Work with them! Having run an ethical #garment #manufacturing #factory for almost 18 years in London and Wales it’s utterly depressing when #buyers are driven by price to maximize intake margin I’m ashamed to say myself that when I was a senior buyer I was totally incompetent in garment #construction I just hammered on about price making ridiculously requests such as ‘if you take off a pocket off that blouse can you reduce the price by £2!’ What was I thinking! I thought the cover stitch hem was a double stitched hem and cost more when it’s actually the fastest machine in the factory? Treat your suppliers with respect and be honest. We want to work with buyers to have best sellers - why wouldn’t we? That’s flow for the factory

Focus on building strong relationships with the #people you work alongside setting clear expectations, and exploring #cost-saving options like alternative materials or streamlined processes. Additionally, prioritize transparency, #open communication, and collaborative #problem-solving to ensure both side benefits.

"Unfortunately, the swimwear industry for athletes offers very limited options when it comes to quality manufacturers, leaving little room for negotiation. The best you can do is provide flawless pre-production materials and hope that your trusted partners don’t spring unexpected surprises—like a sudden lack of staff! Honestly, I could probably make a fortune selling t-shirts with that excuse printed on them. It feels like a daily nightmare across the board."

Negotiating with suppliers while maintaining high design quality requires a strategic approach that balances cost, quality, and long-term partnership. Knowing the cost structure and margins of your suppliers can give you leverage in negotiations. This understanding helps in negotiating fairly without pushing them to compromise on quality.

To secure top-notch designs, focus on two key areas: Required skill and material quality. Rather than negotiating with multiple suppliers of varying skill levels, provide a detailed Tech-pack/ Specification outlining every aspect meticulously, like measurements, stitching, material placement, sizing, and branding etc-to ensure precise execution. Include a comprehensive (BoM) bill of materials that specifies each material's details, such as consumptions and details. Provide a clear target price. A Detailed Design sheet, a Tech-pack, and a Bill of materials, then you ensure even a mid-level supplier can meet your standards/ allowing less freedom for any changes. This approach maintains design integrity and quality without compromising cost.