The process of launching a successful bag brand is an exhilarating combination of creativity and precision in production. For many of the founders, the most intimidating aspect of starting a new bag business is understanding how things work behind the scenes at a manufacturing facility.
What’s critical for any handbag or backpack designer is to have an understanding of the product's production cycle. This guide will take you through the entire journey of your finished product so you can improve your collaboration with your bag manufacturer.
Phase 1: Conceptualization and Design Development
A vision is the foundation for creating an excellent product. You need to have a detailed plan in place that maps out exactly what you want to create before even beginning to cut your first piece of fabric.
Research and Ideation
Identify who your customer will be as a creator. Is your product going to be leather high quality, or a more sustainable earth friendly tote? Develop your concept into a mood board to help you visually express scope of product design.
Creating the Tech Pack
The tech pack is the most crucial document you'll give to your manufacturer. It serves as the blueprint for your production process and includes:
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Technical drawings.
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Size and measurement charts.
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Material specifications (fabric, lining, and other hardware).
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Stitching information and logo placement.
Phase 2: Material Sourcing and Selection
Once you have made a finalized design, you can start choosing the components. Choosing the quality materials is the cornerstone of creating a long-lasting product!
Choosing the Right Fabrics
Your bag manufacturer is usually a good source for providing you with materials to complete your bag; however, you have the final decision when it comes to material selection. Some of the more commonly used materials include genuine leather, high-denier nylon, organic cotton canvas, and recycled polyester.
Sourcing Hardware and Findings
Small elements such as zippers, buckles and rivets, are extremely important. When selecting hardware, brands should keep both style and longevity in mind.
Phase 3: Prototyping and Sample Making
It’s important that you do not begin mass production before you have seen an actual prototype. This is very much a testing phase for the product to be confirmed as working as you wished it to.
The First Prototype
Using your tech pack, the factory creates a counter sample. This is the perfect time for you to check if the way the bag sits on the shoulder looks good or if the pockets are sized appropriately.
Revisions and Final Approval
Going through two to three rounds of sampling is not unusual. The completed prototype is referred to as the Gold Sample, meaning all production will be based off the qualities of the Gold Sample.
Phase 4: The Production Line Process
The factory will enter mass production once the sample has been approved, at which point they will implement a well-coordinated team effort among all specialized departments.
Pattern Grading and Cutting
In the event that the digitized and graded final pattern has been printed, large machines or precision laser cutters have to be used to cut out the fabric into specific panels. It is essential that the fabric be cut with a high degree of precision so that all the pieces will fit together for the assembly process perfectly.
Preparation and Assembly
Components such as zippers and decorative patches must first be assembled before sewing them together; this is done by expert craftspeople using an industrial machine for sewing together components at the seams. High-end bags are usually stitched by hand and may also have edge painting to give them a polished look.
Phase 5: Quality Control and Finishing
Quality assurance is what separates a good bag company from a cheap bag company. Any reliable bag manufacturer will create an adequate opportunity at each stage of production to establish the product's level of quality.
Multi-Stage Inspections
The factory reviews for loose threads, crooked seams, or hardware malfunctions and checks that the dimensions of the garment are consistent with those specified in the original tech pack.
Final Cleaning and Packaging
Once inspected, the bags undergo a cleaning process and will be stuffed so that they maintain their shape. On the completion of this process the bags are put in either dust bags or polybags and packed in boxes for shipment to your warehouse.
Tips for Choosing the Right Production Partner
When it comes time to choose a partner for your brand, it's one of the most important choices you can make. You should be looking for a factory that has experience within your particular industry and niche.
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Communication – Look for a factory that responds to you quickly and is also able to communicate properly regarding the technical aspects of your business.
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Capacity – Determine whether they can meet the minimum order quantities (MOQs) that you are currently placing, as well as your projected growth after initial production.
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Ethics – Ensure that the factory adheres to fair labor practices and complies with environmental laws.
Conclusion
Having a clear perspective of your entire manufacturing process allows for better decision making when developing your brand's product offering. All aspects of the process - the technical pack, manufacturing, and quality control - are equally important in each step of the process.
With this step-by-step process guide in hand, you are able to get your design turned into high quality, ready for your customer products. Remember a successful product starts with a successful partnership. Reach out to someone with the expertise to assist you in bringing your design concept to life!
