Learn how to prepare the product categories, approximate quantities, measurements, fabrics, samples and delivery requirements before speaking with a manufacturer.
Not every detail needs to be ready for the initial consultation
You do not need a completed collection dossier to begin a shirt-manufacturing discussion. Basic information such as the product category, approximate quantity and target date provides enough for an initial manufacturing-feasibility assessment.
Sharing the information already available helps fabric, pattern, sampling and costing work proceed against a more accurate brief.
Describe the product and its intended use
The intended product—such as a formal business shirt, casual shirt, womenswear shirt or overshirt—affects decisions from fabric weight to wearing ease.
- Target customer and intended use
- Product category and number of styles
- Target quality and product level
- Reference product or design, if any
Share realistic quantity and timeline information
Approximate total quantity and the colour and size breakdown affect the production plan. Minimum production quantity should not be treated as a fixed number in isolation; it must be assessed alongside product construction, fabric, number of styles and order breakdown.
While the target delivery date is shared, sample, change and approval times should also be part of the plan.
Clarify the expected outcome of the conversation
By the end of the initial consultation, you should understand more than the price: the missing information, manufacturing feasibility, sampling route, decision points and next steps should all be clear.
- Manufacturing feasibility assessment
- Information and files to be prepared
- Sample and approval approach
- How to finalize the production and delivery plan
Documents that can be brought to the consultation
A moodboard, reference shirt, size chart, label artwork or target-product image can speed up the discussion. None is mandatory on its own; what matters is identifying which decisions are final and which remain open to development.
- Reference product or product images
- Measurement and size information, if any
- Brand-label and packaging requirements
- Target sales period or delivery window
Evaluate the scope that affects the price at the same table
Price is not determined by fabric cost per metre alone. Style details, seam construction, buttons and labels, packaging, order breakdown and the production plan are assessed together.
When comparing quotations, make sure each one prices the same product scope. A low quotation based on an incomplete specification may change after sampling.
See the same in the table before deciding.
Shirt category, intended use and number of styles
Approximate total quantity and colour and size distribution
Sample requirements, target approval date and delivery window
Labels, buttons, packaging and visible brand details
How do we approach this issue at Erten?
Our initial assessment begins with the information you already have. We turn any outstanding decisions into clear next steps for product development, sampling and production planning.
Content review area: Product development and production planning approach. Commercial suitability is also evaluated based on product and order information.Frequently asked questions about this topic
Can I begin a consultation without a tech pack?
Yes. You can begin with a garment idea, reference sample or basic requirements. We clarify any missing technical information during product development.
Can I receive a firm price during the initial consultation?
To provide a firm price, we need sufficient detail about the garment construction, materials, quantity, workmanship and delivery scope.
Let's evaluate your production needs together.
Low minimum orders: share your product and approximate quantity so we can assess a suitable starting quantity together.
It is not necessary to have all the details ready at the initial consultation.