You pay middlemen 20% extra. They add no value. Your margins shrink. Brands go broke. I watched this in 2019 with a Miami activewear label. Agents marked up knitwear. Profits fell 28%. We cut them out. Sales jumped.
Sourcing direct from a factory cuts costs, speeds production, ensures quality, and builds trust. U.S. brands gain control over apparel manufacturing.
Read on. I explain four big wins for your clothing business.
How Direct Sourcing Lowers Costs?
Agents take cuts. Traders add fees. Prices rise 15-30%. Buyers overpay.
Direct means factory prices. No extras. Bulk savings. Apparel costs drop fast.
What Fees Do Middlemen Charge?
They add commission. Handling. Markup.
We skip all. One price.
In 2021, a Texas polo brand paid agents $3 per shirt extra. Direct with us: $1.80. Margin up 22%.
See apparel manufacturing costs.
How Much Save On Large Orders?
Order 5,000+ pieces. We cut 10-20%.
A New York sweater buyer ordered 10,000. Agent quote $12. Us $9.50. Saved $25,000.
| Order Size | Agent Price | Factory Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $15 | $12 | $3,000 |
| 5,000 | $13 | $10 | $15,000 |
| 10,000 | $12 | $9.50 | $25,000 |
Check Alibaba vs direct.
Why No MOQ Surprises?
Agents hide minimums. Force big buys.
We set clear MOQ. 500 pieces start.
A Florida shorts brand avoided 2,000 overstock. Ordered 800. Fit budget.
Does It Speed Up Production?
Agents delay. Emails bounce. Samples late.
Direct contact means fast replies. Quick samples. Short leads.
How Fast Get Samples?
Agents: 20 days. Us: 7 days.
A Chicago blouse buyer needed rush. Agent 25 days. We sent 5. Won order.
Link to sample development.
What Shortens Lead Time?
One team. No relay.
Production starts day after approval.
In 2022, a Denver jacket brand cut lead 40%. From 90 to 55 days. Hit fall season.
How Flexible Changes?
Direct: adjust easy. Agents: weeks.
A Seattle sportswear client changed color mid-run. We did in 2 days. No waste.
| Step | Agent Time | Direct Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | 20 days | 7 days |
| Production | 70 days | 45 days |
| Total | 90 days | 52 days |
Can You Control Quality Better?
Agents send wrong specs. Factories guess. Defects rise.
Direct oversight. Your standards. Our tests.
What Inspections Happen?
Pre-production. In-line. Final.
You join via video.
A Boston kids' wear brand saw pilling. We fixed yarn. Returns down 35%.
Use AQL standards.
How Ensure Consistency?
Same team. Your tech pack.
No mix-ups.
A Portland coat buyer got even dyes batch to batch. Agent failed before.
What Certifications Direct?
We hold GOTS, OEKO. Real audits.
Agents fake.
A Ohio trousers client passed retailer check first try.
See our certs.
| Inspection | Agent | Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Pre | Skip | Full |
| In-line | Random | Daily |
| Final | 10% | 100% |
How Build Long Term Trust?
Agents switch factories. Quality drops. Trust gone.
Direct partnership. Same contact. Grow together.
Why Repeat Orders Easy?
Know process. Trust builds.
Lower prices over time.
A California activewear brand year 3: 15% off. Volume up.
How Share Forecasts?
Direct: plan ahead. Stock fabric.
No delays.
A Virginia men’s wear buyer shared 6 months. We prepped. Zero wait.
What Support Beyond Orders?
Design help. Trend input.
Free.
A Miami swimwear label got new styles. Sales rose 30%.
Link to apparel trends.
| Year | Discount | Volume Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0% | Base |
| 2 | 10% | +20% |
| 3 | 15% | +45% |
Conclusion
Direct sourcing cuts costs, speeds work, controls quality, builds trust. I run Fumao direct model. Five lines serve U.S. brands. Last year, helped a Los Angeles knitwear label save 25% and launch early. Their revenue grew 38%.
Skip agents. Source smart. Partner with Shanghai Fumao. We make your apparel direct. Contact Business Director Elaine at elaine@fumaoclothing.com. Start saving today.
