It’s a lot, especially if you want to make custom cut and sew products. Taking the idea from concept to sample product, making changes, new samples, manufacturing errors, then repeat the process a few more times, and eventually end with a garment or piece ready to launch. It’s a fun process taking a concept from start to finish though, and seeing people in it makes it all worth it.
Love the content brother! Very informative. I’m in the sampling process as well and I’m looking for that high standard you were talking about. Did you source your manufacturer from Alibaba?
Thanks for checking out the video-glad you found it helpful! This was my first one in this style. I've sourced both on and off Alibaba. Toward the end of the video, I shared resources like fabric conventions and trade shows, which are awesome for finding top-tier manufacturers that you typically wouldn't encounter on Alibaba. These companies often have high MOQs and look for brands with traction to invest in, aiming for long-term partnerships. However, if you have momentum with your brand or can pitch a compelling story, you may be able to negotiate favorable terms even as you're starting out. I've also had success with Alibaba and still work with a few suppliers from there. The key is to sample products until you find a supplier who communicates well, meets your quality standards, and offers terms that support your growth. No supplier is perfect, so it’s about knowing which areas you’re willing to compromise on to keep moving forward. If you're new and just starting out, a cost-effective approach is to order high-quality blanks directly from suppliers at lower MOQs, then handle the branding yourself. You can find a local print shop or use a heat press for screen printing or DTF, and add your branded neck labels-either by yourself or through a tailor.
@@Amir.d3v Hey, thanks for checking out the channel! Incoterms are key when it comes to managing shipping and logistics with international suppliers. The two most common ones for clothing brands are EXW (Ex Works) and FOB (Free on Board): EXW: You handle everything from picking up the goods at the supplier’s location to delivery. FOB: The supplier gets the goods to the shipping port; you handle everything from there. As for cutting down on taxes and duties, here are a few tips: Classify Products Properly: Use the HTS codes to lower your duty costs. Free Trade Zones: Some logistics companies offer zones where you don’t pay duties until products leave. Negotiate Terms: Some suppliers offer DDP shipping, so duties are included upfront. For samples, couriers like DHL or FedEx are quick and simple but can get pricey. For bulk orders, working with a freight forwarder will help with customs and reduce surprises.
So in summary: ### Key Points Summary: 1. **Purpose of the Video**: - Focuses on sampling and auditing t-shirts for a brand, following up on a previous video. - Expanded on a topic cut for time in the last vlog. 2. **Sampling Process**: - Showcased two sample t-shirts from suppliers, comparing them to a previous product to evaluate quality, construction, and fit. - Highlights the importance of working with suppliers to address issues and mitigate future mistakes. 3. **Product Issues Identified**: - **Woven Labels**: - Placement and alignment errors. - Incorrect sizing (e.g., neck label was 6 cm instead of 5.5 cm). - **Embroidery**: - Discrepancies in design placement and size compared to the tech pack. - **Fit and Sizing**: - Oversized fit requested but received a standard fit. - Local sizing caused significant discrepancies. - **General Construction**: - Visible stitching issues and alignment inconsistencies. 4. **Testing Workflow**: - Measured garments against tech packs and size guides to identify variances. - Conducted fit tests to evaluate real-world fit and comfort. - Performed wash-and-dry tests to assess shrinkage and durability of graphics and trims under customer-like conditions. - Re-measured post-testing to verify durability and consistency. 5. **Supplier Evaluation**: - Emphasized the need for reliable suppliers who value quality control and communication. - Advocated for sourcing multiple suppliers to diversify risks (e.g., manufacturing delays or cost hikes). - Discussed challenges like high MOQs (minimum order quantities) and building relationships to negotiate favorable terms. 6. **Sourcing Tips**: - Suggested platforms like Alibaba and events like MAGIC sourcing and Functional Fabric Fair for finding suppliers. - Recommended building personal relationships with manufacturers to negotiate lower MOQs or access exclusive materials. 7. **Lessons Learned**: - Shared experiences to help others avoid mistakes, save money, and launch high-quality products more efficiently. - Encouraged continuous evaluation and improvement of supply chains and products. 8. **Call to Action**: - Invited feedback on the video style and interest in a potential “Lessons Learned” series to share insights and advice.
Wow, never knew how much goes into making a piece of clothing, and I used to work for American Eagle for 10 years
It’s a lot, especially if you want to make custom cut and sew products. Taking the idea from concept to sample product, making changes, new samples, manufacturing errors, then repeat the process a few more times, and eventually end with a garment or piece ready to launch.
