How to find a clothing manufacturer that I won't be disappointed with

[Progressive89]

Hi guys,
I am looking for a clothing manufacturer on Alibaba (to start with). So far I have had a bad experience. I placed an order with a supplier for some t-shirts with custom prints. I had my own prints/design. Later on the manufacturer sent me a photo of the first t-shirt they produced and asked me if I am happy with it, after that they were going to make the rest of the t-shirts. I saw straight away that the print is not aligned with the seams, it was very obvious. Immediately I told the manufacturer to stop right there and I informed them I will be applying for a refund. They tried to bullshit me for a couple of days, but in the end I received a full refund via Trade Assurance. I was lucky to notice the problem at that stage and not when the product arrived. This was the first major lesson for me.
I would really appreciate if anyone could suggest how I can find a good manufacturer that can do things properly. Perhaps alibaba is not the best place and there are some alternatives? Also it is important that there is some sort of trade assurance (like on Alibaba) so that I can get a refund if the quality of the product is low.

 

[fisicx]

If you want quality don’t use Alibaba.

Ron at @MOIC is the man to talk to.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

What's wrong with using UK suppliers and manufacturers of which most towns have one hidden away on the back streets or use a large distributer like https://shop.ralawise.com/ who will supply you a wide range of unmarked clothing or even print them for you

T shirts are so low cost you can but a range in the uk without worry about quality or shipping

Again setting up to print your own is low cost a Direct to garment printer is under £10K or in your town there will be t shirt printer's you can sub contract to, alternatively look under Google for t-shirt printers

 

[MOIC]

Hi guys,
I am looking for a clothing manufacturer on Alibaba (to start with). So far I have had a bad experience. I placed an order with a supplier for some t-shirts with custom prints. I had my own prints/design. Later on the manufacturer sent me a photo of the first t-shirt they produced and asked me if I am happy with it, after that they were going to make the rest of the t-shirts. I saw straight away that the print is not aligned with the seams, it was very obvious. Immediately I told the manufacturer to stop right there and I informed them I will be applying for a refund. They tried to bullshit me for a couple of days, but in the end I received a full refund via Trade Assurance. I was lucky to notice the problem at that stage and not when the product arrived. This was the first major lesson for me.
I would really appreciate if anyone could suggest how I can find a good manufacturer that can do things properly. Perhaps alibaba is not the best place and there are some alternatives? Also it is important that there is some sort of trade assurance (like on Alibaba) so that I can get a refund if the quality of the product is low.

Whether you decide to use Alibaba to find a supplier, the process will be the same, including the following:

• Supplier Evaluation - don't rely on what you see on an Alibaba page, I know many suppliers on there, that are actually one man bands, masquerading as a factory)

• Communication - this is key to the whole sampling, production and shipping process.

• Clear Instructions - the more detailed your instructions with specifications, measurements, Pantone colours etc etc, in writing is vital. Don't rely on the sales person you're speaking with to understand your requirements and think like you. Chinese people don't!

• Sample Approval - don't rely on photos to approve a sample, whether it looks good or bad. The first sample may need amendments and this s often the case. A photo can only show so much, it cannot let you know the material used. With clothing you have to receive the first sample to check the weight/thickness of the material as well as the fit!

• Clothing Sizes - grading your sizes needs a professional, you must check all the sizes. Don't rely on a factory's grading measurements, they will most likely not be to your requirements.

• Tags, Wash Care Labels & Packaging - provide exact details of what you require for each.

• Pre-production Samples - ensure these are confirmed and signed off.

There's many more areas that need to be covered and this will depend of the clothing being manufactured.

Read my blogs related to buying from China, which you may find helpful:

How to Source The Best Factory in China | My Office in China

Advice on sourcing the best China factory for production, sampling, prototyping, mass production, complete management of the ordering processes & shipping

myofficeinchina.com

How to Import from China to UK | My Office in China

The process of purchasing goods in China & import to UK, manufacturing products in the Far East, importing to the United Kingdom, best way to avoid problems

myofficeinchina.com

If your orders are low, typically <1000pcs, the I agree with @Chris Ashdown and look at working with a UK (or European supplier), instead of China. You may pay more for the actual product, but you'll save on shipping costs.

