Do I really need a sourcing agent in Prato?
You need to be on the factory floor to handle issues that crop up during the production process. Even if you feel that you can trust a manufacturer, there will be issues that need to be dealt with. Language barriers, cultural differences, and different time zones will make the process sluggish and time-consuming. It’s not efficient to handle these issues over the phone or by email.
Besides, 90% of clothing manufacturers in Prato are run by the Chinese. There are stark differences in Western and Chinese styles of working and doing business. While companies in Europe and America are likely to enforce rigid rules and written principles, China’s businesses emphasize relationship-building and internal cohesion. You need to have a presence in the place where manufacturing is carried out.
A good sourcing agent will work in your best interests, manage issues during all stages of production, conduct quality inspections, and handle the paperwork for shipping, and so on. If you want to focus on your core businesses, hiring a sourcing agent might be a convenient option.
Besides, 90% of clothing manufacturers in Prato are run by the Chinese. There are stark differences in Western and Chinese styles of working and doing business. While companies in Europe and America are likely to enforce rigid rules and written principles, China’s businesses emphasize relationship-building and internal cohesion. You need to have a presence in the place where manufacturing is carried out.
A good sourcing agent will work in your best interests, manage issues during all stages of production, conduct quality inspections, and handle the paperwork for shipping, and so on. If you want to focus on your core businesses, hiring a sourcing agent might be a convenient option.
Do you have a fixed fee? What services does your fee include?
While we usually work on a flat-rate commission basis, our fee varies greatly according to the service scope, the cooperation methods, the product category, and the amount of the order. We listen to you; we understand your demands then we agree on a fee with a transparent approach.
Our services are all-inclusive. We handle everything – from finding suitable suppliers, organizing samples, setting up production, quality control, and shipping. All of this is included in our quoted price.
When we source products, we usually include everything into the cost of each product. We give you a clear, upfront understanding of the exact costs to produce your desired collection. With Filik, there are no surprises.
Our services are all-inclusive. We handle everything – from finding suitable suppliers, organizing samples, setting up production, quality control, and shipping. All of this is included in our quoted price.
When we source products, we usually include everything into the cost of each product. We give you a clear, upfront understanding of the exact costs to produce your desired collection. With Filik, there are no surprises.
Do you assist with my buying trip to Italy?
If it’s not major manufacturers, most of the Chinese suppliers do not understand English well. We save your time and money from unnecessary miscommunication by accompanying you on your buying trips when visiting the suppliers and removing the language barrier by assisting you in the negotiation of prices and other issues.
What if I already have a supplier?
We can collaborate with your current suppliers and handle all the nuances involved in manufacturing and shipping.
Can I label the products with our name and/or logo?
Yes, you can label the products with your name. These products can be private label products that you specify the design, fabric type, etc. or white label products for which the manufacturer specifies everything while they may offer a range of customizations to fit specific needs of yours.
A private label product is sourced from a manufacturer and then sold under your brand for exclusive sale. As the buyer, you specify everything about the product to develop your own, unique brand identity and fit your niche. For private label products, there are typically high minimums to be considered as an exclusive customer.
A white label product is a product manufactured by a third-party manufacturer for sale by multiple clients, which means the manufacturers produce the same product under other trademarks. This is a faster and easier way to enter the market with a pre-built solution, but your products may be indistinguishable from those of competitive brands.
Whether you should choose white or private label products depends on many factors such as the style itself and your business model. There are pros and cons for working with both labels, but it is not necessary to choose the best one. You can adopt both business approaches for creating your collection.
If you need advice, you can schedule a time to speak with us. We would love to chat with you about your business!
A private label product is sourced from a manufacturer and then sold under your brand for exclusive sale. As the buyer, you specify everything about the product to develop your own, unique brand identity and fit your niche. For private label products, there are typically high minimums to be considered as an exclusive customer.
A white label product is a product manufactured by a third-party manufacturer for sale by multiple clients, which means the manufacturers produce the same product under other trademarks. This is a faster and easier way to enter the market with a pre-built solution, but your products may be indistinguishable from those of competitive brands.
Whether you should choose white or private label products depends on many factors such as the style itself and your business model. There are pros and cons for working with both labels, but it is not necessary to choose the best one. You can adopt both business approaches for creating your collection.
If you need advice, you can schedule a time to speak with us. We would love to chat with you about your business!
What is the minimum order quantity?
While it’s usually 100 pcs per style, the minimum order quantity (MOQ) is highly dependent on the supplier, style, design, and overall value of the order. Filik will act as a part of your team and negotiate on the behalf of your company to meet your quantity demands.
Do the manufacturers have stock items in their warehouse or do we have to place an order for product
Most of the manufacturers in Prato adopt two production strategies: Make-to-Order (MTO) and Make-to-Stock (MTS). Make-to-order pertains to the process of having orders generated through customer demands and then producing that order, which gives you the advantage to customize the product to your specifications and to have a personal touch with more control over the look and feel of the product.
Make-to-stock involves manufacturing goods based on anticipated customer demands. In other words, products are stocked for future sales that haven't yet taken place at the time of production. The primary benefit of MTS is it provides shortened lead times. These goods are ready to ship to you as soon as you confirm the order.
We understand that every business is different. So, whether you want to start slow and take things one step at a time or are a large-scale business owner, we’ll find you the right supplier according to your specifications and customize our business model to suit your needs.
Make-to-stock involves manufacturing goods based on anticipated customer demands. In other words, products are stocked for future sales that haven't yet taken place at the time of production. The primary benefit of MTS is it provides shortened lead times. These goods are ready to ship to you as soon as you confirm the order.
We understand that every business is different. So, whether you want to start slow and take things one step at a time or are a large-scale business owner, we’ll find you the right supplier according to your specifications and customize our business model to suit your needs.