How to find and vet a factory

Finding a good factory is harder than finding a factory. The basic rule: do not judge from photos and offers, judge from samples and references.

Where to look

• Fabric and fashion fairs, where you touch the product and meet the maker.
• Recommendations from brand owners who went before you.
• Business to business platforms, with more care in verification.
• Specialised sourcing agents.

A factory vetting checklist

1. Does it make products similar to yours, and can it show you examples?
2. Does it give references from current clients you can talk to?
3. Does it agree to a video call inside the factory or to a visit?
4. How does its first sample compare with its promises?
5. Are your questions answered clearly, or with general, late answers?

Warning signs

• A price far below every other quote with no clear reason.
• Refusing to show the factory or give references.
• Specifications that change between the quote and the sample with no notice.
• A request for full payment before any sample.

Exercise

Choose three possible factories and score each with the scorecard in the toolkit, then ask each for a quote on your hero piece with the same specifications so you can compare fairly.