From Concept to Creation: A Guide to Successful Product Development for Outdoor Apparel and Soft Goods, Part 3 of 3

Now that we’ve walked through the essential steps of product development and assembling a tech pack. In part 3 of this 3-part series, we’ll be sharing tips for finding the right domestic production partner and the pros and cons for manufacturing in the US.?

This three-part blog series is a summary of the Idea to Production Workshop led by Karen Buscemi of Detroit Sewn and Lionel Vargas Cruz of ISAIC (Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center). More on them below.

Part 3: Finding the Right Domestic Production Partner

Choosing the right production partner is crucial for a smooth production process and a high-quality end product. A reliable manufacturer will meet deadlines, maintain quality standards, and communicate effectively throughout the process.

Where can I find trusted manufacturers?

Start by reaching out to other small brands that you admire and inquire about their production partners. Referrals from trusted sources can help you find manufacturers with a proven track record of delivering excellent results. To find domestic manufacturers, you can use online platforms like Maker's Row and free services like Pure Michigan Business Connect that can match your requirements and expertise, or look through directories like OTEXA and CFDA yourself.?

What do I need to prepare for meeting with them?

Tip 1: Know your current finances so you can be sure that you have sufficient funding to cover pre-production, production, and marketing costs to avoid running out of funds during the process. Moreover, make sure you have a realistic expectation about the timeline, as pre-production and production can take up to 6 months.

Tip 2: Demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the product, both in its creation and in marketing and selling it. Manufacturers will be more invested in working with dedicated partners.

Tip 3: If possible, visit the manufacturer's facility, otherwise request a live virtual tour to assess their capabilities and working conditions. This firsthand evaluation will help you make an informed decision about collaborating with them.

Tip 4: Be professional. Establish clear expectations and maintain professional communication with the manufacturer. Be prepared with and transparent about your requirements, budget, and timeline to build a strong working relationship.

The Benefits of Manufacturing Domestically

The primary reason companies manufacture overseas is due to price. You will also have more options to choose from with wider manufacturing capabilities. There are important trade offs to consider:?

1. Ownership of Patterns and Recourse Options: Working with a domestic manufacturer typically ensures that you retain ownership of your product's patterns, providing greater control and protection of your designs. In case of any issues, you have more legal recourse options compared to overseas production.
2. Communication and Turnaround Time: Time can mean the difference between making a holiday season or not, and domestic manufacturing allows for faster turnaround times for samples and shipments which leads to a more efficient production process. In addition, better communication due to time zone proximity, reducing delays in resolving issues.?
3. Quality and Fair Labor Practices: Domestic manufacturing often guarantees higher quality products and adherence to fair labor practices which can align with your brand’s ethical values and is appealing to customers.
4. Tariffs & Fees: In order to protect domestic manufacturers, the government puts taxes on products that are imported from overseas and will vary depending on the type of product you are making and where you produce it. If you produce overseas, you will need to pay those tariffs & duties on those imported goods.

And there’s a misconception that domestic manufacturers will only work with large orders, making them unfriendly to small businesses. But there are more and more domestic manufacturers doing smaller batch manufacturing and are willing to work with smaller order quantities. Get connected to them through Pure Michigan Business Connect here.?

About?

Detroit Sewn is a full-service cut and sew manufacturer located in Southeast Michigan, focusing on apparel, accessories and home goods. We offer low minimums, timely turnaround, thorough communication and high-quality results. Services include product development, materials sourcing, pattern making, sample making, pattern grading, tech packs, decorating services including embroidery, heat transfers, screen printing and sublimation, and small-to-large production runs for cutting and sewing. Online learning and one-on-one coaching for brands is also available. Contact: Karen Buscemi, [email protected].

Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) is a national nonprofit institute for soft goods manufacturing that works toward sustainable and profitable domestic manufacturing located in Detroit, Michigan. In the process, their goal is to redefine the future of work by putting people trained in advanced and emerging manufacturing technologies at the forefront of sustainable soft goods production with a commitment to the wellbeing of our team, partners, community, and planet.?

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Office of Outdoor Recreation:

Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) is a unit of the MEDC that delivers a suite of services to help diversify and strengthen your supply chain. PMBC can connect your business to local, national, and global purchasers through customized procurement or joint venture matchmaking searches, summits and buyer tours.

Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office is charged with supporting and growing Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy. The Office is a joint project of the MEDC and the Department of Natural Resources that works alongside outdoor recreation businesses and organizations to create innovative products, attract, retain and develop outdoor industry jobs and improve outdoor accessibility for all.?