Production FAQ

In this section, we explain the processes involved in bringing your fashion visions to life. Find answers to common questions about sourcing, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Let us guide you through this crucial stage, where innovation meets precision to create exceptional fashion pieces.

What are the stages of production?

Are there any minimum order quantities (MOQs)?

Typical MOQs:

Lower Quantities:

Practical MOQ:

Within the total quantity, sizes can be mixed, but there are limitations. See “What size breakdown ratio should my order include” for details.

What does "per style, per colour-way" mean?

Production quantities are always referred to as "per style, per colour."

Each variation is considered a different style due to MOQs for fabric ordering, dyeing, cutting, stitching, and printing. This is why products are quoted on a per-style, per-colour basis.

What sizes should my order include?

You can split your total order quantity per style per colour into different sizes, but there are limitations:

You can choose any sizes (e.g., XS, S, M, L, XL) and the quantities per size do not need to be equal. For example, you can produce S20:M40:L30

for a total of 100 pieces, which translates to a ratio of S2:M4:L3

Will the delivered qualities match the ordered quantities?

Not necessarily. Factories often over-produce by 5-10% to account for quality control, removing faulty products before shipment. This can result in a surplus or shortage against the original order quantity. The industry standard tolerance for over or under shipping is:

Your final shipment quantity may vary within these tolerances. If the quantity exceeds or falls short, we will ask if you accept the difference or prefer a re-make. You will be billed based on the final shipment quantities, not the original order quantities.

What are the likely costs of production?

Unit costs vary with production quantity due to economies of scale.

For detailed information on unit costs, please visit our 'rates' section.

What does an "FOB" unit cost mean and are there any additional costs to consider?

FOB (Freight on Board) Unit Cost:

Additional Costs:

We provide estimates for these additional costs when costing your products.

Other Cost Abbreviations:

We quote FOB prices, but ensure you know the terms if comparing with other suppliers.

How long will production take?

Production lead times depend on product type, fabrics, complexities, and sample approvals.

Sampling Process:

Bulk Production:

Total Lead Time:

Note: Lead time ensures correct and quality products, not just speed. Our goal is to ship correctly rather than to a specific date, ensuring all approvals and quality standards are met.

What quality control procedures are there?

We have multiple quality control procedures to ensure your products are produced correctly and to the highest quality.

Factory Quality Control:

Our Quality Control:

Customer Independent QC:

What ethical policies do you have?

Modern Facilities:

Independent Audits:

Do you source sustainably?

Yes, we work with specialist factories focused on sustainable production. Common sustainable materials include organic cotton, bamboo, recycled polyester, rPET fabrics, and faux/vegan leathers and furs.

Sustainability Requests:

Types of Sustainable Fashion:

Limitations:

Conclusion:

Do you produce in the United Kingdom?

Unfortunately, no. The necessary skill sets for garment production largely disappeared in the UK in the 1980s.

Offshore Production:

Why choose Rag Sourcing over direct factory sourcing?

We are a management company bridging customers and factories, helping design collections and source production. Here’s why you should choose us:

Our service often doesn't cost more than direct sourcing, thanks to our economies of scale, and you benefit from our team's expertise and experience. We are your one-stop shop for sourcing any product type, quantity, or fabric.

What are your sourcing terms and conditions?

Each bulk production order is subject to our Sales of Goods Terms & Conditions, included with every Sales Order.

To read these Terms & Conditions in advance, please find the links in our website footer.

Contact us for a free, no obligation, consultation.

We can discuss your project in more detail and answer some of the initial questions you may have.

General enquiries: info@rag-sourcing.com

Customer chat: Whatsapp

(Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00GMT)