Finding Factories

Finding Domestic Manufacturers

From Concept to Creation: A Guide to Successful Product Development for Outdoor Apparel and Soft Goods, Part 3 of 3

Now that we’ve walked through the essential steps of product development and assembling a tech pack. In part 3 of this 3-part series, we’ll be sharing tips for finding the right domestic production partner and the pros and cons for manufacturing in the US.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-concept-creation-guide-successful-product-development-2c

• CFDA - The Production Directory is an open-access directory of over 300 U.S. fashion manufacturers that was created to help make more direct connections between brands and local manufacturing resources.

• Maker's Row - a platform for factories in America, especially specialty manufacturers

• List of Reputable Manufacturers in NYC and LA

• OTEXA (Office of Textiles and Apparel) U.S.A. Sourcing & Products Directory - directory to assist buyers in sourcing U.S.-made textiles, apparel, footwear and travel goods from U.S. vendors, which include manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and producers.

• Pure Michigan Business Connect - get matched with michigan manufacturers

Finding Overseas Manufacturers

• ImportYeti - Free search engine for overseas manufacturers of similar products through US Customs Records

• Alibaba - sourcing factories globally

• ISPO - Find factories by seeing who has attended large trade shows such as ISPO and more
• Performance Days
• Fashion Tradeshows (e.g. Sourcing at Magic)

• Foursource

• ImportGenius - a clever hack to find manufacturers. ImportGenius tracks shipping activity around the world to show you exactly what’s happening in the import-export business

• Point of Measure Fashion Resource Directory/Database

• Common Objective

• Matchory - they make intros to factories. It costs about $250 to sign up.

• Kompass

• Sqetch (factories in Europe)

• Google Search (get specific about what we’re looking for)
• “Full service manufacturing for…”
• “Low minimum manufacturer for activewear”

• Manufacturing Agreements Tips
• Top 5 tips for creating garment manufacturing agreements
• A Simple Guide to Working With Clothing Manufacturers

• Solar project developer