Checklist: are you ready for clothing production?
Many people wait too long to take the step into clothing production because they feel that too much is still missing. Others take the step too early and encounter avoidable problems. This checklist helps you assess where you stand.
What you need to have in order
Your product
- I know which product I want to have made
- I have a sketch, reference images, or a description of the design
- I know what material the product should be made of, or I know what properties the material should have
- I have an idea of the desired sizes or size range
Your target audience and market
- I know for whom I am making the product
- I have tested the idea with potential customers or received initial interest
- I know at what price I want to sell the product
Your budget
- I have budget reserved for the production consultation and the sample phase
- I have budget for an initial production order, including a buffer of 20 to 30 percent
- I know how many pieces I need to sell at a minimum to break even
Your planning
- I have taken into account a lead time of three to six months from the first conversation to delivery
- I do not have a hard deadline that complicates things if production runs a bit late
What you don't need to have yet
Not everything needs to be in order before you start. You can arrange these things later:
- A fully developed tech pack, which you create during the sample phase
- A final logo or corporate identity
- An online store or sales channel
- A large initial order; starting small is almost always wiser
Read more about what you can postpone in our article starting a clothing brand without experience.
How do you score on the checklist?
If you can check off most points under your product and budget, you are ready to have a conversation with a clothing manufacturer. You don’t need to know everything yet; a good first conversation fills in a lot.
If you have doubts about several points, a production consultation is a logical first step. We will work together through what you have and what is still missing.
What if you are not ready yet?
That’s not a problem. Get in touch and explain where you stand. We will honestly tell you what you still need and what a realistic timeline is to take the step. Read more about common mistakes in preparation in our article common mistakes in clothing production.
Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch and tell us where you stand. Then we will look together at what a logical first step is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have found a clothing manufacturer before I start?
No. Finding a clothing manufacturer is part of the process, not a prerequisite to start. A production consultation also helps you assess whether the collaboration is right. Read more about what to look for in our article what to look for in a clothing manufacturer.
What if my budget is tight?
Then start with an even smaller initial order. Fewer pieces means less risk. Discuss your budget openly with the clothing manufacturer so you can look together at what is feasible.
How do I know if my idea is good enough?
You can never be sure in advance. What you can do is test it with your target audience before you produce. Ask for feedback, do a pre-order, or make a handmade prototype. That gives you more certainty than any checklist.
What is the difference between a production consultation and just getting in touch?
A production consultation is a paid session of €220 in which we seriously go through your design, material choice, and production plan and give you concrete advice. Casual contact is meant to explore whether there is a match and to get an initial impression of feasibility and costs.
