How to Choose a Clothing Manufacturer in Turkey: 12 Questions to Ask

Turkey has thousands of clothing manufacturers, and many of their websites look alike. The way to tell them apart is to ask the same questions to each and compare the answers. These are the twelve we would ask if we were in your place, with our own answers so you know what a clear answer looks like.

Minimums and quantities

1. What is your minimum per style and per colour?

"Low MOQ" can mean 50 pieces in total or 100 pieces per colour. Ask how the minimum is counted and whether it changes with the fabric. Ours is 50 pieces per design and colour with a fabric from stock, and 500 with a fabric made specially for you.

2. How are sizes split in a small order?

Small runs are easier to produce with an even size split. We split sizes evenly below 250 pieces per style and follow your own split from 250 pieces.

Sampling

3. What exactly does the sample stage include?

Make sure the price covers the pattern, grading, fabric sourcing and the sample itself, and ask what is extra. With us, prints, embroidery and washes are priced separately and everything is written in the offer.

4. Who owns the patterns?

If you pay for the patterns, they should be yours, so you are free to produce elsewhere later. Our digital patterns (DXF files) belong to you once paid.

5. How many rounds of corrections are included?

Fit rarely comes out perfect on the first sample. We include up to two rounds of pattern corrections after the fitting.

Fabric and quality

6. Where does the fabric come from, and can I approve it?

Ask for physical swatches before the sample is sewn. We propose options from our certified supplier network and send the swatches to you by courier for approval.

7. How do you check quality during production?

Ask who checks the goods and when, and whether you get photos. We check quality before shipping and send you photo updates during production.

8. Which certificates does your supply chain have?

Ask whose certificate it is: the manufacturer's, the sewing partner's or the fabric supplier's. We work with SEDEX-audited production partners and certified fabric suppliers for OEKO-TEX and GOTS fabrics.

Time, money and protection

9. How long do sampling and production take?

Get the timeline in writing and ask when it starts. Our patterns and samples take about two weeks and production usually two to four weeks after sample approval, both counted from the day the approved fabric and trims arrive.

10. What are the payment terms?

Clear terms protect both sides. Our sample fees are paid in advance; production is paid 50% to start and 50% before the goods are handed to the carrier. If you order production within three months of approving the sample, the sample making fee is deducted.

11. Will you sign an NDA?

Your designs should stay yours. We sign a mutual NDA online before you share your designs, also if you don't have a company yet.

12. Can I get a price idea before paying for anything?

A good manufacturer can give you a realistic range early. Our production cost calculator shows an indicative price per piece for your product and quantity in a minute.

Next step

Send the same brief to two or three manufacturers and compare the answers side by side. If you'd like to start with us, tell us about your project or create a free tech pack first.