Setting up a children’s wear business: ask the expert

I’m working with a friend on putting together a range of children’s wear. I don’t have any experience in this field and wondered how to source the best manufacturer to work with and what sort of things should I watch out for.

Thanks for the question. When it comes to sourcing a manufacturer, the secret of success is in the research. Talk to owners of companies similar to yours and ask who they use for manufacturing. You’re likely to find such peers on business sites and in forums (I say this knowing we have a good number of Enterprise Nation members who sell children’s wear and they regularly ask questions and share ideas in the forum.) If it’s overseas manufacturers you’re looking for, you might also want to contact UK Trade and Investment – with agents posted in territories across the globe, they could help match you with a partner.

Once you have a shortlist of manufacturers, the research continues. Meet the manufacturer, feel comfortable with the quality and their practices and ask to speak to their existing customers for references and testimonials. You might want to start with a small first order to test the relationship. If they deliver on time, in budget and to a high quality, you’re on to a winner!

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