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www.globalsources.com/Apparel Cycling jersey sets 16 products with functional designs 16 supplier profiles Buyer demand trends How to find the right clothing factory in China

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Page 1: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

www.globalsources.com/MobileElectronicswww.globalsources.com/Apparel

Cycling jersey sets

√ 16 products with functional designs

√ 16 supplier profiles

√ Buyer demand trends

√ How to find the right clothing factory in China

Page 2: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

Buyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey setsA gallery with 16 designs in functional finisheshandpicked by our Market Analysts, and16 profiles of export-ready suppliers. Plus a guide to finding the right clothing factory written by China sourcing expert Fredrik Grönkvist.

} Product gallery: Functional finishes boost cycling jersey sets 3

}Comparison table: Profiles of 16 export-ready suppliers 8

}Buyer demand trends on GlobalSources.com 10

}How to find the right clothing factory in China 11

Page 3: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

Eight-panel bottom

Makers employ treatments that improve breathability, stretch and health-friendly properties.

The latest cycling jersey sets from China feature functional treatments that enhance user comfort. Many of the latest releases are moisture-wicking, lightweight and quick-drying. Some kill odor-producing microbes to prevent foul smell.

Models that protect against the sun’s harmful rays are also available. A number adopts Coolmax technology for enhanced breathability. Cycling apparel designed for winter comes with brushed interior to help retain heat.

Polyester and nylon remain the top material options. These textiles are often blended with spandex for improved stretch and muscle support.

For enhanced visual appeal, sublimation prints in vivid colors are incorporated.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based Market Analysts for representing current trends in cycling jerseys.

The top of Breitex Co. Ltd’s model BTCW15080888 cycling jersey set uses moisture-wicking 100 percent polyester mesh with sublimation-printed designs. It has three back pockets, one with a reflective closure. The bottom comes in a classic eight panel design made of 80:20 nylon-spandex. This incorporates Coolmax padding. All threads are stretchable. FOB price for the jersey is $7.60 while the cycling shorts go for $6.20. MOQ is 500 sets.

Dry-fit

Libixing Garment & Weaving Co. Ltd Jinjiang’s model LBXC001 cycling jersey set adopts 80:20 polyester-spandex and features four-way stretch. The dry-fit top and bottom weighs 200gsm and 240gsm. The fabrics used are breathable and quick-drying. The cycling shorts come with a high-resilience foam padding and anti-skid leg opening with silica gel strip. Patterns are sublimation-printed. For an MOQ of 1,000 sets, FOB price is $8 to $15.

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Cycling jersey sets: Product gallery, supplier profiles, buyer demand trends, how to find the right clothing factory in China

Functional finishes boost cycling jersey sets

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Page 4: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

Breathable polyester

The short-sleeved model PW-01011 cycling jersey set from Polywell Textile & Garments Co. Ltd uses breathable pure polyester. The activewear is moisture-wicking and UV-protective, and may come in solid colors or sublimation prints. Sizes range from S to XL. These can be customized. Each set can be flat packed or placed in buyer-specified packaging. It lists at $13.50. A minimum order of 500 sets is required.

In various colors, styles

UV50+ protective

Polyester-spandex bottom

The QXF-1527 model from Quanzhou Bons Development Co. Ltd is made of polyester-spandex, and comes in various colors and styles. The cycling jersey set is moisture-absorbent, breathable, quick-drying and easy to wash. Available sizes are S to XL. FOB price ranges from $8.30 to $20 for an MOQ of 3,000 sets.

LRX Textile & Garments Co. Ltd offers the model LRX-CJ0032 cycling jersey set that is UV50+ protective, quick-drying, water-resistant and breathable. The top utilizes 100gsm pure polyester. Both short- and long-sleeved versions are available. Made of 190gsm 82:18 polyester-spandex, the bottom has a Coolmax padding and anti-skid leg opening with silica gel strip and reflective tape. The activewear adopts four-needle six-stitching for its flatlock seams. It is quoted at $9 to $12 for an MOQ of 1,200 sets. OEM orders are welcome.

