A bulk order is a big commitment. Hundreds of shirts. A full squad’s worth of tracksuits. Money paid upfront. If something goes wrong, it goes wrong at scale.

The good news? Most problems can be avoided with a few simple questions before you sign off. The right answers tell you whether a maker is reliable. The wrong answers, or no answers at all, tell you to walk away.

Here are the 15 questions to ask a sportswear manufacturer before you place your order, grouped so you can work through them step by step.

Questions About Fabric and Quality

1. What fabric will you use, and what is the GSM?

Ask for the exact fabric type and weight for each garment. “Polyester” isn’t enough. You want something like “140 GSM polyester mesh.” This is the base of your whole order, so get it in writing.

2. Will the fabric stay the same across the full order?

Some makers show you one fabric in the sample and use a cheaper one in bulk. Ask them to confirm that the bulk order will match the approved sample exactly.

3. How do you check quality?

A good maker checks stitching, sizing, print quality and zips before packing. Ask what they check, when they check it and what happens to pieces that fail.

4. Will the colours fade or the print crack?

Ask which printing method they recommend for your design and fabric. Sublimation on polyester lasts the longest for full-colour designs. Screen printing and heat transfer suit simpler logos.

Questions About Samples

5. Can I get a sample before bulk production?

This is the most important question on the list. Never pay for a full order without seeing and approving a sample first. If a maker says no, that’s a red flag.

6. Is the sample free, or do I pay for it?

Sample costs vary. Some makers charge and then take the cost off your bulk order. Know this before you ask for one.

7. How many changes can I make after the sample?

You might want a different shade, a bigger logo or a tweak to the fit. Ask how many rounds of changes are included and whether new samples cost extra.

Questions About Pricing and Payment

8. What is your minimum order quantity?

Every maker has a minimum. Some also set minimums per colour or per design. Check this early so you don’t waste time on a quote that doesn’t fit your team size.

9. What does the price include?

Ask whether the price covers printing, names, numbers, labels, packing and shipping. A low headline price can climb fast once extras are added.

10. What are your payment terms?

Many makers ask for a deposit upfront and the balance before shipping. Get the terms in writing, and be careful with anyone asking for 100% upfront on a first order.

Questions About Production and Timelines

11. How long will my order take?

Ask for a clear timeline from sample approval to delivery. Then add some buffer, especially if you need kits for a season start, tournament or school term.

12. Will you keep me updated during production?

You shouldn’t have to chase your order. A good maker shares updates at key stages like cutting, stitching, printing and packing.

13. Do you make everything in-house?

Some makers send parts of the job to other factories. That’s not always bad, but it can affect quality and timing. Ask who handles each step.

Questions About Shipping and After-Sales

14. How will you ship my order?

Ask about shipping methods, costs and tracking. If you’re ordering from overseas, also ask who handles customs duties and paperwork.

15. What happens if something is wrong?

Mistakes happen. Wrong sizes, a misspelt name, a faulty zip. Ask how the maker handles these. Do they remake, refund or repair? A clear answer shows they stand behind their work.

Red Flags to Watch For

While you work through these questions, watch out for these warning signs:

• Refusing to make a sample before bulk
• Vague answers about fabric or GSM
• Prices that seem far too low
• No written quote or order details
• Slow or missing replies before you’ve even paid
• Pressure to pay the full amount upfront

If a maker is slow to reply now, it won’t get better once they have your money.

A Simple Checklist Before You Pay

Before you confirm the order, make sure you have these in writing:

• Fabric type and GSM for each garment
• Approved sample photos
• Full size breakdown
• Final price with everything included
• Payment terms
• Delivery timeline
• What happens if there’s a mistake

How We Answer These Questions at Silva Row

At Silva Row, we make custom sportswear in Sialkot for clubs, academies, schools and brands. We’re happy to answer every one of these questions before you pay a single rupee or dollar.

We confirm fabric and GSM in writing. We make a sample before bulk production. We share clear prices, honest timelines and updates while your order runs. And if something isn’t right, we fix it.

Got your list of questions ready? Send them our way.

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