What to Ask Before Choosing a Factory (That Most Startups Forget)

If you’re planning to start a clothing brand, you probably already know the design stage is only half the battle. The real challenge? Finding a factory that won’t flake, misinterpret your ideas, or leave you buried in delays, poor quality, or worse—silence.

We’ve seen it all. At IdealabGZ, we’ve worked with emerging brands from all over the world who’ve learned the hard way that asking the right questions before committing to a factory can make or break your launch.

That’s exactly why we created Garment Sourcing 101—a hands-on course that walks you through the questions most startups forget, and the systems we use to manufacture garments in Asia for over a decade.

In this post, we’re giving you a peek behind the curtain. These are the questions you must ask—before you even think about placing an order.

So You Want to Start a Clothing Brand…

Starting a clothing brand is exciting. You’ve got the concept. You’ve curated your mood boards. Maybe you’ve even figured out your logo and your aesthetic.

Now comes the part that can either be thrilling or a complete nightmare: choosing a manufacturer.

And most first-time founders ask the wrong questions—or forget to ask them altogether.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared. The right questions can expose a factory that talks a good game but can’t deliver when it counts.

Let’s walk through what you need to ask—and why.

1. What Is Your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

This might seem basic—but it’s where many new brands stumble.

You want to start a clothing brand with a manageable budget, so you need a factory that doesn’t demand 500 pieces per style just to get started.

But here’s the real question to ask:

“Can you work with lower MOQs for development and first production, even if we scale later?”

Look for flexibility. A good small-batch manufacturer understands that smart brands grow sustainably—not by overcommitting at the start.

2. Can I See an Example Production Timeline?

Most factories will throw out a vague “4-6 weeks” response. But that doesn’t mean much unless they break it down.

Ask for this instead:

“Can you show me your typical production calendar, from tech pack to delivery?”

You’re looking for clarity on:

• Sampling lead times

• Time allocated for revisions

• Production start dates

• Shipping estimates

If they hesitate to provide this, they probably don’t follow one internally.

3. Who Will Be My Point of Contact?

A good manufacturer has project managers, not just sales reps.

Ask directly:

“Who will I be communicating with during production? Are they the same person who quoted me?”

You want consistency. Too many startups are handed off between departments, which leads to missed details and delayed decisions.

4. How Are Samples Handled?

Sampling isn’t just a formality. It’s your quality control filter. So don’t just ask if they do samples—dig deeper:

“What is your sample fee? Does that include shipping and revisions?”

“Do you return sample fees against bulk orders?”

A solid factory will factor your sample investment into your final order. That’s a sign they’re serious about long-term partnerships, not one-off jobs.

5. Can You Work with My Fabric & Design Requirements?

You might assume all factories can sew a hoodie or make leggings. But can they handle your chosen fabric, your construction details, or your trims?

Ask this:

“Have you worked with [your fabric type] before?”

“Do you source materials in-house or will I need to supply them?”

You’d be surprised how many manufacturers say “yes” to everything—only to struggle once production starts.

6. What Happens If There Are Quality Issues?

No one likes to think about things going wrong—but you absolutely need to.

Ask this:

“What’s your policy on defects or errors?”

“Do you offer refunds, remakes, or discounts if something goes wrong?”

If the answer is vague, that’s a red flag. A transparent manufacturer will walk you through how they handle mistakes.

7. Can I Get References or See Past Work?

This is your chance to verify credibility.

Ask this:

“Can you share images of past work or connect me with a past client?”

Even better—ask for feedback from clients who started small and scaled. That’s where your brand is headed, right?

8. Are You Used to Working with Startups?

Not all factories are. And the last thing you want is to be the “small fish” that gets ignored when bigger orders come in.

Ask:

“How many of your clients are startups or small brands?”

“How do you prioritise smaller orders?”

The right manufacturer won’t just tolerate your small order—they’ll want to help you grow it.

9. What Does Your QC Process Look Like?

Quality control isn’t just for the final product—it should be baked into every stage.

Ask:

“Do you have in-house quality control?”

“Can I get photos during production or inspections before shipping?”

This shows you’re serious—and it keeps things transparent.

10. Do You Offer Ongoing Support?

Finally, you want to know whether this is a one-time deal or the beginning of a working relationship.

Ask:

“Can you help me with future runs, additional products, or scaling my collection?”

If they’re only interested in your money—not your brand—you’ll know it from how they answer.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut

Factories might check all the boxes, but if communication feels off, delays pile up, or you get generic responses—walk away.

You’re not just buying a service. You’re entering into a partnership. If they don’t respect your brand at the beginning, they won’t care about it later.

The IdealabGZ Way

At IdealabGZ, we’ve been helping small brands launch and grow since 2009. We know what it takes to start a clothing brand the right way.

We pride ourselves on clear communication, low MOQs, honest timelines, and total transparency throughout the process.

And if you want to do this properly from Day One, we’ve laid it all out in Garment Sourcing 101—our full course that walks you through supplier vetting, sample management, timelines, and production strategies that work.

Summary

If you want to start a clothing brand that doesn’t crumble under supplier drama, you need to ask the right questions before signing any contract.

Don’t rush the process. Take your time, ask deeply, and look for signs of transparency, experience, and care. It’s not about getting to production fast—it’s about getting it right.

And if you want help figuring it all out—from your first design to your first shipment—check out Garment Sourcing 101or drop us an email at enquiry@idealabgz.com. We’re here to help you build your brand, one smart decision at a time.