Quoted at $11 for a minimum order of 800 sets, the short-sleeved top of model CMC15032 cycling jersey set from Quanzhou Caida Sports Goods Co. Ltd adopts 140gsm pure polyester while the bottom utilizes 150gsm 90:10 polyester-spandex. S to XL are the size options. Colors can be buyer-specified. Each set is packed in a polybag but this can be modified on request.

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Page 5: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

Unisex cycling jersey

Utilizing 87:13 polyester-spandex, the AMOCS2015-1 model cycling jersey set from Xiamen Amotex Co. Ltd incorporates moisture-wicking, quick-drying, anti-bacterial and UV-protective properties. The top’s back also keeps the skin dry for enhanced user comfort. The unisex activewear comes in custom colors and sizes. It goes for $15. An MOQ of 500 sets is necessary.

Coolmax-padded bottom

Allows full range of motion

Odor-resistant

Designed for men, models CW14M-09 cycling jersey and CW14U-04 cycling shorts from Xiamen Bright Fashion Co. Ltd come in XS to XL sizes. The former uses 200gsm quick-drying 82:18 nylon-spandex while the Coolmax-padded bottom is made of 200gsm 80:20 nylon-spandex. Colors, logos and packaging can be customized. The cycling jersey set is quoted at $14.90 for a minimum order of 1,000 sets.

Sanlian Garment Co. Ltd’s TP1598 model is anti-bacterial, highly stretchable, abrasion-resistant, breathable and moisture-wicking. The cycling jersey set retains its shape yet allows full range of motion. Red is standard color but hues are customizable. Designs can be silk-screened or digital sublimation-printed. Sizes are XS to XXXL. The top is made of 100 percent polyester while the bottom uses 90:10 polyester-spandex. Each set comes in a polybag or buyer-specified packaging. FOB price is $13. Minimum order is 500 sets. Custom logos are accepted.

Xiamen Crownway Apparel Co. Ltd’s model CW-YS1523 cycling jersey set adopts anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of microbes that cause foul smell. It is also UPF3+ protective, moisture-wicking, lightweight and anti-bacterial. The top is made of pure polyester while the bottom is in 86:14 polyester-spandex. The seams are flatlocked. A set lists at $8.90. The supplier requires an MOQ of 500 sets.

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Page 6: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

Anti-bacterial

The model MB01 men’s cycling suit from Xiamen Jiadexing Industrial Co. Ltd is anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and wear- and tear-resistant. It uses 80:20 nylon-spandex, weighing 200gsm. The activewear comes in M adult sizes. Color options are black, white and red. Minimum order is 1,000 pieces per color and style. FOB price is $7.80. Each suit is packed in a PE bag.

Embossed details

Quick-drying

Brushed interior

The model JV16CYM12 cycling jersey set from Xiamen JV Industrial Co. Ltd Outerwear Dept. has a moisture-wicking top with reflective zipped front and three back pockets. The pants adopt gray melange with embossed details and Coolmax padding. FOB price is $15.80. Minimum order is 800 sets.

The available sizes for Xiamen Eason Trading Co. Ltd’s model XEC01001 cycling jersey are S to XXXL. The top and bottom use pure polyester and 80:20 nylon-spandex, respectively. The fabrics are Coolmax Active quality and quick-drying. Designs are sublimation-printed. The activewear is placed in polybag or custom packaging. For an MOQ of 500 sets, it is quoted at $13.

The top of Xiamen Saga Sports Co. Ltd’s model 15501 cycling jersey set utilizes 92:8 polyester-spandex Coolmax fabric with a brushed interior that makes it heat-retentive. The nonslip zipped bottom adopts 80:20 nylon-spandex with 3D cutting and sublimation prints. FOB price ranges from $10 to $30 for a minimum order of 100 sets.

