Top 5 Common Mistakes New Fashion Brands Make When Choosing a Manufacturer

eftatextile
Nov 5
2 min read

Choosing the right manufacturer is one of the most important decisions for any new fashion brand. The wrong choice can lead to delays, quality issues and unnecessary costs. Understanding common mistakes can help emerging brands avoid pitfalls and establish a strong, reliable production process.

In this article, we break down the top five mistakes new fashion brands often make and provide tips for avoiding them.

1. Prioritizing Cost Over Quality

Many new brands focus on finding the cheapest manufacturer. While cost is important, choosing based solely on price can be risky:

Low-cost production may compromise fabric quality or craftsmanship.
Cheap materials can lead to defects and customer dissatisfaction.
Hidden costs, such as rework or returns, may outweigh initial savings.

Tip: Balance cost with quality and long-term brand value to ensure sustainable production.

2. Ignoring Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)

Misunderstanding or overlooking MOQs can create problems for new brands:

High MOQs may require large upfront investments.
Not clarifying MOQs early can delay production or lead to overstock.

Tip: Discuss MOQs with potential manufacturers and explore flexible options, such as sample runs or smaller initial batches.

3. Skipping Manufacturer Verification

Some brands trust manufacturers without verifying their capabilities. This can result in production issues:

Factories may lack skilled staff or modern equipment.
Ethical or safety standards might not be met.

Tip: Check references, certifications (like Sedex), or conduct virtual/in-person factory visits before committing.

4. Poor Communication

Miscommunication can cause errors in design, materials, and timelines:

Ambiguous instructions can result in wrong fabric, color mismatches, or late deliveries.
Differences in language or time zones can create delays.

Tip: Establish clear communication channels, document agreements, and maintain regular updates throughout production.

5. Neglecting Sustainability and Compliance

Many emerging brands overlook environmental and social responsibility when selecting manufacturers:

Working with non compliant factories can harm a brand’s reputation.
Consumers increasingly expect ethical and sustainable practices.

Tip: Choose manufacturers that follow verified ethical and sustainable practices, such as Sedex approved facilities.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes helps new fashion brands build a strong foundation for production. By prioritizing quality, clarifying MOQs, verifying manufacturers, maintaining communication, and considering ethics, brands can ensure smooth production and long term success.

Making informed decisions at the start will save time, reduce costs, and strengthen trust with customers. Selecting the right manufacturing partner is not just about production.

It’s about building a reliable and sustainable brand.