Guide for Factories: Locating Apparel Production Orders
In today's digital age, finding apparel orders has become more accessible than ever, with a multitude of online platforms revolutionising the way manufacturers connect with potential buyers. From wholesale marketplaces to print-on-demand networks, factories can leverage these channels to expand their reach and secure orders from around the globe.
One such platform is FASHIONGO, a service that connects manufacturers with retailers and boutique owners actively sourcing new products. Specialising in fashion, FASHIONGO offers no/minimum order quantities and dropshipping options, targeting boutique retailers. Similarly, platforms like Faire cater to independent creators and influencers, integrating with e-commerce sites like Shopify and Etsy to fulfil orders without upfront inventory costs or large minimum order quantities.
Print-on-demand networks, such as Printful and Printify, offer custom apparel production by integrating with various e-commerce sites. This allows factories to cater to a wide range of independent creators and influencers, without the burden of maintaining large inventories.
Wholesale directories and trade portals, like Made-in-China, serve as directories linking apparel factories with global buyers interested in bulk orders. These sites offer detailed supplier profiles to build trust and facilitate negotiations.
To maximise success, factories should align their chosen platforms with their target audience. Participating in trade shows, both physical and virtual, can also provide valuable opportunities to network directly with retailers and brand owners. Leveraging social media and e-commerce integration can help build relationships with potential buyers, enhancing visibility and trust.
Offering flexible order terms, such as attractive minimum order quantities, dropshipping options, and transparent shipping policies, can appeal to new and diverse buyers. Digitising and innovating production processes, employing digital tools like CAD and online body measuring software, adds value for niche buyers seeking bespoke options.
Maker's Row is another powerful tool for factories, connecting them with brands requiring specific production processes or product categories. The platform simplifies communication between factories and brands, reducing time-consuming cold mail and call approaches. Maker's Row offers tools for factories to manage order processing, tracking, and communication with brands about production, pricing, and related details.
By combining the right wholesale platforms with proactive marketing on social media and strategic participation in trade shows, factories can effectively secure apparel orders from potential buyers globally. This digital approach not only streamlines the process but also offers benefits compared to traditional methods, helping factories find efficient brands and designers, expand their business, and find apparel orders.
Whether you're a small factory or a large-scale manufacturer, exploring Maker's Row is a great starting point. The platform offers resources and detailed steps for apparel production, making it beneficial for small brands as well. So, why wait? Start a free trial on Maker's Row today and take the first step towards expanding your client base and finding more apparel orders.
- In the apparel manufacturing industry, platforms like FASHIONGO and Maker's Row offer a digital avenue for factories to connect with retailers and brands worldwide, streamlining the order process and expanding their business.
- For independent creators and influencers, marketplaces such as Faire and print-on-demand networks including Printful and Printify can help manufacturers cater to this demographic, without the need for large inventories or high minimum order quantities.
- Wholesale directories and trade portals, such as Made-in-China, serve as valuable channels for factories to reach global buyers seeking bulk orders, providing detailed supplier profiles to foster trust and ease negotiations.
- To remain competitive in today's digital age, factories must leverage technology, such as CAD and online body measuring software, to offer bespoke options for niche buyers, while also adopting flexible order terms and effective marketing strategies on social media and at trade shows.
