Before you pay the advance, there are a few things that you need answered. It will define the success of your order and ensure your bulk production has the least number of hurdles. So, what should you do before paying the advance?
You should verify the manufacturer’s claims, confirm the MOQ, approve a sample, agree on quality, payment, and lastly, delivery terms. Make sure all of these agreements are in writing. So, are these the questions you need answered only? No, there are 12 more questions that you need answered.
Is the Manufacturer Real? Verify Before You Pay (Q1 to 4)
Before you pay the deposit to your manufacturer, you must verify whether they are reliable and trustworthy or not. Here are four questions that will help you gauge whether your apparel manufacturer is real or not.
- Do they own the factory or outsource production? This is an important question that must be answered either by a factory visit or a live video walkthrough of the factory.
- Which business registrations do they hold? Ask whether the manufacturer holds relevant registrations, such as GST, IEC, or MSME registration.
- Can they share references of past clients? Always consider talking to past clients because they can tell you much more about how reliable and trustworthy a manufacturer is.
- Are they offering a written proforma invoice? Writing matters because that’s the only thing that will protect you when word of mouth fails. So, a written document that verifies your requirements and agreed specifications, quantities, pricing, payment terms, and other commercials is a must-have before you make any payment.
What Will You Actually Receive? Samples, MOQ, and Quality (Q5 to 8)
A manufacturer’s quality assurance makes no sense until it translates into an approved sample that’s built as per your requirements. Here are the questions you need to ask your manufacturers.
- What is the MOQ per design, colour, and size? Confirm whether minimum quantities apply separately to each variation. This will help you plan inventory and avoid unexpected order commitments.
- What is the sample policy, cost, and how will bulk production match the approved sample? Agree on sample charges, approval procedures, fabric, measurements, colours, and acceptable variations before production begins.
- What quality checks do they run and who bears the cost of defect rework? Clarify inspection stages, defect definitions, corrective actions, and responsibility for garments that fail agreed specifications.
- Can they share fabric test reports before production? This is a highly relevant report, specifically when it comes to factors like colourfastness, shrinkage, and whether the material meets your requirements.
How and When Do You Pay and Receive? Payment, Timelines & Logistics (Q9 to 12)
Payment milestones, production schedules, and delivery responsibilities must be discussed and agreed upon before the start of production. So, ask these questions before paying your bulk advance.
- What advance percentage and payment milestones do you follow? Request a written payment schedule that connects each instalment to clearly defined commercial or production milestones.
- What is the lead time and what happens if delivery is delayed? Confirm the expected completion date, shipping arrangements, and the agreed process for communicating or resolving delays.
- What are the packaging, labelling, and shipping terms? Specify packaging requirements, brand labels, carton details, shipping responsibilities, and any documentation needed for your destination market.
- What is the replacement policy for size or defect claims? Make sure you agree on how to report defects, the evidence required, claim deadlines, and whether replacement or rework will be offered.
Red Flags to Walk Away From
If you see any of the following actions from your manufacturer, run!
- Refusing a factory visit or live video walkthrough.
- Pressuring you to pay 100% upfront before sample approval.
- Refusing to provide a written quotation.
- Giving vague or inconsistent MOQ information.
Ready to Place a Bulk Order?
At Cheer Sagar, you can discuss your clothing requirements, sampling needs, and production specifications before proceeding. Request a bulk order quote to start the conversation with Cheer Sagar and make sure you save this checklist to compare manufacturers before committing to one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much advance is normal for a bulk clothing order?
Payment terms vary by manufacturer and order size. Some use an advance followed by milestone payments. Agree on the schedule in writing, and avoid committing to full payment before sample approval and documented terms.
2. Should I visit the factory before paying?
If possible, yes. Otherwise, request a live video walkthrough, relevant business registrations, and client references. These checks help you verify the business and understand its production arrangements.
3. Should I pay before the sample is approved?
You may need to pay an agreed sample fee. However, release the bulk advance only after approving the sample and receiving a written quotation and proforma invoice with agreed terms.
4. Which documents should I get before paying?
Request a written quotation, a proforma invoice with verified business payment details, an approved sample record, and an agreed delivery timeline. Keep copies of all documents and payment confirmations.
