Good manufacturing decisions begin with a clear brief, realistic expectations and the right production process. This guide explains the practical considerations for your next clothing project.
Why a detailed RFQ protects your budget
An RFQ, or request for quotation, is a structured brief sent to prospective manufacturing partners. Its purpose is to make quotes comparable, not simply to obtain the lowest number. When one supplier prices an unlined garment and another includes lining, embroidery, labels and packing, the prices cannot be fairly compared. Start by writing down the finished product and the assumptions behind every cost. A reliable quotation is a documented proposal, not a substitute for sampling or a binding promise of capacity.
Describe each style with a technical specification
Give every design a style code and revision date. Include front and back sketches, a measurement chart with tolerances, neckline and sleeve details, closures, stitching construction and finishing requirements. Identify which details are essential and which are open to recommendations. Photos can communicate a visual direction, but a photograph alone does not tell a production partner the seam allowance, fabric consumption or grade rules. Confirm that you have permission to use any reference design.
List fabrics, trims and embellishment separately
Fabric type is not enough: specify fibre composition where known, weight or GSM where appropriate, width, weave, opacity, colour reference and any required wash or colourfastness performance. State whether you expect the manufacturer to source fabric or will supply it yourself. For embellished garments, provide motif placement drawings, thread and trim references, lining expectations and approval criteria. Ask how substitutions will be documented if the exact material is unavailable.
Specify quantities, sizes and colourways
Create a table for each style showing quantities by size and colour rather than a single combined total. For example, a hypothetical boutique might request 20 units of one style split across four sizes and two colours; this is an illustration, not a Sareenaa minimum. Indicate whether the quantity is a first test run or a repeatable seasonal programme. Ask whether prices change by order size, fabric choice, colour count or complexity. Never assume a sample price equals a bulk unit price.
Explain sampling and revision expectations
Ask which sample stages are included: development sample, fit sample, pre-production sample or a full size set. Identify who approves each stage, how many revision rounds are assumed, and whether revisions incur additional charges. Record measurement tolerances, finish standards and photographs of the approved reference. A written sample sign-off should identify the version approved for production. A design change after approval can affect cost and delivery.
Ask for an itemised commercial quotation
Request separate figures for pattern development, sampling, unit production, embroidery, labels, packaging, inspection and shipping where applicable. Ask whether quoted prices include taxes, bank charges or currency conversion assumptions. If an item is excluded, it should be labelled excluded rather than silently omitted. Ask for quote validity and how material price changes are handled. A cheap headline price can become expensive once essential work is added.
Clarify packing, freight and delivery responsibilities
State the destination country and delivery address type, but do not assume an international shipment price without dimensions, weight and terms. Ask whether the proposal uses EXW, FOB, DAP or another agreed Incoterm and which party handles export documents, customs clearance, import duties and insurance. Import requirements differ by market and product. Confirm the importer of record and obtain specialist advice where necessary. Include individual packaging, cartons and labelling in the specification.
Compare quotations using the same assumptions
Build a comparison sheet with the same rows for each supplier: approved fabric, construction, minimum order conditions, sampling, unit cost, payment schedule, inspection responsibility, packing and shipping basis. Flag any quotation that relies on an unspecified fabric or an unapproved sample. Compare total landed-cost assumptions separately from manufacturing cost. Quality, communication and revision control matter as much as price, especially for a new brand.
Questions to ask before paying a deposit
Before transferring money, confirm the legal contracting entity, invoice details, milestone definitions, production responsibility and a practical process for handling defects or discrepancies. Agree what evidence is required at each stage and who can authorise changes. Ask for a realistic timeline with assumptions about sample approval and material availability. Treat verbal assurances cautiously; a concise written record protects both buyer and production partner.
Send a complete production enquiry
Sareenaa Apparel coordinates suitable custom clothing and private label enquiries with partner production units in Pakistan. Share style codes, original design references, fabrics, size breakdowns, target quantities, destination and requested commercial terms through Sareenaa Apparel website. Feasibility, sampling, pricing, minimum quantities and timelines are assessed for each project rather than guaranteed in advance.
Ready to discuss your collection?
Sareenaa Apparel works with partner production units in Pakistan to review custom Eastern wear, design development and private label enquiries. Share your garment type, design status, estimated quantity and destination. We will review the requirements before confirming any service, cost or timeline.
Send your enquiry to Sareenaa ↗Published by Sareenaa Apparel. This article is general educational guidance developed with AI-assisted drafting; it is not presented as independent field research or professional legal, customs, or financial advice. Verify important decisions with qualified local professionals. Editorial guidance only. Manufacturing suitability, minimum quantities, pricing, shipping and timelines are confirmed separately for each project. Sareenaa coordinates with partner production units; it does not claim to own every factory involved.