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Page 7: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

For muscle stability, support

The YF-CS-001 model from Xiamen Yifu Garment Co. Ltd utilizes 85:15 polyester-spandex microfiber that is moisture-wicking. The fabric is highly stretchable for muscle stability and support. The hems adopt wide elastic jacquard with silicone grip to keep the garment in position. The activewear has sublimation-printed patterns, four-needle six-stitched seams and Coolmax padding. For a minimum order of 500 sets, the model lists at $10 to $15.

Adopts polyester eyebird mesh

Made of 160gsm pure polyester eyebird mesh, Xiamen Sansrio Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd’s model DAYA-CJ010 cycling jersey set has sublimation-printed patterns. The activewear is breathable and quick-drying. The top comes with a front zipper closure. Custom designs are welcome. FOB price for the jersey is $20.83 while the cycling shorts go for $10. An MOQ of 500 sets is required.

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Page 8: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

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Supplier comparison table

Company name Year established

Number of employees

Annual revenue for all

products (US$ million)

Annual exports for all

products (US$ million)

2014 cycling jersey sets

exports (US$ million)

Main export markets

Breitex 2008 20 5 5 1 Central America (50%), South America (20%),

EU (30%)

Libixing 1988 800 30 15 0.5 Australia (21.2%), Europe (21.56%),

US (23.5%)

LRX 1994 150 25 15 6 Europe (40%), US (20%), Australia (20%)

Polywell 1997 200 10 10 1 US (35%), EU (45%), Asia (20%)

Quanzhou Bons 1998 600 25 25 13 US (45%), Europe (35%), Asia (20%)

Quanzhou Caida 2010 210 5.2 5.2 1.2 Europe (60%), Australia (20%), US (20%)

Sanlian 1998 150 5 4 2.5 Europe (50%), Asia (30%), US (20%)

Xiamen Amotex 2012 8 2 2 0.6 Europe (40%), US (40%), Australia (20%)

Xiamen Bright 2011 300 20 12 4 EU (80%), US (10%), others (10%)

Xiamen Crownway 2005 500 20 20 1 Europe (52%), US (30%), South America (10%)

Xiamen Eason 2006 85 1.5 1.4 0.5 Europe (50%), US (35%), Asia (15%)

Xiamen Jiadexing 1996 390 15 15 7 US (30%), Europe (30%), Canada (30%)

Xiamen JV 2004 30 15 15 2 Europe (60%), US (20%), others (20%)

Xiamen Saga 2013 15 3 3 0.05 Europe (60%), US (30%), Asia (10%)

Xiamen Sansrio 2005 150 7 6 3 North America (35%), Europe (35%), Australia

(30%)

Xiamen Yifu 1996 200 10 10 2 Europe (40%), US (40%), Asia (20%)

Page 9: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

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Number of assembly

lines

R&D expenditure

(US$)

OEM ODM OBM Small orders Key customers

4 150,000 100% 0% 0% 10,000 pieces TCM, 4F, BRG, Newline

45 200,000 50% 50% 0% 5,000 pieces K-Mart, Disney, Target, Fila, Babies R Us, Everlast,

Diadora

8 N/A 88% 12% 0% 10,000 pieces Primark, Tesco, Target, LPP, Auchan, Sears, Otto, Yamamay, El Corte Ingles

12 N/A 100% 0% 0% Sample order LA Gear, Fila, Index, Bench, Index, Ilico

10 450,000 85% 15% 0% 30,000 pieces Rusuoo, Lidl, Giant

5 N/A 100% 0% 0% 3,000 pieces 2XU, Leemarc

4 150,000 70% 20% 10% 500 pieces per style

Northwave, Diadora, Polaris, Ride Club

4 20,000 70% 30% 0% 500 pieces per color

New Wave Group

6 100,000 50% 20% 30% 1,000 pieces per color, style

Takko, NKD, Dansk

5 100,000 85% 15% 0% 500 pieces Jackroo, Seven Lemon, Nyxeye

6 60,000 70% 15% 15% 2,000 pieces Base, New Wave, Capricorn S.R.L, Intermed Sas

16 N/A 100% 0% 0% N/A MPG, LG, Costco, Mango, C&A, USG, Kappahl,

Champion, Mondetta, Le Coq Sportif, Active Intent

8 5,000 80% 20% 0% 800 pieces SportScheck, Dare 2 B, Go Sport, Canari, Rogetti, USG,

