What should established apparel brands check before choosing an OEM/ODM manufacturer?

Established apparel brands should check whether the manufacturer has experience with similar product categories, stable production capacity, clear communication, sample development ability, quality control procedures, fabric sourcing support, customization options, and repeat order management.

Important questions include: What products do you specialize in? What is your MOQ? How long does sampling take? How do you manage bulk production timelines? What QC process do you follow? Can you support labels, hangtags, packaging, and custom trims? Can you keep fit and fabric consistent across repeat orders? These questions help brands identify whether the manufacturer is suitable for long-term cooperation.