How to find the right lingerie suppliers at global trade shows?
Finding the right lingerie suppliers at global trade shows is an important way for many brands, wholesalers and retailers to expand their business. Exhibitions bring together manufacturers from all over the world, providing opportunities for face-to-face communication, on-site inspections of product quality and long-term relationships. However, with so many exhibitors, how to efficiently screen and find the most suitable suppliers? This article will help you find the ideal lingerie suppliers at global exhibitions from three aspects: pre-show preparation, on-site inspection and post-show follow-up.
A. Pre-show Preparation 1. Define your purchasing needs Before exhibiting at the show, you need to clarify your sourcing needs, including: Product category: are you looking for women's lingerie, men's lingerie, shapewear, or non-marking lingerie? Fabrics and technology: Are there any special requirements, such as environmentally friendly fabrics, seamless technology, lace technology, etc.? Production capacity: Can the supplier meet your order quantity, support small batch or mass production? Price range: set a reasonable target price and make sure the supplier's offer meets your budget.
2. Research on target exhibitions Different fairs have different market positioning and exhibitor composition. For example: International fairs (e.g. China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), Interfilière Hong Kong) are suitable for global buyers looking for multiple types of suppliers. Specialized shows (e.g. Salon International de la Lingerie, Paris) focus more on high-end brands and trends. Regional shows (e.g. Dhaka International Textile & Apparel Industry Exhibition, Bangladesh) are good for those looking for low-cost manufacturers in a specific region. By researching the show's official website, you can get an advance look at the list of exhibitors and shortlist suppliers that may meet your needs.
3. Schedule a meeting and plan your visit Time is limited during the show, so making an appointment in advance will help you communicate efficiently. You can make appointments in advance through the show website, LinkedIn or suppliers' official contact information. In addition, make a reasonable itinerary plan, including priority booths to visit, so as to avoid being overwhelmed on the show floor.
B. How to screen suppliers on the show floor? 1. Observe booth design and product display Booth design and product display often reflect the strength of suppliers. For example, large suppliers usually have a professional booth design and a rich product range, while small suppliers may only have a limited product display. Pay attention to the quality of samples, details of workmanship and product packaging on the booth, and initially judge the level of the supplier.
2. Communicate directly to examine the degree of professionalism Talk directly with the supplier's representative and focus on the following aspects: Whether familiar with industry trends: an experienced supplier will know all about the fashion trends and market demand. Product parameters and process introduction: a qualified supplier should be able to explain in detail information such as fabric composition, production process, and delivery lead time. MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) and Pricing: Confirm that the supplier's MOQ meets your sourcing requirements and understand the pricing structure. In addition, pay attention to whether the supplier can provide OEM/ODM services (i.e., whether the products can be customized according to your needs), which is especially important if you need to customize branded products.
3. Ask about production qualifications and certifications Regular suppliers usually have appropriate certifications, for example: International standard certifications (e.g. ISO 9001, OEKO-TEX, BSCI) Environmental certificates (e.g. GOTS, GRS) Customer references and brands (suppliers are usually more credible if they have worked with well-known brands) You can ask the supplier to provide relevant documents and verify the authenticity during the follow-up visit.
4. Record and take photos for follow-up screening As there is a lot of information in the exhibition, it is recommended to record the booth number and contact information of key suppliers at any time and take photos of the products to facilitate subsequent screening.
C. Follow-up and decision-making after the exhibition 1. Organize the collected information After the exhibition, you need to organize the collected business cards, product information, quotations and screen out the most potential suppliers. Create a simple table including supplier name, contact person, product advantage, MOQ, quotation and other information for follow-up comparison.
2. Conduct sample testing Before deciding to cooperate, it is recommended to request samples from suppliers and conduct quality tests. The test includes: Fabric feel, elasticity, breathability Turning alignment, washability, color fading Wearing comfort If you have specific product standards, such as anti-allergy, moisture wicking, etc., you can ask the supplier to provide detailed test reports.
3. Background check and factory visit If the supplier's sample quality is satisfactory, the next step can be to conduct a background investigation, including: Reputation in the industry (can be obtained through Google search, B2B platform evaluation) Whether there are international customer references Whether the factory accepts on-site inspection (for long-term cooperation orders, it is recommended to personally or commission a third-party organization to inspect the factory)
4. Trial orders and long-term cooperation Before the final decision to cooperate, you can first place a small batch of trial orders (Trial Order), to observe the supplier's production efficiency, delivery time, quality control and other aspects of whether to meet expectations. If the Trial Order is successfully delivered, both parties can discuss the terms of long-term cooperation, including price discounts, payment methods, delivery cycle, etc., in order to establish a stable supply chain relationship.
Conclusion Finding the right lingerie supplier at a global trade show requires adequate preparation, meticulous on-site inspection and rigorous follow-up. By clarifying your sourcing needs, screening target suppliers, inspecting product quality on-site, and conducting background checks and trial order tests, you can find a partner that meets your needs more efficiently. We hope the guide in this article can help you find ideal lingerie suppliers at global exhibitions and provide strong support for your business development.
