If you sell team uniforms, your factory is part of your reputation. When an order arrives late, in the wrong colour or with the wrong numbers, your customer does not blame the factory. They blame you.
That is why choosing a manufacturer deserves more than a price comparison. Below are the ten questions we suggest every team dealer, distributor and sportswear brand asks before placing a first order, with what a good answer sounds like and how we answer them at FJ Sportswear.
Why the factory matters more than the price list
A low price per piece looks good until you count the cost of a reprint, a missed season opener or a lost club. The right partner gives you clear minimums, honest lead times, a sample before bulk and the same result every time you reorder. Those things protect your margin far more than a small saving on the first quote.
10 questions to ask a sportswear manufacturer
1. Do you own the factory, or are you a trading company?
Trading companies pass your order to someone else, which adds a layer between you and the people making it. A factory can tell you exactly where your order is and fix problems directly.
Our answer: we make your order in our own factory in Sialkot, Pakistan, with our own design studio, sublimation printing, laser cutting, embroidery and packing departments.
2. What is your minimum order, and is it per design or per order?
A minimum per design matters most to dealers, because every team usually has its own design. A high minimum per design makes small clubs hard to serve.
Our answer: 10 pieces per design.
3. Can I get a sample before bulk, and what does it cost?
A sample lets you check fit, fabric, colours and decoration before you commit your customer to a full order. Be wary of a factory that will not make one.
Our answer: yes. Samples are paid, take about 3 weeks, and the sample cost is given with your quote. You can request a sample here.
4. How long does bulk production take?
Ask for the time after sample approval, not just a headline number, and ask what happens if you need it faster.
Our answer: 3–4 weeks after approval, depending on quantity. Rush orders are sometimes possible, but we check first and never promise them in advance.
5. Which decoration methods do you do in-house?
Uniforms often combine several methods, such as a sublimated body with embroidered logos. The more a factory does itself, the fewer hand-offs your order goes through.
Our answer: 17 methods, including sublimation, embroidery, screen printing, DTF, heat transfer vinyl, appliqué, sublimated twill, chenille and woven patches, and 3D embroidery. See customization options.
6. Which fabrics can you work with?
Different sports need different fabrics. A good manufacturer recommends a fabric for the sport and climate instead of using one fabric for everything.
Our answer: more than 38 fabrics, from birdseye mesh and Speedo polyester to fleece and softshell. For example, our baseball jerseys use 160 or 200 GSM Speedo polyester and basketball uniforms use birdseye mesh.
7. Can my brand go on the products?
If you sell under your own name, ask which branding options are available and whether they cost extra.
Our answer: woven labels, printed labels, hang tags and custom poly bags can all carry your branding. See private label.
8. Can you pack orders by team?
Unpacking a league order and sorting it by team takes hours. Packing by team at the factory saves that time and avoids mix-ups.
Our answer: yes. League orders can be packed separately by team.
9. How do reorders work?
Clubs come back every season. Ask how a reorder is placed and whether the factory can make the same design again.
Our answer: send the design or your previous order details with the new quantities and we make the same design again.
10. What are the payment and shipping terms?
Get the terms in writing before you start: deposit, balance, who pays import duties and how goods are shipped.
Our answer: 50% advance and 50% before shipment, with more flexible terms for repeat customers. We ship by FedEx, DHL or UPS. Import duties and taxes are paid by the buyer unless the quote says otherwise.
Red flags to watch for
- Lead times that change every time you ask
- No samples, or samples that look nothing like the bulk order
- Prices that are far below everyone else with no explanation
- Certifications claimed without any documents to show
- Slow or vague replies before you have even paid
A simple way to compare factories
Put your shortlist side by side. Ask each factory the same questions and fill in a table like this one.
| Question | Factory A | Factory B | FJ Sportswear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own factory? | Yes, in Sialkot | ||
| Minimum per design | 10 pieces | ||
| Sample before bulk | Paid, about 3 weeks | ||
| Bulk lead time | 3–4 weeks after approval | ||
| Your labels and packaging | Woven and printed labels, hang tags, poly bags | ||
| Packing by team | Yes | ||
| Payment terms | 50% advance, 50% before shipment |
Ready to compare us properly? See the wholesale programme or send a bulk quote request. We reply within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to work with a factory or an agent?
A factory gives you direct contact with the people making your order, which usually means faster answers and fewer mistakes. An agent can help if they add real services, but check who actually makes the products.
Should I pay for a sample?
A paid sample is normal for custom work, because it is made to your design. It is the cheapest way to avoid a costly mistake on a full order.
What minimum order should a new dealer look for?
Look for a minimum per design that matches your smallest customers. At FJ Sportswear the minimum is 10 pieces per design.