When you ask three factories to quote the same style, you often get three very different answers. Most of the gap is not the factory being generous or greedy. It is that each factory quoted a slightly different garment, on slightly different terms. Comparing quotes fairly is mostly about removing those differences.
Step 1: Send every factory the same package
A quote is only as good as the information behind it. Send each factory the same tech pack, or at minimum the same photos, measurements, fabric description and trim list. If one factory is quoting from a photo and another from a full tech pack, their prices cannot be compared.
Step 2: Ask for the same terms
Ask every factory to quote FOB with a named port, for example "FOB Chattogram" or "FOB Shanghai". FOB means the factory prices the goods and loads them on board at that port, and the freight and customs steps after that are yours to see and control. When all quotes use the same term, the price on the page means the same thing every time. Our guide to why FOB is the smartest way to buy clothing overseas explains the term in detail.
Step 3: Check what is inside each price
Before you compare numbers, compare the details behind them:
- Fabric. Composition, weight and construction. A small change in fabric weight or yarn quality can move the price noticeably.
- Trims. Zippers, buttons, labels, drawcords, linings and padding. Ask who supplies each one and what brand or grade it is.
- Construction and finishing. Seam type, taping, bar-tacking, washing and pressing.
- Packing. Polybags, hangtags, cartons and any retail-ready requirements.
- Samples and testing. Whether development samples, lab tests and inspection are included or charged separately.
The lowest quote is often the one that quietly uses a lighter fabric, a cheaper trim or a simpler finish. Ask each factory to confirm the fabric and trim specification in writing before you treat its price as comparable.
Step 4: Turn every quote into a landed cost
An FOB price is only the first line of your real cost. Add freight, insurance, duty, customs and broker fees, and delivery to your warehouse to get a landed cost per garment. Duty rates depend on the garment's classification and country of origin, so a factory in one country can be cheaper at FOB and still more expensive once duty is added. Use our guide to building a landed cost sheet and put every quote on the same sheet.
Step 5: Compare the factory, not just the price
- Experience with your product. A factory that already makes jackets or swim shorts will quote more accurately and make fewer mistakes than one that is learning on your order.
- Sample quality. A sample is the best preview of production. Judge workmanship, not only the measurements.
- Communication. Clear, fast and specific answers during quoting are a good sign for production.
- Compliance. Ask about social and environmental audits. See our overview of factory compliance standards.
Step 6: Negotiate on facts
Once the quotes are on one sheet, you can ask precise questions. Why is the trim cost higher here? Can the packing be simplified? Would a different fabric supplier help? Questions like these usually get better results than simply asking for a lower price.
Work with Dragon Charm
Dragon Charm sends your style to suitable factories in Bangladesh, China and Pakistan, collects FOB quotes and puts them side by side so you can decide with full information. To start, send us your tech pack or a reference sample. See also our pages on outerwear and swimwear manufacturing.