Buyer resource
What to Prepare for an Apparel Quote
Prepare a useful first apparel inquiry without waiting for every technical detail, then distinguish estimates from confirmed requirements.
01
Send enough to identify the project
Start with your company, product category, destination market and estimated bulk volume. Explain whether you are a brand, retailer, importer or sourcing team. Give the proposed item types and any reference styles. DALI focuses on bulk manufacturing orders; sampling can support their development. You do not need to complete every technical file before opening the conversation.
02
State quantities in a way that can be priced
Say whether the estimate means garments, pairs, complete sets or retail packs. Break it down by style, color and size where available. If the total is provisional, mark it as an estimate. Explain repeat-order or seasonal plans without representing them as firm commitments. Minimum quantities depend on the actual product and order structure, so do not infer them from website examples.
03
Attach references with useful context
Provide drawings, a technical pack, authorized artwork, swatch references or photos of a reference sample if you have them. Name what each reference should communicate: shape, fit, material or presentation. Identify open decisions so the team does not treat an example photo as an instruction to copy all details. Sensitive files and confidentiality arrangements can be discussed before detailed sharing.
04
Separate desired terms from an agreed offer
State the sample objective, proposed packaging, required testing and requested shipping term with its named port or place, if known. Distinguish the required ex-factory date from the arrival date. Name the currency and price basis. Ask the quotation to identify packaging, sampling, testing and freight inclusions, quotation validity and assumptions that could change price or schedule. These are requests, not standard DALI terms; the commercial basis requires project-specific written confirmation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending only a photograph and asking for a final price.
- Using units without distinguishing packs, pairs and garments.
- Treating a requested delivery date as a confirmed commitment.
Working example
Initial apparel quotation brief
| Field | Illustrative inquiry | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Company / role | Retail brand; contact supplied | Confirmed by buyer |
| Category / style | Private-label crew socks / SK01 | Concept |
| Destination | Buyer market and delivery location | To confirm |
| Volume / unit | 18000 pairs / three-pair packs | Estimate |
| Assortment | 6000 packs; size/color split pending | To develop |
| Files | Artwork and reference photos | Available |
| Sample objective | Fit, artwork and yarn comparison | Proposed |
| Packaging | Belly-band packaging | To discuss |
| Tests / evidence | Buyer requirements to share | Open |
| Delivery / currency | Requested quarter / currency to confirm | Not an offer |
Project worksheet
Start with the Project brief, then complete the relevant product details. Email the workbook and available references to [email protected]. You can leave undecided items blank.
Use the completed worksheet alongside the product drawings, approved specification and agreed order requirements.
Useful information
Your working checklist
- 01Product description
- 02Estimated quantity
- 03Material preferences
- 04Destination market
- 05Delivery window, if known
Frequently asked
Buyer questions
01Can I inquire with an incomplete tech pack?
Yes. Send the project, destination and estimated volume with the references available. Mark unresolved decisions for discussion.
02Will the first reply be a final quotation?
It may ask for clarification or propose assumptions. A useful quotation needs a clear specification and commercial basis.
03Does DALI offer small production runs because samples are available?
No. The business focuses on bulk programs. Sampling is discussed as part of development for a proposed production order.
From preparation to development
Discuss the questions that remain open.
Use the guide to organize the information you have, then discuss your product and estimated bulk requirement with DALI. A complete worksheet or technical pack is not required for the first conversation.