What Happens After You Contact The Apparel Co: Your Production Process Step by Step
This one is worth keeping but needs a different angle. The tech pack post already covers "how to prepare for production" and the Portugal post covers "why Portugal." This one should fill the gap in between — what actually happens after you contact us, step by step. That's a unique angle that also directly addresses a question every potential client has before they reach out.
Here's the rewrite:
What Happens After You Contact The Apparel Co: Your Production Process Step by Step
One of the most common things we hear from fashion brands before they get in touch is: "I don't really know how this works." That's completely normal — especially if you're producing for the first time or moving production to a new country.
So here's exactly what happens from the moment you contact us to the moment your order arrives.
Step 1: You Tell Us About Your Project
You reach out with your tech pack and a brief overview of your project — styles, quantities, timeline, and any specific requirements around materials or certifications.
If your tech pack isn't complete yet, that's fine. Tell us where you are and we'll let you know what we need to move forward. We typically respond within 24 hours.
Step 2: We Match You to the Right Factory
Not every factory is right for every garment. A facility that excels at knitwear isn't the best choice for structured outerwear. A factory set up for high volume isn't ideal for a small launch collection.
We review your project and match it to the facility in our network that has the right expertise, capacity, and availability for your specific garment type and timeline. You don't need to research Portuguese factories yourself — that's exactly what we're here for.
Step 3: You Receive a Clear Price Per Piece
Once we've assessed your tech pack and confirmed the right production setup, we come back to you with a straightforward price per piece. No hidden costs, no vague estimates that change later.
If there are any questions about your tech pack at this stage — materials that need clarifying, construction details that could affect cost — we flag them before sampling begins, not after.
Step 4: Sampling
This is where your garment becomes real for the first time.
The factory produces a prototype based on your tech pack. We oversee this process directly — checking fit, construction, fabric behaviour, and finish against your specifications. You receive high-resolution photos and a physical sample couriered to you for approval.
If adjustments are needed, we manage the feedback with the factory and produce a revised sample. Most projects reach approval within one or two rounds.
Step 5: Bulk Production
Once you approve the sample, full production begins. We coordinate cutting, sewing, finishing, and packing with the factory daily — monitoring timelines, quantities, and quality checkpoints throughout.
You receive regular updates so you always know where your order is in the process. Typical lead time from sample approval to completed production is 6 to 10 weeks depending on complexity and volume.
Step 6: Quality Control
Before anything leaves Portugal, every order goes through quality inspection following AQL guidelines. We check garments against your approved sample — dimensions, construction, finish, and packaging.
You receive a detailed report with photos and measurements before shipment is confirmed. Nothing moves until it meets the standard.
Step 7: Delivery
We handle export documentation, labelling, and packing according to your warehouse or retail requirements. Your order ships through trusted freight partners with full tracking, and arrives organised and ready for immediate distribution.
And After That?
We keep all your production records, tech packs, and factory data on file. When you're ready for your next collection or a repeat order, you don't start from scratch — you pick up where you left off.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your project and we'll come back to you within 24 hours.
