Give suppliers the same RFQ inputs
Two prices are only comparable when they describe the same garment and commercial scope. Start with a tech pack or structured product brief, confirm the white label, private label or custom cut-and-sew route, then state the order breakdown and the decisions that remain open.
| RFQ area | Information to provide | Why it changes the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Garment type, fit, measurements, construction and reference images | Controls pattern work, sewing operations and material consumption |
| Material | Composition, structure, weight, color, finish and performance requirements | Changes fabric route, minimums, testing and processing |
| Order mix | Quantity per style, color and size | Determines setup allocation and production feasibility |
| Decoration | Technique, artwork size, colors, placement and hand-feel target | Affects setup, passes, stitch count, consumables and reject risk |
| Finishing | Wash, dye, distressing, pressing or special handling | Adds processing steps, tolerance and shade risk |
| Delivery | Destination, requested trade term, packing and schedule | Defines which transport tasks, costs and risks are included |
Understand the main apparel cost drivers
Fabric is often a major component, but unit price also reflects consumption, order complexity and the number of controlled operations. A heavyweight hoodie with a large size range, custom dye, embroidery and individual retail packing cannot be compared with a stock-fabric blank using only garment weight. If one garment combines methods, review the print and embroidery production checks before comparing decoration quotes.
- Fabric consumption and usable width
- Custom color or material development
- Pattern complexity and sewing operations
- Print colors, area and number of placements
- Embroidery stitch count and backing
- Wash, dye and finishing processes
- Style, color and size fragmentation
- Labels, packaging, testing and inspection
Use the MOQ guide to understand why a workable minimum may apply at style, color, material or process level rather than as one universal number.
Normalize quotes before comparing prices
| Comparison point | Confirm in writing |
|---|---|
| Specification | Same fabric, weight tolerance, construction, decoration and finish |
| Quantity | Same units by style, color and size; same overrun or underrun rule |
| Development | Sampling rounds, pattern or artwork setup and what is refundable or separate |
| Quality | Testing, measurement tolerance, inspection scope and defect handling |
| Packing | Labels, polybags, barcodes, assortments, cartons and carton marks |
| Delivery | Named place, trade term, transport mode and quote validity |
| Payment | Currency, deposit, balance milestone, bank charges and change terms |
The International Chamber of Commerce explains that Incoterms rules allocate delivery tasks, costs and risks. A three-letter trade term without a named place and version is incomplete, so record the full agreed term in the commercial documents.
Use a complete custom clothing RFQ checklist
- Style name and version date
- Technical drawings or annotated references
- Measurement specification and tolerances
- Fabric and trim requirements
- Artwork files and decoration details
- Quantity by style, color and size
- Label and packaging instructions
- Testing and inspection requirements
- Target destination and trade term
- Requested sample and bulk milestones
Download the free fillable Custom Clothing RFQ Template to organize these inputs in one shareable buyer brief.
Treat an unusually low quote as a question
A low price may reflect an efficient route, but it may also exclude sampling, labels, testing, packing, delivery or a specification that another quote includes. Ask what changed and request a revised comparison sheet before deciding. When comparing local and international suppliers, normalize the offers with the domestic vs overseas landed-cost framework.
Questions to ask before accepting
- Which fabric and trim specifications are included?
- Which details are provisional and subject to sample approval?
- What is excluded from the unit price?
- What changes trigger repricing?
- Which delivery tasks and risks remain with the buyer?
- How long is the quotation valid?
Wincome Apparel quotes are project-specific. Product details, quantity, decoration, packaging, quality requirements and delivery scope must be reviewed before commercial terms can be confirmed.