What is Organic Cotton?
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown.
Strategy for selecting a manufacturer/Supplier
The most effective manufacturer/supplier are those who offer products or services that match, or exceed, the needs of your business. So when you are looking for manufacturer/supplier it's better to be sure of your business needs and what you want to achieve by buying, rather than simply paying for what manufacturer/supplier want to sell you. For example, if you want to cut down the time it takes you to serve your customers, manufacturer/supplier that offer you faster delivery will rate higher than those that compete on price alone. It's well worth examining how many manufacturer/supplier you really require. Buying from a carefully targeted group could have a number of benefits:
• It will be easier to control your manufacturer/supplier.
• Your business will become more important to them.
• You may be able to make deals that give you an extra competitive advantage.
Things you should consider while selecting a manufacturer/supplier
Reliability
It’s one of the most important because, if they let you down, you may let your customer down.
Quality
The quality of your supplies needs to be consistent. The quality here means not only the product quality also the maintaining the delivery of the goods at right location at right time.
Value for money
The lowest price is not always the best value for money. If you want reliability and quality from your manufacturer/supplier, you'll have to decide how much you're willing to pay for your supplies and the balance you want to strike between cost, reliability, quality and service.
Strong service and clear communication
You need your manufacturer/supplier to deliver on time, or to be honest and give you plenty of warning if they cannot. The best manufacturer/supplier will want to talk with you regularly to find out what requires you have and how they can serve you better.
Financial security
It's always worth making sure your manufacturer/supplier has sufficiently strong cash flow to deliver what you want, when you require it. A credit check will help reassure you that they will not go out of business when you require them most.
A partnership approach
A strong relationship will benefit both sides. You want your suppliers to acknowledge how important your business is to them, so they make every effort to provide the best service possible. And you're more likely to create this response by showing your manufacturer/supplier how significant they are to your business.
Shortlist the manufacturers/suppliers
After you have determined exactly what it is you need to buy, and you have identified some potential manufacturer/supplier. Ask yourself:
- Can these manufacturers/supplier deliver what we need when we need it?
- Are these manufacturers/supplier financially secure?
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they on any trade association approved manufacturer/supplier list? Or are they a government-approved manufacturer/supplier?
Do a bit of research on your own to narrow your list down to no more than few manufacturer/supplier. It’s a waste of time for you and the potential manufacturer/supplier if you approach them when there is little to no chance of them fulfilling your requirements.
What to do after selecting a manufacturer/supplier
Sampling is an extremely important part of the process once you have found your manufacturer/supplier. Products may look good in images or at exhibition stands at trade shows, however, sampling also gives you a broader idea of the supplier’s ability to deliver acceptable quality, design, and functionality of your product before a large commitment for mass production.
Get a quotation
It's worth asking potential suppliers to give you a quotation for your requirements. You can even ask for a discount if you have large quantity order and expecting a long term contract.
Compare potential manufacturer/supplier
When you have received the quotation, compare it with the potential manufacturer/supplier in terms of what you are exactly looking for.
Negotiate terms and conditions
Once you selected your manufacturer/supplier, it's very essential to negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract. It's good to oversee and clarify the points that you do not understand and finalize the contract.
