20 Questions to Vet a Factory Supplier

At Nearshore, we’ve done the preliminary research on our factory partners.  But just as you would verify a new hairdresser or pediatrician recommendation, it’s time to ask these suppliers some specific questions.  

We have put together a quick checklist of the top questions we’d ask before signing on the dotted line. 

These first 10 questions are pretty standard.  From apparel to cosmetics- these are all relevant to the factory vetting process. 

10 Questions to Ask a Factory Before or During Your First Meeting

1. What is your primary product category? Secondary?

2. Can you send me links to products you’ve made recently that align with our needs?

3. Is this full package manufacturing or do I need to supply materials?

4. What was the last mistake or issue that arose in production and how was it handled?

5. What is your production capacity and lead times?

6. What quality control measures do you have in place at each stage of production?

7. What happens if there are defects in the final shipment?

8. Will I have a dedicated point of contact throughout our working relationship?

9. What technology or automation do you use to improve efficiency and quality?

10. Can I come visit? Before we get started, during production, before products ship?

Depending on your product category, business values, or price point, you’ll want to get into some more specifics- and we have some examples for those too.  

3 Sustainability Questions for Your Supplier

Dig a bit deeper on sustainability if this is a part of your brand ethos.

1. Tell me about some ways you reduce waste in the factory.
2. Aside from using recycled fabrics, how do you ensure that your supply chain partners also follow sustainable practices?
3. How do you manage and dispose of production waste, such as fabric scraps or chemical byproducts?

4 Questions to Understand Working Conditions for Factories  

Nearshoring countries tend to have better ethics when it comes to worker’s rights and benefits packages. Find out how the production team, specifically, is treated.

1. Do workers receive overtime pay, and how is overtime managed to prevent excessive hours?
2. Do you provide health insurance, or other benefits, to the entire company?
3. What does the PTO policy look like for your production operators?
4. What safety measures and training programs are in place to protect workers on the factory floor?

3 Questions to Vet a Full Package Supplier

If you need a full package supplier, learn more about that process.

1. Are your product developers in house?
2. Where do you source materials?
3. What is the process from receiving my design to being production ready?

The goal of this vetting process is to confirm you and the factory align on product and core values.  You’ll also establish expectations and start to create a relationship rooted in clear communication.

One more last piece of advice while you vet a factory.  Do not send all of these questions in your initial communication!  Ask 1-3 in your initial email conversations.  If the partnership is looking promising, move to a phone call and turn these questions into a conversation.