Guide
Starting a bag brand: 8 questions to ask a manufacturer
When you start your own bag brand, one decision matters as much as the design: who will make your bags. We have gathered the questions to ask before you start working with a manufacturer.
1. What is the minimum order quantity?
Most manufacturers plan production above a certain quantity. That number directly affects the stock and cash plan for your first collection. At Zanat Çanta, the minimum production quantity for made-to-order production is 500 units.
2. Do they sell stock designs or develop from scratch?
Printing a logo on ready-made designs and developing a model from scratch for your brand are different jobs. If you want to build your own product language, you need a manufacturer who can make a design manufacturable and run the sampling process.
3. How does sampling work?
Ask how the sample is made, how revisions are handled and how closely production follows the sample. Production should repeat the approved sample.
4. Who plans the materials?
Who selects and sources the main material, lining and hardware affects both cost and lead time. A manufacturer who can guide you on materials is a big advantage, especially for a first collection.
5. How is quality control carried out?
Ask at which stage, and against what reference, stitching, hardware, shape and dimensions are checked. The reference should be the approved sample. Find out how non-conforming pieces are set aside.
6. How are lead times planned?
A realistic lead time cannot be given before the model’s construction, quantity, material sourcing and sample approval are clear. Be cautious of a manufacturer who gives a firm date without asking about these. Share your launch date at the start.
7. Which product categories do they know?
Handbags, cosmetic bags, backpacks and promotional bags call for different expertise. Talk about what the manufacturer has made before in your category.
8. Who is your contact throughout?
Having one contact who follows the project from model review to delivery keeps questions and revisions from getting lost. Agree how communication will work at the first meeting.
Preparing for the first meeting
- Your brand’s target customer and price position
- How many models the first collection will have
- Estimated quantity per model
- Reference images and material preferences
- Launch or sales date
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