Do you know:
How to find a manufacturer for your fashion brand?
What to prepare before your very first meeting?
What questions to anticipate from a manufacturer?
What hidden costs to expect when you are just getting started?
Finding a manufacturer and handing off your fashion line to a 3rd party can be one of the most exciting and terrifying parts of the evolution of your fashion business. You are trusting another to bring your brand vision and designs to life and it’s a huge step in your business’s growth. There are many benefits to a good manufacturer and partner - they can add value to your brand, provide recommendations to reduce your cost, and offer future design insights. But a bad supplier can burn through your budget and even worse - damage your brand.
So it’s a big decision and not one you should take lightly. Knowing what to expect will ensure that you are discovering and developing the best partner for you and your brand.
If you are thinking about beginning to work with a manufacturer you are not going to miss this episode. I’m chatting with Kelly Mutsch, Creative Director at Ram Group Inc, a US based, dye sublimation micro-factory. She is a former Tech Designer, Product Manager, QA specialist, and teacher who after working in design and product development and partnered with countless overseas manufacturers during her +10 years on the retail side, has now made the transition to manufacturing.
She knows the in’s and out’s of the apparel manufacturing process and will be sharing exactly what you need to think about and prepare before you begin a relationship with a 3rd party manufacturer.
We’ll cover finding the right manufacturer, what services you can expect from a manufacturer, some of the biggest mistakes to avoid, and how to manage expectations of your new partnership.
Interested in learning more about Kelly Mutsch and her very own fashion brand? Check out Eco Evie Apparel to learn about how she has created a family business rooted in sustainability.
Have a question for The Designer CEO Podcast?
Is there something you’ve been struggling with as you launch or grow your fashion brand?
I want to hear from you!
Ask your business related questions, about Mod. Merchant, the retail industry, or Sarah and you may just hear the answer on an upcoming episode!