Things to consider

When working with a manufacturer, it’s important to carefully consider a number of factors to ensure a successful partnership. The following key points will help guide the process and ensure your arts centre’s needs are met effectively.

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Minimum order quantities and costs

Determine the minimum number of products the manufacturer requires per order and understand the associated costs to ensure it aligns with your budget. It’s also important to determine who is paying for the samples and shipping of the samples, so there’s no surprise costs.

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Materials and quality

Select suitable materials such as fabric, wood, or plastic, and ensure their quality meets your expectations. Collaborate with the manufacturer to create and confirm a Tech Pack for clarity and accuracy on materials. It may be helpful to have an example of the quality you want to achieve. This can be particularly helpful when manufacturing offshore due to language barriers.

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Packaging

Discuss packaging options with the manufacturer, ensuring they align with your product needs and brand presentation. It’s also important to check any legal obligations the packaging needs to meet—e.g. stating the Country of Origin, or what the product is made from.

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Timeframes

Understand the timeline for production. How long does it take to approve a mock design? Once approved, what is the turnaround time for creating a sample? Be mindful of potential delays caused by events such as arts centre closures (e.g., Christmas) or manufacturer schedules (e.g., Chinese New Year).

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Additional services

Explore extra services the manufacturer may provide to support your arts centre. These could include design assistance, creation of a Tech Pack, storage and distribution services, packaging and picking, tracking, and payment processing.

By following these steps, your art centre can establish a productive and efficient partnership with the manufacturer, ensuring high-quality results and streamlined operations.