Hervis Sport

4 80,000 90% 10% 0% 500 pieces per style

Sportzone

3 50,000 70% 15% 15% 500 pieces Funkier, Dunlop, Lizzard

10 30,000 60% 20% 20% 500 pieces Diadora, Kohl’s, Urban Outfitters, Ethika, 4F

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Page 10: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

Buyer inquiries by regionPercent of all online activity for this product group

Fujian47%

Jiangsu30%

Guangdong15%

Zhejiang4%

Hong Kong3%

Other1%

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Top new product postingsTop buyer requests Top product profiles

89.2% 69.7% 46.2%Cycling jerseys Cycling jerseys Cycling jerseys

5.2% 10.8% 34.6%

1.9% 9.4% 7.7%

1.9% 7.4% 7.7%

1.8% 2.6% 3.8%

Cycling jersey sets

Cycling jersey sets

Cycling tights & pants

Cycling tights & pants Cycling shorts Cycling bibs

Cycling shorts Cycling tights & pants Cycling shorts

Cycling bibs Cycling bibs Cycling jersey sets

Cycling clothingBuyer demand trends on GlobalSources.com

Buyer demand trends are taken from buyer and supplier activity in the featured product group on GlobalSources.com.•Buyer requests track total inquiries from our independently verified worldwide community of more than 1 million buyers.•Product profiles represent the total number of unique products available from export-ready suppliers in our easily searchable catalogs.•New product postings indicate the number of new product profiles added to our website by suppliers during the period.For these and thousands of other categories, visit Global Sources online and sign up for Product Alerts to receive the latest supplier postings. Use the website’s Product Search function to find hundreds of products and send inquiries directly to verified exporters.

Page 11: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

How to find the right clothing factory in ChinaLooking to design your own T-shirt or launch a knitwear collection? Outsourcing from China, or other low-cost countries, may be your only option. This article explains what you need to know when selecting a clothing manufacturer, substance regulations, ensuring material quality, and managing the different product development and production.

Regardless of whether you are an apparel startup looking to try out a new product line or you consider yourself the next Karl Lagerfeld, this article is packed with actionable advice for you. But first, this article will explain why buying wholesale clothing from China is rarely an option.

Buying wholesale clothing from China?The minimum order quantity (MOQ) of clothing and textile items is often 300 to 500 pieces per design. That translates into a major investment, assuming you want to launch an entire collection. Many importers assume that the solution to this is by skipping manufacturing and purchasing off shelf clothing from wholesalers.

Of course, there are clothing and textile wholesalers in China. In fact, there are tens of thousands of them. However, these wholesalers trade items manufactured for the China market. Take a look at Taobao.com (China’s eBay) and see for yourself. You can get a T-shirt for $2 and a pair of jeans for the price of a Big Mac meal. But, China is not a magic land where basic economics do not apply. In other words, you do get what you pay for.

In fact, you might get a bit more than you really want. At least, in terms of regulated substances, such as formaldehyde and azo-colors. China’s substance regulations are more lax than those in the West. Thus, buying wholesale clothing from China is rarely (if ever) an option, unless you are willing to risk having your items seized by customs – or face a forced recall.

Important factors when selecting a clothing and textile factoryNot all clothing and textiles manufacturers are equal. Making a random factory selection online, without verifying that the supplier is able to reach your quality requirements,

is likely to end up in disaster. Below follows an introduction to the three main factors that really matters, when selecting clothing manufacturers in China.

1. Substance control and compliance with foreign textile regulationsClothing textiles are regulated in most countries, including the US, Europe and Australia. Most applicable safety standards such as REACH (Europe) and FHSA (US) regulate substances such as formaldehyde, azo-colors and asbestos. Most China manufacturers, especially the smaller ones, are not aware of the substance contents of their textiles.

