After Placing the Order

After payment goes through, there seems to be a long wait before the manufacturer starts working on your order. They usually already have other orders in their production line and have to schedule your order when they can. This depends on the size of the factory.

I have an agent who organises this - China Shine. In some ways, it is good having an agent as they will make sure you get the order and seem to be able to move the order between factories. When I was selecting manufacturers, I decided to have an agent and someone who worked at the factory!! My agent only charges 3% which is very small but to me well worth it.

Because I have organised all of this online, I asked for photos to show them making my underwear!! That was quite interesting and gave me a real feel of what was happening! I am very curious and loved seeing this!

I will go and visit the factories that make my underwear! But this will be in the future!!

Getting samples

Buying something from overseas can be a bit scary. Samples are crucial to the process. Usually, they cost a lot. I pay about $150 for a few sets of underwear!!! But the supplier sends them to your door by courier, such as DHL.

With my business, I get the samples in my size. This allows me to check how well the bras fit. (Prior to this, I have provided the supplier with all of the measurements.)This gives me a good idea about what I am getting, the sizing, quality, etc. I ask everyone to comment on them. Usually, the samples are white because dyeing procedures can be quite complex.

Samples need to be perfect. I check them very carefully for any small imperfections. I still got caught and had to reorder some things because they were not good enough to sell to the general public. The shipment cannot be returned because of shipping costs, customs, etc.

I then discuss any changes I need to be made with the supplier. This takes me a few hours but well worth the trouble. I have suppliers who are very particular and make sure they understand everything. That is great for me even though I get impatient at times because we seem to go over things several times. (This is the same for all 3 suppliers I have dealt with!!) The language difference also plays a part in this, so we need to get everything right.

Next post will be about paying deposits.

Finding a product

Many years ago, with time to spare (while my daughter was at a week long music workshop), I cruised the shops of Brisbane. Would you believe Myer were having an underwear sale? Great sale and I needed some new underwear!

I couldn't see any cotton underwear sets, so I asked the sales girl. I could not believe that there were only 2 pants of hipster knickers available. No bras to match!!

But the Bendon sets and Twisted Sista sets looked great. I bought 2 sets - a red floral and a blue floral! Gorgeous!

I think I wore them about 3 times each and then didn't wear the briefs again. I did wear the bras, though!! Very disappointing!

I continued to look for several years, but never did find lovely cotton sets.

When I made the decision to start a business selling cotton underwear sets, I spent hours looking for shops with cotton underwear! No luck!

There were no cotton underwear sets anywhere online or in shops.

So, the next problem became.... where would I find a product to sell?