It’s a fun process taking a concept from start to finish though, and seeing people in it makes it all worth it.
Love the content brother! Very informative. I’m in the sampling process as well and I’m looking for that high standard you were talking about. Did you source your manufacturer from Alibaba?
Thanks for checking out the video-glad you found it helpful! This was my first one in this style.
I've sourced both on and off Alibaba. Toward the end of the video, I shared resources like fabric conventions and trade shows, which are awesome for finding top-tier manufacturers that you typically wouldn't encounter on Alibaba. These companies often have high MOQs and look for brands with traction to invest in, aiming for long-term partnerships. However, if you have momentum with your brand or can pitch a compelling story, you may be able to negotiate favorable terms even as you're starting out.
I've also had success with Alibaba and still work with a few suppliers from there. The key is to sample products until you find a supplier who communicates well, meets your quality standards, and offers terms that support your growth. No supplier is perfect, so it’s about knowing which areas you’re willing to compromise on to keep moving forward.
If you're new and just starting out, a cost-effective approach is to order high-quality blanks directly from suppliers at lower MOQs, then handle the branding yourself. You can find a local print shop or use a heat press for screen printing or DTF, and add your branded neck labels-either by yourself or through a tailor.
Could you talk about incoterms and the best method to order samples a and bulk orders without paying taxes and duties
From China to the US
@@Amir.d3v Hey, thanks for checking out the channel!
Incoterms are key when it comes to managing shipping and logistics with international suppliers. The two most common ones for clothing brands are EXW (Ex Works) and FOB (Free on Board):
EXW: You handle everything from picking up the goods at the supplier’s location to delivery.
FOB: The supplier gets the goods to the shipping port; you handle everything from there.
As for cutting down on taxes and duties, here are a few tips:
Classify Products Properly: Use the HTS codes to lower your duty costs.
Free Trade Zones: Some logistics companies offer zones where you don’t pay duties until products leave.
Negotiate Terms: Some suppliers offer DDP shipping, so duties are included upfront.
For samples, couriers like DHL or FedEx are quick and simple but can get pricey. For bulk orders, working with a freight forwarder will help with customs and reduce surprises.
Yessir Rory 🎉🎉
What’s going on Sam!
@@roryholland going good man
So in summary:
### Key Points Summary:
1. **Purpose of the Video**:
- Focuses on sampling and auditing t-shirts for a brand, following up on a previous video.
- Expanded on a topic cut for time in the last vlog.
2. **Sampling Process**:
- Showcased two sample t-shirts from suppliers, comparing them to a previous product to evaluate quality, construction, and fit.
- Highlights the importance of working with suppliers to address issues and mitigate future mistakes.
3. **Product Issues Identified**:
- **Woven Labels**:
- Placement and alignment errors.
- Incorrect sizing (e.g., neck label was 6 cm instead of 5.5 cm).
- **Embroidery**:
- Discrepancies in design placement and size compared to the tech pack.
- **Fit and Sizing**:
- Oversized fit requested but received a standard fit.
- Local sizing caused significant discrepancies.
- **General Construction**:
- Visible stitching issues and alignment inconsistencies.
4. **Testing Workflow**:
- Measured garments against tech packs and size guides to identify variances.
- Conducted fit tests to evaluate real-world fit and comfort.
- Performed wash-and-dry tests to assess shrinkage and durability of graphics and trims under customer-like conditions.
- Re-measured post-testing to verify durability and consistency.
5. **Supplier Evaluation**:
- Emphasized the need for reliable suppliers who value quality control and communication.
- Advocated for sourcing multiple suppliers to diversify risks (e.g., manufacturing delays or cost hikes).
- Discussed challenges like high MOQs (minimum order quantities) and building relationships to negotiate favorable terms.
6. **Sourcing Tips**:
- Suggested platforms like Alibaba and events like MAGIC sourcing and Functional Fabric Fair for finding suppliers.
- Recommended building personal relationships with manufacturers to negotiate lower MOQs or access exclusive materials.
7. **Lessons Learned**:
- Shared experiences to help others avoid mistakes, save money, and launch high-quality products more efficiently.
- Encouraged continuous evaluation and improvement of supply chains and products.
8. **Call to Action**:
- Invited feedback on the video style and interest in a potential “Lessons Learned” series to share insights and advice.
7:45 looks like a movie
The multiple export compression is nuts