 

[Deleted member 335660]

I have used Alibaba to buy electric wine bottle openers and have been quite pleased with the process and security. However, shipping costs are a problem as I am ordering 10 or 24 lots.

As for T-shirts I use Printful or a local printing company.

 

[Progressive89]

I really appreciate the answers and the links so far, have bookmarked this thread.
I wasn't excluding working with UK/European supplier actually. I have been looking into alibaba suppliers part time since February and it has been anything but a good experience, with a couple of exceptions. And the whole idea of working with someone on the other side of the world and never having a chance of meeting them is something I am not that keen on. But I suppose, if one is very careful, it is possible. But if something goes wrong and you get a full refund, nobody will refund the shipping costs, import taxes, etc. This time I was lucky to spot the problem before it was shipped so cannot really complain.
I will give UK and European suppliers a serious consideration. Any further tips on how to look for them?

 

[WaveJumper]

I really appreciate the answers and the links so far, have bookmarked this thread.
I wasn't excluding working with UK/European supplier actually. I have been looking into alibaba suppliers part time since February and it has been anything but a good experience, with a couple of exceptions. And the whole idea of working with someone on the other side of the world and never having a chance of meeting them is something I am not that keen on. But I suppose, if one is very careful, it is possible.
I will give UK and European suppliers a serious consideration. Any further tips on how to look for them?

Sent you a DM

 

[Progressive89]

I have used Alibaba to buy electric wine bottle openers and have been quite pleased with the process and security. However, shipping costs are a problem as I am ordering 10 or 24 lots.

As for T-shirts I use Printful or a local printing company.

I am sure there are many quality suppliers on Alibaba. And I have previously received a quote for shipping, and it wasn't cheap indeed.

 

[Progressive89]

In terms of using UK and European based suppliers, if I wanted to achieve a price that is comparable to prices in China (including shipping), would these UK/European suppliers usually be exactly that (i.e. a supplier/distributor), but the actual manufacturing would still be done outside Europe?

 

[japancool]

Have you tested the market before ploughing ahead with a large order, whether that be from a local supplier or from overseas?

Are you sure you'll be able to shift the stocks of all the designs and sizes you're planning to order?

 

[Chris Ashdown]

In terms of using UK and European based suppliers, if I wanted to achieve a price that is comparable to prices in China (including shipping), would these UK/European suppliers usually be exactly that (i.e. a supplier/distributor), but the actual manufacturing would still be done outside Europe?

Up to about 4 years ago I could by from UK distributers T shirts from £0.50 to £5.00 each for a next day service the more you order the cheaper they are, and the price difference is from flimsy to well made with lots of options in the middle. we Vinyl printed our own designs or the DTG printer as mentioned in my other post are 3 colour see https://www.google.com/search?q=dtg...i457j0i13l6.3968j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 other alternatives are screen printing

 

[Progressive89]

Have you tested the market before ploughing ahead with a large order, whether that be from a local supplier or from overseas?

Are you sure you'll be able to shift the stocks of all the designs and sizes you're planning to order?

I have done a certain amount of market research. I am planning to make a small-medium order in order to test the market. The previous order that I made (the one I was refunded for) was fairly large I have to admit, it was my mistake. This time I am planning to order 4 times less. In terms of shifting the stock, at the moment it is just one design (to start with), I am planning to use existing infrastructures (likely Amazon) to start with, get some experience there, then add other channels. I mean Amazon FBM, not FBA, to start with.

By the way, has anyone had any experience selling clothing on Amazon? To be specific, I am planning to sell mens fitness clothing, if anyone wants to know. The reason I ask about Amazon is because there is a lot of advertising out there, courses, etc. And it causes certain suspicion. I know that there is plenty of competition on Amazon, but it would be interesting to hear opinions from those who have experience with it.

