Hi, my name is Chris. I have been working in the Vietnam garment industry since 2008. My expertise is advising fashion start-ups how to start a clothing line producing overseas, specifically in Vietnam. Allow me to ask you three questions.

1. Will producing overseas lower your garment cost?
2. Do you want to reduce your garment cost?
3. When is a good time to start producing overseas?

The answer to the first question, will producing overseas lower your costs, is usually yes because of lower minimum wages. The answer to the third question, when is the right time, depends on if it makes business sense to produce in an overseas country like Vietnam and are you prepared. I can help you figure out if it makes business sense and prepare you to work with factories in Vietnam.

The most common question I get is: 'Chris, can you introduce me to a factory that can handle small orders?' In short, yes.

My best advice is to have your tech packs ready and know exactly the quantity breakdown you want. This is how to start a clothing line producing overseas quickly.

I can introduce you to factories. Are you prepared? My concern is that if I introduce you too soon and you start working directly with the factory, you will have more questions than answers after meeting them. My fear is that the factory will not follow up as promised because they sense that you are new to the game. I have seen it happen a hundred times. You need to be all set on how to start a clothing line producing overseas before talking to the factories.

I know and I can consult for you. Work with me and hit a home run your first time up to bat. There is a lot work though and since you are in the driver's seat you will have to make tough decisions. My job is to guide you, not make decisions for you. I make sure you are aware of all options and don't make catastrophic mistakes.

In short you will need tech packs, the right quantity per style and a downpayment. Have these three things locked and loaded before you approach a factory. If you apply this tip on how to start a clothing line producing overseas and have these three things, you can proceed quickly.