I am a strong sales agent currently operating in the Australian market. I wish to take the next step and create my own label and or import a range out of China to satisfy market gaps identified.

I have no idea where to start...I think the best bet is to attend Hong Kong Fashion Week????

Does anyone know what sort of minimums suppliers will place on buyers per garment in units?

What are the sort of cost will I incur fromtime of placing order and receiving the goods?

If I was to sample up my own range - how would I go about finding a a factory to produce my range?

How do I source suitable fabrics for my range with manufacturers?

As you can see this is my first step into the importing industry....I need help and would be very welcome to hear from anyone who has had experience in such dealings and can share their knowledge and experience.

Replying to [agentcheetah]:I think canton fair can help you ! You can find real supplier there ! Bless you !

Replying to [Samulson]:Thank you for your reply - why is it you reccomend Canton?

Generally what are the minimums required?

I really appreciate any advise.

Replying to [davidmake]:
Dear David,

Thank you very much for your honest feedback and insight. I agree the Fair will probably be my best start -

What concerns me most is I am totally unawares of the culture and business dealings with these factories and have heard many negatives here in Australia in relation to doing business with the factories.

Are there any good factories or Womenswear suppliers you know of that I should visit when at the Fair?

I want to work with people who are honest and happy to help me start out on a small scale. I feel this is nearly impossible for me when there are such huge demands and opportunities from the US etc.

How do you find conducting business with Australian customers? What are your likes and dislikes? What are your frustrations??

Thank you very very much.

Replying to [agentcheetah]:Dear Agentcheetah, We think if you realy cant sure whether you can find a honest and reliable factory in China ! I just want to advice you try to find a honest and reliable agent in China ! That must be helpfu for you !
Look Here : http://resources.alibaba.com/topic/15839/Advantage_of_trade_company_.htm

I hope that can helpful for you !

Replying to [agentcheetah]:Hi,
I can provide you good advise... Let me know if you have any chat messangers so that i can discuss with you one on one online.

Nitin Agrawal

Replying to [Samulson]:

I did not mean any disrepsect Samulson. I am sure there are many reliable and honest factories to work with in China.

I am very new to this and am simply asking how do i identify a good, reliable supplier from one that may not be as reputable.

Replying to [agentcheetah]: First , M.O.Q depand on the Factory and Their Profit . But ,most of time, 200Pcs i think maybe Ok ! Secondly, All cost depand on kinds of factors, include your target price, the quantity you order, the quality you need and etc .
Thirdly, Most of time, you just need to provide factory detail of what you need ; and ask them for samples . Or provide them your original samples and ask for some as samples from them, to confirm that whether the quality is same ?!

Replying to [Samulson]:

Thanks for your reply Samulson. I plan to visit Hong Kong for fashion week - I think I will take my samples with me to show prospective makers - is this a good move? 200 units is alot for me to digest - I am hoping to find a factory willing to work on minimums of 50 -100. I realise this may be a tough ask.....any comments on this? I am learning that it is probably best i deal with factories who already make womenswear and therefore have the expertise in this area - I am interested in producing party dressess - can you reccomend any makers that you feel may look at my needs with some consideration?

Replying to [agentcheetah]: I think you can try to go to China Gungzhou Fair. That may helpful for you ; If you want to produce your womenswear with a competitive price . HK Cost must be higher. Secondly, my main biz is agriculture and stocking apperals in Fujian China. If you dont mind, i can be your agent in China.Help you source sth you need. And as to the womenswear, you can try to provide me your samples and target price,and quantity you need. I will try to find the factory which accept make them for you ! And provide you their samples for you to confirm the quality.
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Replying to [agentcheetah]:

Dear Cheetah, my advice is to go to the Canton Fair, collect as more business cards and catalogues as you can. I believe that all the the factories that could participate in this fair are most reliable supplier in mainland China. Yes many factory will require a large minimum quantity. Because after the fair, they will be too busy to take small quantity order, but you could wait for some time, two or three month later, they may become less busy. then contact them to try to establish long-term cooperation at this time.

You could also arrange some visit to the factory in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, when the time is mature for you.

I wish you will achieve great success.

Michael.