—How to Build a Smoother, More Successful OEM Partnership
Introduction
Choosing the right clothing manufacturer is a crucial step in bringing your fashion ideas to life. China is home to thousands of OEM clothing factories, offering competitive pricing and production capacity. However, working with a manufacturer—especially across borders—can be full of misunderstandings and costly mistakes if you’re not prepared.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve outlined the top 5 mistakes we’ve seen brands make (and how to avoid them), based on our years of experience in the custom clothing industry.
Mistake 1: Not Providing Clear Technical Specifications
Many new brands simply send a reference photo and expect the same result—but manufacturers need more than just inspiration.
✅ What to do instead:
• Prepare a tech pack that includes size charts, material details, stitching requirements, and artwork placement.
• Include Pantone color codes for precise color matching. Or get fabric and colors options from factory before start.
• Send a sample garment if possible, to explain your fit and fabric expectations.
• If there are only an idea, it is better to find some reference pictures to show the details. Then advise basic measurements.
Helpful link: What Is a Tech Pack and Why It Matters
Mistake 2: Skipping the Sampling Process
Going straight to bulk production without approving samples can result in serious quality issues.
✅ What to do instead:
• Always request a first sample or PP (pre-production) sample.
• Review stitching, sizing, fabric, and finishing before approving bulk.
• Make necessary changes, and confirm with a revised sample if needed.
Mistake 3: Ignoring MOQ, Lead Time & Capacity Limits
Some brands assume factories can produce any quantity at any time—but each factory has different capacity and processes.
✅ What to do instead:
• Ask for MOQ (minimum order quantity) per style and per color.
• Confirm lead time for sampling and production for each order. It may be different for different designs,techonology and quantity.And some times,it may be affected by Festival or low and peak season.
• Understand if the factory can handle your order volume now and in the future.
Helpful link: Understanding MOQ and Lead Times in Apparel Production
Mistake 4: Poor Communication or Mismatched Expectations
Language barriers, time zones, or unclear messages can lead to missed details or wrong outcomes.
✅ What to do instead:
• Use clear written English with bullet points when possible.
• Ask for confirmed spec sheets and written order confirmation.
• Choose a factory with responsive and experienced sales support. The salesperson who directly contacts you is very important.
Mistake 5: Choosing Based on Price Alone
Going for the lowest quote often leads to quality issues, missed deadlines, or poor materials.
✅ What to do instead:
• Compare pricing with samples, services, and support included.
• Balance cost with experience, quality control, and flexibility.
• Consider long-term partnership value, not just short-term savings.
Conclusion
Working with a Chinese OEM clothing manufacturer can bring huge benefits—if you avoid common mistakes. By providing clear specifications, investing in sampling, understanding factory capabilities, ensuring smooth communication, and looking beyond price, you can build a strong, reliable partnership.
Need Help Starting Your OEM Clothing Project?
As an experienced clothing manufacturer, we offer:
✔ Tech pack assistance
✔ Fabric sourcing and choosing
✔ Sample development
✔ Low MOQ for startups
✔ Reliable production & strict QC
✔ Worldwide delivery
�� Contact us to discuss your project or request a sample!
