process is clear, and confirm the defect rate and any remedies for issues with products.
• 😀 Start small with your orders to test quality and reliability before committing to a larger production run.
• 😀 Request progress photos and videos during the production process to stay informed and ensure quality consistency.
• 😀 Always provide a detailed Tech pack with your design, and check if the manufacturer follows it accurately during sample reviews.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this video?

The video focuses on helping entrepreneurs find a reliable manufacturer for their products, specifically on how to vet manufacturers using platforms like Alibaba. It offers practical advice on communication, quality checks, and how to avoid scams.

What is the importance of choosing a verified supplier on Alibaba?

Choosing a verified supplier on Alibaba ensures that the supplier has undergone third-party inspections of their facilities and production capabilities. This reduces the risk of fraud and increases confidence in the supplier's reliability.

Why is it a red flag if a manufacturer uses stolen photos?

If a manufacturer uses stolen photos or images from other brands, it suggests that they might not be able to deliver the product as advertised. It can indicate poor quality or a lack of transparency about their actual work, which could lead to problems later.

What should be the first thing you ask a manufacturer after reaching out?

The first thing to ask a manufacturer should be about their minimum order quantity (MOQ) and the price for creating a sample product. This helps gauge whether they meet your production needs and budget.

Why is it important to test communication with a manufacturer?

Testing communication is essential to ensure that the manufacturer is responsive and reliable. Slow or inconsistent responses, especially if they're not addressing your questions directly, could indicate poor service or potential issues down the line.

What should you do if a manufacturer insists on moving communication off the Alibaba platform?

Never move communication off the Alibaba platform, as it offers transaction protection. If a manufacturer insists on communicating via other platforms like WhatsApp, it could be a red flag indicating that they are trying to avoid oversight.

How can you verify the quality of a manufacturer's products?

You can verify the quality of a manufacturer's products by asking for photos, videos, or samples of similar products they have made. Additionally, checking their quality control processes and asking for proof of successful projects can help ensure they can meet your standards.

What should you ask about payment terms when dealing with manufacturers?

It's important to inquire about the payment structure, including the deposit amount (usually 30-60%) and whether the sample cost is refundable when placing the bulk order. Understanding these terms upfront helps avoid surprises later in the process.

Why is it recommended to use sea shipping over air shipping?

Sea shipping is often cheaper and provides better value, even though it takes longer. This makes it a more cost-effective option for bulk orders, especially when you're just starting out and want to minimize expenses.

What should you do if your sample order does not meet your expectations?

If a sample does not meet your expectations, it’s crucial to communicate your concerns clearly and provide constructive feedback. If revisions are needed, request them before proceeding to mass production to ensure that the final product matches your requirements.