How to Find the Right Manufacturer
Finding the right manufacturer can make or break your brand. Bhavna shares her proven process for sourcing, vetting and building lasting manufacturing partnerships.
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Show Notes
Intro
I’m Bhavna Rishi, founder of BuildTheDreamBrand, and for over 20 years I’ve been helping founders, artists and fashion startups design, launch and scale brands – from museums like the V&A, Chatsworth House and the British Museum, to first-time founders who started with nothing but an idea and a sketch.
And in this episode of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Building the Brand, I want to walk you through how to find the right manufacturer and avoid the costly mistakes that most founders make.
Episode Summary
One of the biggest hurdles for any fashion founder is finding a manufacturer who delivers on quality, price and timelines. In this episode, Bhavna shares her step-by-step process for sourcing and vetting manufacturing partners, drawing on real experiences from brands she has worked with.
Show Notes
- Why the cheapest manufacturer is almost never the best choice
- The key questions to ask every potential manufacturer before committing
- How to evaluate samples and what red flags to look for
- Understanding MOQs and how to negotiate when you are a small brand
- The importance of ethical and sustainable manufacturing credentials
- How to protect yourself with proper agreements and contracts
- Real stories of founders who lost thousands by choosing the wrong partner
- When to use UK-based vs overseas manufacturers
- How to manage the relationship once production begins