Most brand and factory relationships work well. Written terms exist for the small number that do not, and for the larger number where memories simply differ.
Terms worth settling
- Who owns the patterns and tech packs
- Confidentiality regarding your designs
- Payment schedule tied to defined milestones
- Acceptable tolerance on measurements and on quantity delivered
- What happens to goods that fail inspection
- Ownership of leftover fabric and trims
- Delivery terms and who bears freight
Pattern ownership matters more than it seems
If you paid for the pattern, establish that you own it. Patterns are the asset that lets you move production or reorder elsewhere. Discovering ownership is ambiguous at the moment you want to move is a difficult position.
Define the quality standard
Reference the approved pre production sample and the tolerances in the tech pack. Quality disputes without a written standard become arguments about taste.
Milestones, not lump sums
Payments tied to defined stages protect both parties and make progress visible.
General information only, not legal advice. Have any manufacturing agreement reviewed by qualified counsel.