Start with the product and production route
What product, construction and finish are you planning? Which details need to be resolved during development?
Which parts of the work are handled by the development team, and which use independent partner facilities? Ask who confirms each specification and who will coordinate the agreed production route.
Confirm quantity and colour planning
The standard production minimum is 60 pieces per order. Ask how your size mix and requested colour allocation will be reviewed for that style.
Below 60 pieces per order, use the Startup Brand Program to discuss development or sampling for your product, yarn and trims. Custom production starts at 60 pieces per order, with at least 25 pieces per style, colour and size.
Make the sample quotation understandable
Ask which sample-development work, materials, courier and revisions are included. Request any additional coordination work to be described with its charging basis.
Compare quotes using the same reference, material assumptions, colour count, size range and delivery scope. A price without these assumptions is difficult to compare.
Agree approvals before work begins
Confirm the reference version, measurement points, fit notes, yarn or swatch approval, sample deadline assumptions and how feedback should be recorded.
Ask what happens if the first sample needs a change, and which revisions or new materials would require a separate review.
A clearer brief makes a better first review.
Share your reference, target quantity, requested colours and the questions you need answered.
Discuss your project →A real enquiry: a photograph leaves practical questions open
A buyer sent a reference for a long-pile zip-front garment and asked about sampling, shedding, materials and different production quantities. The response requested a target pile length and, if available, a physical reference garment to help assess texture, fit and details. Sample fees and shipping were presented separately, with the final development and revision scope still to be agreed. The record is a preliminary discussion, not proof that the sample or bulk order was completed.