Comments on: Sourcing: Should You Have to Pay for Samples?

By: mike gervis

mike gervis — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:19:02 +0000

Hi, I am have been looking for a resource such as yours forge longest. I’m hoping you can give me the push I need to move ahead. For about 13 months now I have an idea that came about after watching my fiance struggle to get our daughter to drink milk. My ides solves a problem and would like to know some of the steps to take to get it from just an idea into a product .
Thanks, Mike from mikegervis.com

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:31:34 +0000

Robert,
Sorry for the late reply. Samples are a tough thing sometimes, as suppliers are happy to help you make them, but they also want to make sure that stick around and end up doing bulk production with them. Find a supplier on a site like alibaba, and then when you are communicating with them just be sure to talk long-term with them. Make them understand that you are looking to make samples so that you can approve all the features and then place a large order with them. Don’t be misleading, but just be sure you don’t make it seem like it is just the samples you are after. This will help you get low-cost samples.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:26:15 +0000

Carrie – Sorry for the late reply! Yep, they are asking for you to pay for the shipping through an account such as FedEx, UPS, DHL etc… They are usually happy to provide samples for free, but won’t front the money for shipping it. I would go ahead and signup for an account with one of these shippers and use it with your manufacturers when you need to ship something small.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:24:37 +0000

Hi Heather – China works well, however I am a fan of India manufacturing. Another option you should consider is US or South Africa (I don’t know anything about South Africa manufacturing though) manufacturing. We have been getting into that for many reasons and finding that with the rising cost of cotton around the world, local manufacturing is becoming more competitive.

By: heather

heather — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:25:53 +0000

hello

Ive been reading up on your site and wanted to pick your brain a bit. With sales in South Africa and the US – looking into manufacturers of clothing and MMA gear. Looking in china unless you recommend another territory. Any suggestions?

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 13 May 2011 05:33:18 +0000

Hi Brian – Great article. Really helpful. We make most of our stuff in the UK (brave!) but I have been trying to source one fabric from China. I’ve found several manufacturers but every time I ask them to send me a sample they ask what my ‘express account’ is. It seems that it is some kind of DHL account or something. They seem unwilling to pop a small piece of fabric in the post. What are they talking about?! Thanks, Carrie.

By: Robert Grant

Robert Grant — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:49:42 +0000

I have a product idea that may rethink the way hip-hop looks at footwear. I am interested in getting a couple of samples made for my idea in order to pitch to larger companies. Do you have any ideas on where I can get free or low-cost samples made? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:47:29 +0000

Hi Sara!
Thanks for the kind words about my site! I love new designers with an entrepreneurial drive. I myself do a lot of manufacturing in India…I make my organic t-shirts and organic canvas bags there.
I’m currently working with my business partner on a new startup that we are launching soon that could definitely help you find some great manufacturers. If you don’t mind, I’m going to send you a quick email with some info now…

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:29:46 +0000

Hi Brian – Your website was god sent! I’m a new designer just setting out to design my first lot of Women’s fashion. I’m interested more in the manufacturers in India (as I’m planning to go there at the end of this year). Although, I would like to get this process of securing the manufacturer prior to going there bcs I will not have much time. I know you mentioned you worked with some folks down there. Any contact info would be greatly appreciated.

I have followed many of your steps for getting quotes, etc. Currently I only have sketches on paper and a few prototypes of the apparel. I would really like to receive a sample and a per/unit cost.

Also, you had mentioned that you will have an online book out soon. Where can I find the link?

Again, thank you so much for being such a great resource to so many of us.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:56:17 +0000

Hi Lia,
We are working on a service that helps people like you find qualified manufactures for that type of project. I love entrepreneurs, and I especially love people in the same industry as myself…apparel and accessories! The good news is that you don’t need experience to make it happen. I just sent you an email, check it out and get back to me if you have a chance.