Ah, January!
A fresh start….a new chapter…...turning a new leaf.
I love New Year’s! (Really, I’m not being sarcastic).
But that’s not the only thing I’m happy about :)
I’m excited to share that this month’s blog post comes to you from a guest!
(My excitement for my first guest blog post looked a little like this :)
Meet Sara Collins. An ethical production consultant who specializes in helping apparel brands throughout the sourcing and manufacturing process.
Her craft is much easier said than done. Anyone can find an apparel manufacturer, but it takes a specialist to find factories with higher ethics than the industry standard (and is a great match for the brand). Sara helps cultivate relationships with factories or local artisans that align with the brand’s values.
(For any newbies out there reading, the following are all too common practices of typical manufacturers in fashion:
Questionable morals & business practices
Cheap, low-quality products
Unsafe working environments such as hanging electrical, crumbling foundations, polluted air or improper air ventilation, or unreasonable and unsustainable working hours.
Extremely low wages, (even for the country’s economy. (In many instances, people are paid pennies per garment).
It’s an understatement to say that this just shouldn’t be.
It is hard to find good manufacturers out there but they do exist! And thank goodness for people like Sara! We need more people in the world to shine a light on these reputable businesses and families.
Today, she will be sharing: 5 Tips for Finding Ethical Manufacturers
Without further ado, please welcome Sara.
How do you find ethical manufacturers?
This is something that I get asked a lot! As someone who knows the difficulty of finding the right suppliers for your business, , I get how tough and frustrating it can be. I wish I could just wave a wand and solve it, but the truth is, it takes time, determination, and a solid focus to find ethical manufacturers who share your values.
I have had the amazing experience of working with incredible suppliers around the world who have a real positive impact, and I want more business to have this success of working with great suppliers. So here are my top five tips for finding the right suppliers for you.
1. Define Your Vision
The first step is clarity. Before diving headfirst into the search, take a moment to define precisely what you're looking for. Are you in need of a manufacturer specialising in wovens, knits, or athleisure? By outlining your product requirements upfront, you'll save invaluable time sifting through suppliers that don't align with your needs.
2. Timing is Everything
Sourcing isn't a race; it's a marathon. While it's essential to allocate ample time for the search, it's equally crucial not to jump the gun. Avoid starting too early before your product designs are solidified, yet don't leave it too late either. Strike a balance by conducting preliminary research and initiating conversations with suppliers once your vision is clear.
3. Embrace Human Connection
In a digital age dominated by emails, a personal touch goes a long way. Don't underestimate the power of picking up the phone and engaging in real conversations with potential suppliers. Building rapport from the outset can foster stronger relationships and expedite the process.
4. Ask the Tough Questions
When it comes to ethics in manufacturing, ignorance is not bliss. Arm yourself with knowledge about certifications and industry standards. Initiate transparent conversations with manufacturers about their ethical practices. While it may feel uncomfortable, addressing these issues early on is paramount.
#5 Know Your Budget
In the realm of manufacturing, numbers matter. Familiarise yourself with your budget and factor in all associated costs, including materials, shipping, sampling, production, and import fees. By staying vigilant, you can ensure fair compensation for quality products while maintaining financial integrity.
These principles work across different product industries, whether you're in fashion, jewelry, gifting, or homeware. As you navigate the task of selecting the right manufacturer, remember to prioritise transparency and integrity. After all, your suppliers are partners in your business journey.
Over the years, working with different suppliers, I have seen first hand the impact fair production can have on someone's life. We often think about the global view of production, especially in fashion, and the negative environmental impacts it has on the planet. It doesn’t have to be this way. Whilst there is no secret production process that allows us to avoid having an impact on the environment, there is a way of doing things to reduce the negative, and increase the positives. We need to understand our supply chains to really understand the impact our production has. Making decisions mindfully, using green alternatives, paying fair wages, reducing waste, it all matters.
We know that 80% of garment workers are women, mostly aged between 18 - 35. I have seen first hand that when workers are paid fairly, their wages impact the community, they send their children to school, they can afford health care and nutritious food, all of which are basic human rights. So it really does make a difference to partner with suppliers who are taking action to reduce their environmental impact and to treat workers with respect and pay fairly.
A lot of brands I work with often feel nervous about approaching these topics with suppliers. I know it can be tough, but having these conversations is important, and in most cases, expected by suppliers. Manufacturers who are open and transparent make it much easier to tackle these topics. You really can find great suppliers, who will become great assets to your business.
If you need guidance on your ethical manufacturing search, don't hesitate to reach out. I can help you get started on this journey toward sustainable and responsible production practices. Let's make a difference—one ethical choice at a time.
If you need guidance on your ethical manufacturing search, don't hesitate to reach out here.
Thank you so much Sara! These are fantastic tips!
For my post this month, click below to read:
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