It is a deeply rooted issue that goes way beyond the manufacturer. All clothing manufacturers purchase fabrics and components from subcontractors. The number of subcontractors can range from a two or three to more than one hundred. Ensuring that no noncompliant fabric slips through requires the supplier to test a large number of samples, which most small factories consider too expensive and time consuming.

For importers based in Europe, US, Canada and Australia, it is critical to select a supplier that can show previous compliance with applicable substance regulations, and prove it. That is why you should include confirmation of applicable product regulations and labeling requirements, in your country, when you purchase the starting package.

2. Textile labeling requirementsClothing and textile regulations are not only limited to substances, but also product and packaging labels. Labeling requirements vary greatly in different countries. Most countries require labeling to cover country of origin (Made in China), textile fiber content and washing instructions.

However, a supplier cannot really be compliant or noncompliant with labeling requirements. In fact, it is your job to design the textile label and verify that it is compliant with applicable regulations in your country. The supplier’s job is to print it. That said, they must be able to provide you with information about the textile fiber content and washing instructions.

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Page 12: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

3. Fabric qualityGood suppliers provide high-quality fabrics and bad suppliers provides low-quality fabrics. Right? It is not that simple. A couple of years ago, I learnt that myself the hard way.

In 2011, we were tasked with managing the product development process of a new polo shirt collection for a European brand. They had already selected a new supplier in the southern Fujian province to manufacture their new designs. It was a good supplier. Clean facility, long history, plenty of capital, modern machinery and a strict quality management system.

The client received the samples and testing begins. A few weeks of usage and washing later, it was clear that the material quality was far below the clients expectations. While they wanted to match brands such as GANT and Ralph Lauren, in terms of quality, this sample would go straight to an outlet.

Obviously, the client was very upset about what happened and we submitted a complaint to the supplier. They made another batch of samples. But the result was the same. This was when we realized that while this may be a reliable supplier, it was unable to match our buyers quality requirements. It turned out that the manufacturer indeed specialized in making low-end apparel and was pretty good at it too!

Before you get started, you need to get your fabric specifications in order. Never assume that a China clothing and textiles manufacturer is specialized in making items matching your quality requirements, regardless of their technical qualifications.

Product development processWhen you have selected a few suppliers (not only one, as explained further down in this article) it is time to put them to the test. Here are the steps on managing the clothing product development and production:

Step 1: Design drafting, material selection and product specificationsChina manufacturers are entirely accustomed to producing items according to buyer specifications. While some suppliers offer design services, they will certainly not help someone design a new collection based on a random inquiry on their website.

Before you even bother to contact manufacturers, you need to get your specifications in order. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Design drafts • Design elements (e.g. collar) • Dimensions • Fabric type (e.g. 96 percent cotton and 4 percent spandex) • Fabric weight (e.g. 120gsm) • Printing or embroidery (e.g. screenprint) • Pantone colors • Buttons (design, material) • Seams • Textile label (design files and dimensions) • Compliance requirements (e.g. azo-free colors)

You may also complement a product specification with physical samples, in case you intend to replicate a certain color, material or design elements of an existing product. However, certain components, including buttons, are better left open until you know what the supplier has to offer.

In case you fail to provide sufficient product specifications, you are very likely to receive items of very poor quality. Misunderstandings occur easier than you could possibly imagine, and there is no universal definition of what “good quality” is. Nothing should be left out of your product specification.

Step 2: Sample developmentThis is where it gets interesting, but act with caution. First of all, it is way too early to make a final supplier selection at this stage. Instead, you should select at least three or four suppliers that produce clothing samples simultaneously.

In my experience, roughly half of the suppliers fail to manufacture satisfying samples. They might lack the precision to get the seams straight, provide low-quality material or prove that they do not really care that much about following your design requirements.

