If you've never sourced garments from India before, the process can feel opaque. You've found a manufacturer, you have a product idea, but you're not sure what happens next — what to send first, how sampling works, what you're committing to at each stage.
Here's the entire process — every step, every cost, every timeline, clearly laid out.
Why caution about overseas manufacturing is appropriate
You can't walk the factory floor. You can't physically check fabric before it's cut. That caution is exactly why a structured, stage-by-stage process exists — commitment and financial exposure stay proportional to trust, and trust is built through demonstrated results at each stage.
The seven stages — from inquiry to delivery
What's in a quote — and what's not
Typically included
- Fabric cost (based on specified material and GSM)
- Cutting, making, and trimming (CMT) labour
- Basic accessories — plain buttons, basic labels, plain poly bags
- Export packaging — cartons, packing
Not included — quoted separately
- Custom branded labels
- Custom hangtags
- Branded packaging
- International shipping
- US customs duties and broker fees
A note on pricing
Never accept the first quote as final without asking about tiered pricing. 200 pieces costs more per unit than 500, which costs more than 1,000. If your first order is 300 pieces but you expect to reorder at 600, mention that upfront and ask for pricing at both levels.
Evaluating a sample properly
When the sample arrives, evaluate it systematically across fabric (weight, hand feel, drape), construction (stitch density, even seam allowances), measurements (within ±1cm tolerance), finishing, and on-body fit where possible.
Be specific in feedback. "The shoulders feel tight" is hard to act on. "The shoulder seam sits 1.5cm too far forward — move it back" is actionable. The more specific your feedback, the better the revised sample.
What to expect on your first order
Be realistic — it's a learning experience as much as a production run. Minor measurement deviations, slight shade variation in viscose, and small quantity variance (5–10 pieces) are normal in garment manufacturing, not disasters.
- What makes a first order successful: a clear tech pack, a genuinely reviewed and approved sample, specific communication throughout
- What turns a first order into a relationship: goods that match the approved sample, followed by a reorder
Working With US Brands
The Urban Charm is a B2B garment manufacturer in Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR. We follow exactly this process — respond to inquiries within 24 hours, share production photos without being asked, and ship to the US via both air and sea.
Start the conversationFrequently asked questions
What should I send in my first inquiry to an Indian manufacturer?
A brief, specific message — product category, approximate quantity, target market, and timeline. You don't need a finished tech pack yet. One or two reference images help. Responsive manufacturers reply within 24–48 hours.
Do I need a complete tech pack before contacting a manufacturer?
No. Start with what you have — reference garments, sketches, written descriptions. A good manufacturer asks clarifying questions and helps build out the spec sheet through conversation. A full tech pack speeds up sampling but isn't required to start.
What's included in a manufacturer's CMT or FOB quote?
Fabric cost, cutting/making/trimming labour, basic accessories (plain buttons, basic labels, plain poly bags), and export packaging. Not included: custom branded labels, hangtags, branded packaging, international shipping, or US customs duties.
How many sample revisions should I budget for?
Most samples need at least one revision. Budget for two rounds in your timeline. Specific, measurable feedback — not vague impressions — gets faster, more accurate revisions.