6 Ways To Manufacture Long-Lasting Relationships With Manufacturers

Shutterstock

When your business depends on manufacturing, it’s important to make sure to find and build the right relationships.

The size of the global apparel business is growing. Companies who want a piece of this pie must learn to move quickly to follow trends, stay ahead of competitors and build solid relationships with textile manufacturers.

Looking back on my 15 years of buying and selling fashion, building strong relationships with manufacturers has been a big part of our company's competitive advantage and success. Follow these tips to make sure that you are building the right types of relationships with the right types of vendors.

Proximity Networking Works

I discovered that owners in fashion hot spots tend to stay in the same hotels, go to the same restaurants and frequent the same social events. Suppliers will hold meetings with manufacturers, and if you put yourself in the areas where they meet, you increase your chances of running into and meeting the manufacturers you need. When I recently went to China to meet a specific person who I knew was going to be in town. I talked with locals to find out where he was staying. I booked that hotel, and the first day I was there, I ran into him in the elevator!

Get To Know Them Personally

I always like getting to know people on a personal level. When I work with Chinese manufacturers, I know that they are usually very family oriented. When I see them bring their kids to work, I make sure I take time to say hello and always speak with them. This shows the manufacturer that I care about them and their family. This goes a long way in breaking through any cultural differences and finding common ground to build rapport quickly. I also connect with them on major holidays via WeChat, text or social media, wishing them a happy birthday and happy holidays. Keeping in touch keeps the relationship fresh, and as a result, they want to meet up with me when I am in town.

Let's block ads! (Why?)