1. Test material transparency
Ask for the complete fiber percentages for the quoted style and confirm whether the product is stock, modified stock, or a new custom construction. A supplier should not describe a blend as nylon while hiding or relabeling its polyester content.
Our stock compression sock blend is declared as 65% nylon, 30% polyester, and 5% spandex. Polyester is not a defect when it is accurately specified; the sourcing risk is a composition that does not match the approved sample, label, or sales information.
2. Review development capability
Ask how the supplier handles compression programs, sizing, yarn selection, support zones, custom Jacquard artwork, logos, labels, packaging, and sample revisions. A factory should be able to explain which decisions need buyer approval and how they will be recorded.
If you need bamboo fiber, merino wool, COOLMAX®, nurse patterns, sports zones, wide-calf sizing, or custom packaging, request a route for that exact program rather than accepting a generic capability list.
3. Examine the sample-control process
A useful process identifies the sample type, construction, material, size, color, artwork, logo, packaging stage, revision method, and approval record. Ask whether the sample represents the intended bulk route and what changes would trigger another approval.
Compare the sample against your brief, not against the supplier's easiest available product. Keep written feedback attached to the version being reviewed.
4. Ask how bulk quality is connected to approval
The quality plan should use the approved sample and specification as references for construction, measurements, appearance, color, pattern, logo, pairing, labels, packaging, and assortment. Ask how substitutions and changes are communicated.
If the program requires a specific compression test, fiber test, inspection method, or destination-market document, define it before comparing quotes. Different assumptions can make prices look comparable when they are not.
5. Compare the commercial and communication route
Review MOQ by variant, sample timing, production timing, payment terms, packaging responsibility, shipping handoff, and the person responsible for development questions. Good communication should turn decisions into written records, not leave them only in chat history.
- Exact product and material specification
- Sample scope, revisions, timing, and approval route
- MOQ and quantity per size, color, design, and package
- Quality checks, tests, documents, and change control
- Packed-product, carton, and shipment requirements
Bring the brief
Ready to make it sample-ready?
Send the same detailed brief to every candidate supplier and compare the answers line by line. We welcome product-specific questions about materials, compression programs, patterns, sizes, samples, packaging, and quality control.