5 Simple Questions You Should Ask A Factory Before Working With Them

Quality Control Measures could either build or break your business. Just picture yourself investing in a large batch of products, only to find them defective and below your standards. The absence of proper Quality Control Measures can cause waste of resources, financial losses, and damage to brand reputation. 

Take, for example, A clothing brand ordering 10,000 pieces from a factory eventually finds that half of them have stitching defects. Such defects can go unnoticed without quality control measures, leading to returns, refunds, and scathing customer reviews. 

Before partnering with a factory, think, 

• How does the factory ensure consistent quality of products?
• Does it follow a supplier evaluation checklist? 
• Is it committed to Ethical Manufacturing Practices?
• What are its minimum order requirements?

Asking the right questions can save you from great losses and will enable you to build a long-term relationship with a trustworthy manufacturer.

5 Easy Questions to Ask a Factory Before Engaging Them in Business

1. What Are Your Lead Times?

One of the most important factors in manufacturing is understanding the factory’s lead times. Delays can be costly, so it’s crucial to ask:

• How long does production typically take?
• Do you have peak seasons that affect lead times?
• How do you handle unexpected delays?

A factory with well-established Quality Control Measures will have a structured production timeline. If your business has strict deadlines, ensure the factory’s timeline aligns with your needs.

2. What Are Your Quality Control Measures?

The backbone of any reliable factory is its Quality Control Measures. Poor product quality leads to returns, refunds, and customer dissatisfaction. When assessing a factory, ask:

• What quality assurance steps do you follow?
• Do you conduct third-party inspections?
• How do you handle defective products?

Factories with strong Quality Control Measures should provide a Supplier Evaluation Checklist to outline their processes. Always request product samples to verify their standards.

3. What Are Your Minimum Order Requirements?

Factories often have Minimum Order Requirements (MOQs), which can significantly impact your production costs. Key questions include:

• What is your MOQ per order?
• Are there price breaks for larger orders?
• Can MOQs be adjusted for startups or small businesses?

If your business is scaling up, you may need a factory that offers flexibility in their Minimum Order Requirements.

4. What Are Your Ethical Manufacturing Practices?

Consumers today demand transparency in sourcing and ethical production. Ensuring your factory follows Ethical Manufacturing Practices is essential. Ask:

• Do you follow labor laws and fair wage policies?
• What sustainability practices do you have in place?
• Do you comply with international safety and ethical standards?

Factories listed on Maker’s Row, a platform that connects businesses with manufacturers, often adhere to ethical and sustainable practices. 

5. What Is Your Preferred Communication Method?

Effective communication is key when working with a factory. Miscommunication can lead to errors in production. Ask:

• Do you prefer phone, email, or video calls?
• Can I visit the factory for in-person meetings?
• How frequently will I receive production updates?

Factories with structured Quality Control Measures often provide regular progress reports. If you require frequent updates, ensure the factory is open to your communication needs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right factory requires careful evaluation. Use this Supplier Evaluation Checklist before making a decision:

Factories with strong Quality Control Measures ensure product consistency and reliability. Don’t hesitate to ask these questions before making a commitment.

Looking for vetted manufacturers? Check out Maker’s Row for trusted suppliers that align with your brand’s needs.

Do you have any other essential questions to add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!