Questions to ask dress manufacturers
Identity and approach
NovaSupplier is infrastructure for direct relationships between independent clothing brands and Portuguese manufacturers.
Use these questions to protect direct brand-factory relationship ownership from the first conversation.
Where brands usually get this wrong
- Relying on intermediaries instead of opening direct conversations with factories.
- Comparing only quoted unit price without validating MOQ per style and timeline realism.
- Treating Portugal sourcing as generic supplier browsing instead of relationship building.
How to use this guide
- Use this guide to structure direct conversations with Portuguese manufacturers.
- Ask identical questions to each shortlisted factory and compare answers line by line.
- Lock ownership of key decisions in writing before moving from sample to bulk.
MOQ and product range
What is your minimum order quantity per style and per colour?
Dress MOQs in Europe often range from 50–300 pieces per style. Listen for per-style and per-colour minimums; more complex styles may have higher minimums.
Do you work with both casual and more formal dress styles?
Some factories specialize in jersey or casual; others in woven or formal. Match your product to their experience to avoid quality or MOQ surprises.
Can I combine multiple dress styles in one order?
Mixed-style orders can help small brands hit minimums. Clarify how they charge and whether there is one total minimum or per-style.
Do you offer sample or development runs before bulk?
Sample runs (e.g. 20–50 pieces) help lock fit and finish. Ask minimum for sampling and whether the same factory does bulk.
Pattern, fit, and lead times
Do you do pattern making and grading in-house?
Pattern and grade quality drive fit. Ask if they develop patterns from your tech pack or samples and how many fit iterations they include.
What is your typical lead time from order confirmation to delivery?
Dresses often run 6–12 weeks. Get a breakdown: fabric, cut, make, finish, pack. Complex styles or custom fabric can add time.
What fabrics do you typically work with (e.g. jersey, woven, linen)?
Fabric type affects construction and lead time. Match your product to what they run regularly.
Quality and finish
What quality checks do you do (e.g. measurements, finish)?
Listen for measurement reports, stitch quality, and finishing (e.g. hem, zip). Dresses are often tried on in detail; consistency matters.
Do you handle lining, zips, and trims in-house?
Lining and trims can affect MOQ and lead time. Ask what they source and whether you can supply custom trims.
What is your policy on seconds or off-spec goods?
Clarify how they handle pieces that don’t meet spec and who bears the cost of remakes or discounts.