Canonical page: https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-contact-clothing-factory.html

Sourcing 

# What to include in your first factory enquiry

Write a clothing manufacturer enquiry that makes your product, quantities and development needs easy to assess.

By Sustainable Makers · 2 min read

![Garment production workspace with cutting tables and fabric storage](https://sustainablemakers.com/assets/factory5.jpg)

[← All articles](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog.html) 

## Make the subject and opening specific

A useful enquiry lets the recipient quickly understand what you are trying to make. In the subject line, name the product category and the purpose of the message. In the opening paragraph, introduce your brand or project and explain why you are contacting that manufacturer.

Avoid filling the opening with broad claims about quality. Describe the actual product and what you want help with. If this is a first collection, say that. If you have made the style before, explain whether you are looking for a new production partner or a change in construction.

## Give quantities as a breakdown

State the proposed total alongside quantities by style and colour, and include the size range. Mark any split that is still provisional. This allows the supplier to explain its minimums and assess whether your proposed order works with material sourcing.

Include the target delivery date and distinguish it from the date you would like production to start. If a launch date is flexible, make that clear. Ask the factory to suggest a feasible sequence for development and production instead of asking for a promise before it has reviewed the brief.

## Attach a small, organised brief

Send labelled drawings or references, material preferences, measurement information and branding requirements. Use clear file names with a style code and revision date. If a tech pack is not ready, explain what you have and which development services you need.

Keep the first attachment set focused. A few annotated references are easier to act on than a large folder of unrelated images. Explain whether each image illustrates fit, fabric, colour or a construction detail. Do not assume the factory will interpret the purpose of every reference the same way you do.

## Ask questions that lead to the next step

Ask whether the product fits the factory’s capabilities, what its minimums apply to, which development services are available and what information is missing. Request an outline of the sampling process and ask what an initial estimate includes.

A compact closing could read: “Could you confirm whether this product fits your production capabilities, the minimums for this colour split and the next steps for sampling? Please identify any information needed before you can prepare a quotation.” Save the reply with the brief version you sent so the conversation remains easy to follow.

Ready to put this into practice?

 [Explore the solution →](https://sustainablemakers.com/clothing-manufacturers-portugal.html)    

## More from the blog

[](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-compare-manufacturing-quotes.html) 

### [How to compare clothing manufacturing quotes](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-compare-manufacturing-quotes.html)

Use a consistent scope to compare garment quotations, identify exclusions and understand what each proposed price includes.

 [Read more →](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-compare-manufacturing-quotes.html) 

[](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-review-clothing-sample.html) 

### [How to review a clothing sample before production](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-review-clothing-sample.html)

A structured sample review covering version control, measurements, fit, construction and clear feedback for your manufacturer.

 [Read more →](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-review-clothing-sample.html) 

[](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-clothing-production-timeline.html) 

### [How to plan a clothing production timeline](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-clothing-production-timeline.html)

Build a production schedule around decisions, materials and approvals instead of relying on a single estimated delivery date.

 [Read more →](https://sustainablemakers.com/blog-clothing-production-timeline.html)    

Get started 

## Start sourcing today.

Bring your product, quantities and questions. Find a starting point for your next manufacturing conversation.

### Talk to AI Matchmaker

Organise your idea and explore potential manufacturing partners.

 [Start chatting ](https://sustainablemakers.com/ai/index.html) 

### The factory directory

Our browsable factory directory is coming soon. In the meantime, start with the AI Matchmaker.

 View factories Coming soon