Every manufacturer claims good quality. Few can prove it before you order. Here are the practical ways to check a manufacturer's quality before you commit, so you are not relying on the brochure.
What a sample really tells you
A sample is your best evidence. Examine the construction, the finishing, the stitching, the decoration and the materials closely. Compare it to your reference and your expectation. A sample reveals more about a manufacturer's standard than any amount of marketing. Always sample before a production commitment.
Questions about their QC process
Ask how they control quality through a run. Do they inspect in-line and at the end? What do they check on your category? Do they work to a documented, agreed standard? A manufacturer with a real process can answer specifically. Vague answers suggest there is not much process behind them.
Checking references and existing clients
Ask who they make for and, where appropriate, speak to a reference. A manufacturer who supplies respected brands has had their quality tested by demanding clients. Engelite manufactures for major Australian retailers, which is a quality reference in itself.
Red flags in quality conversations
Be wary of a manufacturer who dismisses your quality questions, cannot describe their process, or is reluctant to sample. Quality is the foundation of your brand, so a partner who does not take it seriously is not the partner for you. Engelite controls quality on every run and is happy to walk you through exactly how.