Samples take time to develop and often require a few revisions. All the sudden three months have passed by. If you have made a final supplier selection too early, you might need to start all over again. That is why it is critical to keep several supplier options at hand at this stage. Thereby, you can simply ditch a supplier that fails to produce satisfying samples and move on with those that succeed. Yes, it costs a bit extra to buy samples from four suppliers but considering the time and money you will save, it is well worth it.

Step 3: Compliance testingPrevious compliance means that a supplier can prove that they are able to ensure compliance. While that is a key qualification requirement, it is not a guarantee for future

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Page 13: Cycling jersey sets - Global Sourcesa.globalsources.com/guide/GT150901_eBook.pdfBuyer’s Guide to sourcing cycling jersey sets A gallery with 16 designs in functional finishes handpicked

Fredrik Grönkvist is the co-founder of ScandinAsian Enterprise in Shanghai. Since 2010, he and his team have helped hundreds of companies worldwide, primarily in the EU and US, to develop and manufacture products in China. He is also the main contributor on www.chinaimportal.com, a leading knowledge base for small- to medium-sized enterprises importing from Asia. For further questions, you can contact him on www.chinaimportal.com/contact-us/

compliance. Thus, you should submit material samples for compliance testing before mass production begins.

But this is also where it gets really complicated. Fabrics are purchased from subcontractors and suppliers rarely keep them in stock. The fabric samples that are available during sample production may not be available by the time you place your order. Even if the fabric used for mass production is visually identical, it may come from another batch (thus it may contain other chemicals) or from a completely different subcontractor.

In a worst case scenario, this means that you could end up with clothing made of noncompliant fabrics, even though the preproduction fabrics passed compliance testing. However, despite this risk, preproduction fabric testing is critical. One way to minimize the risk further is to have fabric samples compliance tested as soon as the batch used for your items arrives in the supplier warehouse, but before mass production begins.

That way you can at least avoid a situation where you are left with an entire batch of noncompliant apparel. Sounds complicated? Not so much, if you follow the process below:

1. Select fabrics and confirm applicable substance regulations.2. Ask your supplier if the fabric used for mass production originates from the same batch and/or from the same subcontractor.3. Collect and submit pr-production reference fabric samples to the test laboratory.4. Supplier begins mass production and order fabrics from one or more subcontractors.5. Collect and submit batch sample reference fabrics to the test laboratory.6. If compliant, approve production.

As one material, and sometimes color, requires a separate compliance test, costs increase if you use many different fabrics and colors. If you are on a small budget, try to limit the number of different fabrics used in your apparel.

Step 4: Sales contractBefore you pay the deposit and production begins, a sales agreement should be signed by the clothing manufacturer. The main purpose of the sales contract is not to get prepared for future disputes, but to prevent them.

First of all, it should prevent misunderstandings. Thus, it shall include product specifications, design drafts, material specifications and color samples. You may also attach physical samples, for the supplier to sign and stamp.

However, these specifications may be useless unless you put pressure on the supplier to actually comply. This is can only be achieved if you make the supplier understand that you will verify compliance and that you have a bargaining chip at hand, in case they do not.

Payment is also critical. If you pay a supplier 100 percent in advance, they no longer have an incentive to remake or repair defective items, in case the quality inspection fails. This is why the final balance payment shall be withheld until the quality is verified.

Step 5: Quality controlManufacturing is not a science. Quality issues are certain to occur, to a varying degree. They cannot be completely eliminated, but they can be managed and reduced to a degree that they donot affect the viability of your business.

Forget about returning defective items to China. Low cost manufacturing is cheap for a reason. Instead, you must verify that your clothing reaches your quality requirements before it is packed and shipped. Thus, a quality inspection should be executed in the manufacturer’s facility after production but before shipment.

There are a number of defects that may occur when manufacturing clothing. These include:

• Poor seams (e.g. not straight, loose threads)• Discoloration• Skewed embroidery• Incorrect dimensions• Loose buttons and zippers• Dust and dirt

However, certain quality issues cannot be detected during a single factory inspection. For example, poor quality fabrics may lose fitting, only after a few washes. This is why extensive sample testing, and actual usage, is critical, before production begins.

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