Define the product before comparing prices
Provide a style number, technical pack or clear reference and identify which details are fixed. Silhouette, length, neckline, sleeve, closure, lining, corsetry and finish all affect the operations and material consumption behind the quotation.
Ask every shortlisted factory to quote the same specification. If a material or technique is substituted, record the alternative separately so the comparison does not treat different products as equivalent.
- Style drawing or clear reference
- Required construction details
- Approved or target materials
- Items open to factory alternatives
Account for fabric and material consumption
Fabric cost depends on quality, width, usable yield, color, supplier minimums and the amount required by the pattern. Full skirts, trains, directional motifs and pattern matching can use more material than a narrow or simple silhouette.
The outer fabric is only one part of the garment. Lining, mesh, interlining, boning, cups, zippers, labels and other components should be included in the same bill of materials before the quotation is approved.
- Shell fabric and lining
- Support and internal components
- Consumption by size and silhouette
- Special color or supplier minimums
Evaluate construction and embellishment labor
Structured bodices, fitted seams, clean internal finishing and layered skirts require different production time from simpler construction. The number of operations, handling difficulty and inspection needs influence labor even when the finished garments have a similar retail appearance.
Beading, sequins, embroidery, lace appliqué and hand placement should be defined by coverage, density, artwork and technique. Small changes in decorated area or application method can materially change both cost and lead time.
- Pattern and construction complexity
- Number of layers and finish standard
- Decoration coverage and technique
- Handwork and inspection requirements
State quantity, colors and four-size breakdown
Quantity affects how material, setup and production work are allocated. Harmony Gowns’ standard minimum is 30 pieces per color, distributed across four sizes. List each style and color separately and make sure the four whole-number size quantities total 30 for every color at the minimum.
Additional colors can create separate material minimums, color approvals and production handling. Share the complete assortment instead of requesting an isolated unit price without the planned order structure.
- Quantity by style and color
- Four-size ratio for each color
- Number of colorways
- Repeat or first-time development
Separate product price from additional requirements
Confirm whether labels, hangtags, branded packaging, individual bags, carton assortment, testing, inspection or documentation are included. These requirements may be quoted separately or depend on information supplied by the buyer.
Freight, duties, taxes and destination charges are not interchangeable with the factory product price. State the requested delivery responsibility and destination so both parties understand what the quotation covers before comparing totals.
- Private-label components
- Packing and carton requirements
- Testing or third-party inspection
- Delivery term and destination
Send a quotation-ready brief
For a useful first review, send the style information, materials, required colors, 30-piece-per-color or larger quantity plan, four-size breakdown, customization, packing and required in-market date. Identify any unresolved choices so they can be priced as alternatives.
Review the resulting quotation together with sample scope, lead time, exclusions and validity. A clear written scope makes later sample changes and production approvals easier to evaluate.
- Product specification
- Order and size breakdown
- Branding and packing scope
- Timing and delivery responsibility