 

[Progressive89]

Up to about 4 years ago I could by from UK distributers T shirts from £0.50 to £5.00 each for a next day service the more you order the cheaper they are, and the price difference is from flimsy to well made with lots of options in the middle. we Vinyl printed our own designs or the DTG printer as mentioned in my other post are 3 colour see https://www.google.com/search?q=dtg...i457j0i13l6.3968j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 other alternatives are screen printing

Screen printing is the method that was used by the Chinese manufacturer I was talking about.
I will definitely look for suppliers in Europe and UK, I would very much prefer to work with them, rather than with Alibaba, for many reasons. The reason I went for Alibaba in the first place was because I was under the impression that I would not be able to get comparable prices locally, but I am being proven wrong

 

[Progressive89]

What's wrong with using UK suppliers and manufacturers of which most towns have one hidden away on the back streets or use a large distributer like https://shop.ralawise.com/ who will supply you a wide range of unmarked clothing or even print them for you

T shirts are so low cost you can but a range in the uk without worry about quality or shipping

Again setting up to print your own is low cost a Direct to garment printer is under £10K or in your town there will be t shirt printer's you can sub contract to, alternatively look under Google for t-shirt printers

I am checking out the link you provided and it has become apparent that you can actually modify existing branded clothing and resell it, that is major news to me.

 

[japancool]

My suggestion would be to not do that, and until you're sure of the market, and use a print-on-demand service to start with.

You'll make less margin to start with, but you won't end up with a whole load of stock you can't shift if you've misjudged the sizes or the demand. Many of the POD companies will also dropship to your customers.

Here's two examples:

https://www.printful.com/

T-Shirt Printing

Same day t-shirt printing from £5.99. Design your own t-shirt online. Order by 2pm for same day dispatch. No minimum order. Next-day UK delivery and no hassle returns. We ship worldwide.

www.streetshirts.co.uk

Amazon FBA is expensive. I wouldn't use it to start with.

 

[Progressive89]

My suggestion would be to not do that, and until you're sure of the market, and use a print-on-demand service to start with.

You'll make less margin to start with, but you won't end up with a whole load of stock you can't shift if you've misjudged the sizes or the demand. Many of the POD companies will also dropship to your customers.

Here's two examples:

https://www.printful.com/

T-Shirt Printing

Same day t-shirt printing from £5.99. Design your own t-shirt online. Order by 2pm for same day dispatch. No minimum order. Next-day UK delivery and no hassle returns. We ship worldwide.

www.streetshirts.co.uk

Amazon FBA is expensive. I wouldn't use it to start with.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I will check the links out. I meant FBM (fulfillment by merchant) where you list it on Amazon but fulfill orders yourself.

 

[MOIC]

Just to add to my previous post . . . .

If you just want a 'box standard' t-shirt with your print, then UK is the way to go. There are many importers that can provide t-shirts with a range of colours and sizes to suit your needs.

If you're looking for a specific cut of t-shirt with your measurements and specifications and with low quantities, then look to manufacturers in UK. The cheapest are located in Leicester and manufacture for the large groups.

If your USP are your prints, then consider using Bamboo cotton as an additional way to target fashion conscious and eco-friendly customers. You can also use eco-friendly and sustainable materials for your labels, tags and packaging. This is currently the biggest draw in the fashion industry and is a growing market.

 

[fisicx]

To be specific, I am planning to sell mens fitness clothing, if anyone wants to know.

Hope you have lots of money. This is a hugely competitive market with people spending a fortune on marketing. Unless you have a ready source of buyers it’s unlikely your products will ever be discovered (on Amazon or elsewhere). It’s rarely about the product, it’s all about the hype that goes with the product. One mid range celeb promoting your t-shirts can clear your stock. But they don’t come cheap.

 

[MOIC]

Progressive89 said:
To be specific, I am planning to sell mens fitness clothing

That's a whole new ball game.

Fit, grading and material composition are key components of fitness wear.

 

[AlanJ1]

By the way, has anyone had any experience selling clothing on Amazon?

I am in the Fashion Market on Amazon. Albeit I am not T-Shirts, 75% of my products fit under the "clothing" category. I am selling hats, scarves etc.

Advertising is ridiculous expensive (and is probably even more for actual clothing items).

You are going to need to stand out from the crowd, get some really good images, spend loads of money for a loss to get the listing to rank before you can even think of making money.

Have you registered a brand and also got it registered as a brand? Actually have you got an Amazon account yet? They are taking 2-4 months to actually get through verification right now.

You need to try think, why would someone buy my product over others (and that's once you can get some visibility).

