From tech packs to shipping terms — what first-time buyers need to know before placing their first order with an Indian garment manufacturer.
India is the world’s second-largest textile exporter, and for good reason: it combines a deep pool of skilled artisan labour, a traceable supply chain for natural fibres, and increasingly sophisticated production infrastructure. Yet for brands new to the India market, the process of establishing a manufacturer relationship can feel opaque.
This guide is intended to demystify it — drawing on our three decades of experience working with buyers from Europe, the US, Australia and the Middle East.
Step 1: Have a Tech Pack Ready (or Be Honest That You Don’t)
A tech pack is the cornerstone document of any production relationship. It specifies exactly what you want — dimensions, construction details, fabric weights, colour references, trim specifications, labelling requirements. Without one, a manufacturer is guessing.
That said: many emerging brands approach us without a tech pack, particularly at the concept stage. This is completely fine, and we can help develop one. What we need as a starting point is honest detail — reference images, size specifications, and a clear brief about what the garment is for and who will wear it.
Step 2: Understand MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
MOQ varies significantly between factories and between product types. For standard cut-and-sew garments, MOQs at credible Indian manufacturers typically start at 100–300 pieces per style per colourway. For heavily hand-embroidered pieces, the MOQ may be lower because the labour intensity reduces the efficiency advantage of scale.
Be cautious of manufacturers who offer very low MOQs (under 50 pieces) with no explanation — this often indicates either a very small operation with limited capacity, or an intermediary rather than a manufacturer.
Step 3: Build in Sampling Time
A realistic sampling timeline for a new style is 2–4 weeks from tech pack approval to sample dispatch, depending on complexity. Embroidered and heavily detailed garments take longer. We regularly ship samples to clients in Europe and the US via DHL express — transit time is typically 3–5 business days.
Expect to go through at least 2–3 rounds of sampling before approving a style for bulk. This is normal and healthy — it is the process by which the design is refined into a manufacturable reality.
Step 4: Understand Payment Terms
Standard payment terms in the Indian export industry are 30–50% advance against order placement, with the balance payable before shipment (or on presentation of shipping documents for established clients). Letters of Credit (LC) are also common for larger orders. Wire transfer (SWIFT) is the standard method.
Be wary of manufacturers who ask for 100% advance on a first order with no established relationship — this is unusual and warrants caution.
Step 5: Visit If You Can
There is no substitute for a factory visit. It tells you more about a manufacturer in two hours than six months of email can. We welcome all prospective clients to our facility in Greater Noida — we will show you the entire operation, from the fabric store to the embroidery unit to the packing floor. If a visit is not possible, we are happy to conduct a video walkthrough.