Question 1

What information should I include in a sourcing email to a manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

A sourcing email should include: your specific garment type and product category, estimated order quantities or a range (e.g., 300–500 units), your target price range per unit, fabric and material requirements (composition, weight, certifications), your timeline from sampling to delivery, shipping destination and preferred terms (DDP, FOB, or LDP), and any sustainability or certification requirements. Providing these upfront reduces back-and-forth and significantly increases your response rate.

Question 2

What is an MOQ and why do manufacturers require it?

Accepted Answer

MOQ stands for minimum order quantity -the smallest number of units a manufacturer will produce in a single run. Factories set MOQs based on setup costs, labor allocation, material sourcing minimums, and production scheduling efficiency. Even if you are unsure of your exact quantity, providing a range (e.g., 300–500 units) in your first email is far more useful to a supplier than no number at all, and signals that your project is production-ready.

Question 3

How long does it take to get samples from a manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

Sample lead times vary depending on the supplier's location and current schedule. As a general rule, domestic manufacturers need 3–4 months of total lead time from first contact to production delivery; overseas manufacturers need 6–7 months to account for ocean freight. Plan your timeline backward from your delivery or launch date -sampling typically takes 4–8 weeks before any production begins, and most garments require at least two rounds of revision.

Question 4

What is the difference between FOB, DDP, and LDP shipping terms?

Accepted Answer

FOB (Free on Board) means the supplier delivers goods to the port of origin; you are responsible for shipping, insurance, and import duties from that point. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the supplier handles everything including customs and delivery to your door -you pay a higher unit cost but have no logistics to manage. LDP (Landed Duty Paid) is similar to DDP but typically excludes final-mile delivery. Clarifying your preferred terms in your first email prevents pricing confusion later in the negotiation.

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