I got frequent requests from my respected readers. Most common request is how to find new buyers and how to get more order for apparel business? How to gain more efficiency and run a sustainable business in the present context? They wish to learn the business development strategies for apparel manufacturers and textile industries. Today I am going to deliver some proven tactics to gain more new orders.
1. Be flexible
Most of the garments factory desire big and continuous orders from the buyer end to run their production line smoothly. But it couldn’t always be happen as per their expectation. Please be noted that 80% of buyers are small and medium scale brands. They have to go through with some limitations. Thus sometime you have to be flexible to receive small orders to build strong relationship with the buyers. You should remember small orders can bring big orders.
Factory should have the flexibility to produce large and small quantities as per buyer’s requirement. If you work with different buyers, then changing order quantities may not impact upon you much.
For short and quick runs orders, buyer becomes anxious and very generous. Thus they often offer a premium price. If you are become flexible to continue small orders, it will grow factory goodwill. As a result, most buyers want to work with you that will enhance your opportunity to become big. Lean sigma management system is a smart tool to expedite such kind of small orders. Factory should understand such kind of market trends.
2. Be visible
In the present context apparel manufactures need to be visible through online and offline platform all together. Covid-19 taught us the importance of online platform. You can get more order by increasing online presence.
Visiting trade shows is another way to get new orders but regret to say some manufacturers never care it. They think it’s one sort of waste of time and money. Their mind set need to be reset. Manufacturers need to be visible in the retail market by participating trade shows and online platform considering most effective and costly strategies. Though it costly but results may not visible instantly, keep patience to get it over the next few months.
As a manufacturer develop different sort of sample and make a smart factory profile to deliver buyer’s. Many buyers get ready to find suitable manufacturers are through attending trade shows at one rooftop. If you miss the opportunity, then you’re not on the buyer’s radar. After the trade show buyer will analyze all factory profile to find suitable production plants. So keep ensure maximum visibility to get new buyers for your production plants.
3. Easy to adopt
Computerized automation is essential for sustainable development. We know garments making is a labor based business. But in the 4th industrial revelation garments industry may be fall in risk. Industry owners have to reduce manpower due to the technological advancement and the customer’s own choice. Fast fashion, zero carbon emission, direct to consumer; cut the middleman out four parameters will work simultaneously in near future. Industrial owners should empathize on update technology; adopt hi-tech computerized machineries and create strong raw materials sourcing funnel to increase more production by reducing cost and manpower. Apparel manufactures should mentally be prepared to adopt new technology. Otherwise they can’t survive in the coming adverse situation.
4. Know the trends
In the current context right information is the power which can keep you ahead from other competitors. Thus you should employ a smart R&D team to visit-survey, scrutiny and examine retail market frequently to analyze market trend and customers option and take right actions for rapid changing trends to achieve your targets. Factory development team should visit international trade fair, study and research leading fashion magazines to know the upcoming trends as well as what inspires the customers. Sourcing team has to enhance sourcing capabilities of high quality fabric and trims to develop different look, shapes and color, designs sample.
Most of the garment manufacturers do not have such kind of special team who can collect new information of human fashion trends, latest colors, shapes and designs. Factory meeting room should decorate different lucrative and trendy samples. During buyer meeting, show your latest samples with competitive price instead of offering old designs. It will ensure your proactive attitude that will enrich your business opportunity. Never think on short-terms, increase your radius and make investment plans by focusing on returns five years down the line. The target is to achieve economies of scale, while being cost-effective.
