If you run a handbag business, or if you are just going to start one, choosing the right manufacturer for your handbag brand is the most crucial step in your journey ahead. Without proper vetting, you risk poor-quality products, missed deadlines, and damaging your brand’s reputation. 

Anyway, fear not! To avoid such costly mistakes, your most important task is to ask the right questions before committing to any manufacturing partner. In this article, we will guide you through those very questions so that your partnership goes smoothly.

Ask These Questions to Select Your Handbag Manufacturing Partner

Business deals with a new manufacturing partner should always be handled carefully. Make sure you ask the following questions before you move forward and join hands with a сумка manufacturer. All the while, be polite, but do not hesitate to communicate your concerns.

What types of materials can you work with?

First of all, you have to be clear about the types of материалы your manufacturer is experienced with. This helps determine if they can serve your specific material needs, whether it is leather, synthetic fabrics, or more specialized options like eco-friendly materials.

For example, if your brand promotes eco-friendliness, your handbag manufacturing partner should be able to produce handbags made of organic materials, such as jute, hemp, organic cotton, etc. Working with a manufacturer who understands your material preferences ensures that your product’s quality is aligned with your market's expectations.

What is your production capacity?

There's nothing worse than landing a big order only to find out your manufacturer can't handle it. So, make sure to ask about their monthly capacity and if they can scale up during busy seasons.

If they're hesitant to share numbers, that's a red flag. A good manufacturer will be upfront about their capabilities and limitations. Additionally, it helps to know your manufacturing partner can keep up with you when you make it big and your demand grows!

Can you provide samples of your previous work?

This is probably the most crucial part that will help in your decision-making. When you ask for a sample of their previous work, any manufacturer will provide you with their best-till-now sample. It is then your job to examine it thoroughly. Check the stitching, assess the material quality, and see if you are impressed by the finishing.

If the manufacturer cannot impress you by showing you their proud work, it is time to look for a better option!

How do you handle customization?

If you want to market your handbags with your own unique designs, you should collaborate with a manufacturer who is capable of adapting to the customizations. Also, ask if they have a дизайн team that can help you in the design process. See if they can provide any other technical support. 

Equally important, do not forget to ask if they charge more for custom designs, and if they do, what their charging rate is.

How do you ensure quality?

Before committing to a business partnership with a handbag manufacturer, you must ask them about their quality control process. Do they have a quality control team? How frequently do they check while the production goes on? How do they make sure the products meet your standards?

After all, no matter how trendy your bags look, their sustainability and smooth finishing will ensure your brand’s good reputation. For instance, at SL Bag, the quality control team ensures the standard quality of their produced bags at the end of the production and does not dispatch them until all issues are solved, if there are any.

What is your lead time and production schedule?

Understanding your manufacturer’s production schedule is essential to managing your inventory and meeting customer expectations. That’s why you should ask them about their sample production time, regular production timelines, and if they can handle rush orders, including the costs involved. 

It’s also important to know how they handle peak season orders and their policy on production delays. Keep in mind that time is money.

What are your payment terms, pricing structure, and MOQ?

Ask your manufacturer about their complete pricing structure, including any “special” or “extra” fees that you should be aware of. What are the customization charges? What are the rush order charges? Be crystal clear about these from the beginning.

Also, pay special attention to their minimum order quantities (MOQ) and payment schedule. If yours is a small business, you should partner with a manufacturer who can work with a low MOQ and a payment schedule that aligns with your wallet’s capacity.

Many manufacturers now offer beginner-friendly MOQs to help new businesses avoid the risks of facing big losses. For example, Сумка SL allows a small MOQ of 100 pieces per handbag design.

What are your ethical and sustainability practices?

As sustainable fashion is growing in popularity worldwide, your handbag brand must compete with others who are already in the sustainable bag market. Your manufacturing partner’s records should align with your plans for your brand’s ethical and sustainable image. 

Before you place your order, make sure you have clarity about their practices regarding sustainability, labor standards, and their commitment to meeting their client’s expectations.

Can you provide references from previous clients?

References are essential while evaluating a manufacturer’s claims. Speaking with other handbag brands they've worked with can give you valuable insights into their reliability, communication, and overall experience. Positive feedback from fellow resellers can boost your confidence in choosing a handbag manufacturer.

Remember, a confident and reputed manufacturer will gladly share client references. So, you should not hesitate to reach out to them either.

How do you handle quality issues or returns?

When choosing a handbag manufacturer, asking about their defect and return policies is crucial. A solid policy can save you from significant losses if issues arise after production.

With a clear policy in place, you can move forward confidently, knowing you have the support you need when challenges arise. It also saves you from worries about meeting your customers’ demands.

Заключение

Choosing the right handbag manufacturer is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business. By asking the right questions, you can find the perfect manufacturing partner to build a strong, reliable partnership with that fuels your brand's growth.

If you are positively considering outsourcing your handbag business’ production to an overseas manufacturer, check out Сумка SL, one of the top handbag manufacturers in China with 16 years of experience in the industry. Give the SL Bag team a call to ask the questions you just read about!