The Challenge
Longsands Clothing Co faced significant challenges with their previous overseas production model. High minimum order quantities (MOQs) forced them to commit to large volumes of stock, which often resulted in unsold inventory that had to be cleared at a loss. This not only affected their profitability but also created a misleading perception that overseas garment manufacturing is cheaper. When factoring in the costs associated with clearance sales and wasted stock, the true expense of offshore production became evident.
Additionally, Longsands struggled with long turnaround times, which severely limited their ability to respond to market trends and produce limited-edition designs. This delay hindered their competitiveness in a fast-paced fashion landscape where agility is key. The company also had concerns about the styles available through overseas suppliers, as they previously relied on their own custom-cut t-shirts. Sampling inconsistencies and quality control issues further compounded these challenges, with the physical distance from the factory making it difficult to oversee production and ensure consistent quality.
The Solution
Partnering with Custom Planet transformed Longsands Clothing Co's production process. Custom Planet offers very low minimum order quantities, significantly reducing waste and eliminating the financial burden of clearing unsold stock. This flexibility allowed Longsands to maintain a lean inventory, minimizing risk and maximizing profitability.
With much quicker turnaround times, Longsands could rapidly develop and release new designs that aligned with current social media trends, capitalizing on emerging selling opportunities. If a particular style sold out quickly, they could easily restock to meet demand, maintaining consistent sales momentum. The ability to produce smaller quantities also enabled them to test the market with new designs, identifying best-sellers before committing to larger print runs.
Sampling became a streamlined process with Custom Planet. Longsands could visit the production facility in person, overseeing sample creation and making real-time adjustments to achieve the perfect design before commencing bulk production. This hands-on approach ensured superior quality control and eliminated the inconsistencies they had experienced with overseas suppliers.
Additional Advantages of UK-Based Apparel Production
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Reduced Lead Times: Faster production and shipping within the UK ensure quicker delivery to market.
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Enhanced Communication: Direct, real-time communication with the production team improves clarity and reduces errors.
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Sustainability: Local production reduces the carbon footprint associated with international shipping.
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Support for Local Economy: Partnering with a UK-based supplier contributes to local job creation and economic growth.
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Greater Flexibility: Easier to implement last-minute changes and customizations without the delays inherent in overseas manufacturing.
"Custom Planet helped us through the whole process, dealing with problems as they occurred to transform our vision into physical products. We've tried other printers but no-one comes close to the print knowledge and service."
The Results
By shifting their production to Custom Planet, Longsands Clothing Co not only resolved their initial challenges but also gained a competitive edge through improved agility, reduced waste, and enhanced product quality.