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Many people look at the high street shops and see T-Shirts sold at £25-30 and think they will make their own and get great profit's, unfortunately the average t-shirt is more likely to make under £10-12 on Amazon or Etsy and then when you take the selling costs and postage etc plus returns the margins are tiny if at all. also great designs do not sell well but simple funny ones do that can be single colour and about 5 words
Not insulting , but you come across as someone with a idea but little real research, you need to spend far more time on researching marketing and production to make a go of it

 

[Progressive89]

I didn't expect this amount of activity in this thread, great to have so many replies and opinions. Sorry for not replying to individual posts, but I have read and digested everything. It may seem like I have little idea of what I am planning to do, but that is not the case, of course there is still a whole lot of things I need to find out, but it's not like I just got a random idea and I want to make it work. Like I said I have already spent quite a bit of time doing research and I understand that it is a competitive market but I am prepared for that, furthermore I am prepared to try something else if in the future if I come to a conclusion that I should.
I want to try and offer improved versions of products that already exist in the market, and of course it can be very subjective when it comes to thinking about improvements. But I have some clear ideas of how I could make this improvements, related to fabric composition, quality of prints, etc.
Also, as Japancool has suggested I could remove the risk of not being able to turnover stock by initially using a print on demand service and testing the market that way. As was said, the margins would be lower, and maybe I would not even make any money that way, but I am not expecting significant rewards during this market testing phase.
I am absolutely not looking to be making money straight away.
In terms of Amazon photos, I am totally aware of the importance of them.
2-4 months to get verified on Amazon? I have to be honest this is really off-putting but what can you do, life is life. I am going to apply for an account ASAP then, and in the meantime I need to decide where else I could try and sell it. Any suggestions on this one, by the way?

 

[ValenDigital]

What's wrong with using UK suppliers and manufacturers of which most towns have one hidden away on the back streets or use a large distributer like https://shop.ralawise.com/ who will supply you a wide range of unmarked clothing or even print them for you

totally agree with some. Round our parts (New Bury rd, Manchester, North West) there are loads of respectable and efficient wholesalers AND manufacturers that could potentially fulful or supply any types of products you needs. Yes its had lots of bad press over the years but there sre some GEM manufacturers and supppliers if you look properly

 

[alanicclothing]

Hi guys,
I am looking for a clothing manufacturer on Alibaba (to start with). So far I have had a bad experience. I placed an order with a supplier for some t-shirts with custom prints. I had my own prints/design. Later on the manufacturer sent me a photo of the first t-shirt they produced and asked me if I am happy with it, after that they were going to make the rest of the t-shirts. I saw straight away that the print is not aligned with the seams, it was very obvious. Immediately I told the manufacturer to stop right there and I informed them I will be applying for a refund. They tried to bullshit me for a couple of days, but in the end I received a full refund via Trade Assurance. I was lucky to notice the problem at that stage and not when the product arrived. This was the first major lesson for me.
I would really appreciate if anyone could suggest how I can find a good manufacturer that can do things properly. Perhaps alibaba is not the best place and there are some alternatives? Also it is important that there is some sort of trade assurance (like on Alibaba) so that I can get a refund if the quality of the product is low.

To find a reliable clothing manufacturer, start by clearly defining your brand’s needs-designs, materials, budget, and order volume. Research manufacturers online, check directories like Maker’s Row or Alibaba, and read reviews. Always request samples to assess quality before committing. Look for transparency in communication, lead times, and pricing. A good manufacturer will offer private label options, consistent quality, and responsive support. Visiting factories or setting up video calls can build trust. Start with a small order to test the partnership. Building a strong relationship is key to long-term success. Don’t rush-take time to find the right fit for your brand.

 

[Mister B]

2-4 months to get verified on Amazon? I have to be honest this is really off-putting but what can you do, life is life. I am going to apply for an account ASAP then, and in the meantime I need to decide where else I could try and sell it. Any suggestions on this one, by the way?

There are plenty of opportunities outside of Amazon, but as part of your voyage of discovery, it may be worthwhile writing a business plan, complete with figures as that will help you in your decision making process.

Can I also ask, have you registered your brand, domain name so on and so forth? You really need these in place before you start on Amazon as changing such key points at a later stage is never easy on Amazon.

There's a lot more to being successful than trading on Amazon, especially within such a competitive market place.

 

[fisicx]

It's an old thread from 2022. Only revived by the Chat GPT post from @alanicclothing

 

[Mister B]

Fair enough, I missed that one.