What does a factory need to assess a soft-goods project?
Send a reference or artwork, dimensions, intended use, destination market and quantity per design. Add materials, decoration, labels, packaging and a target schedule wherever those decisions are already known. Mark undecided items clearly so the manufacturer can explain its quotation assumptions.
A product photo is a useful starting point, but it does not define the material, filling, construction or packing specification. For an Able catalog reference, include its website inquiry reference and link; the reference identifies the visual and is not a factory SKU or a promise of stock availability.
Before requesting a quote
Six parts of a usable buyer brief
Product and intended use
Name the category, destination market and intended user. Explain whether you are developing a toy, decorative item, gift set, wearable blanket or another soft product.
Design and dimensions
Provide a sketch, reference sample or controlled artwork link with measurements. Identify which visual details must be retained and which can be proposed during development.
Materials and decoration
Describe fabric feel, colours, filling, embroidery, print or applique. If a choice is open, request a clearly described option and a sample for review.
Order breakdown
State estimated quantity per design, colour or size. For a set, identify every component. Separate optional variations so each proposal covers the same scope.
Packaging and requirements
Explain retail presentation, labels, barcodes and carton requirements. Share the buyer’s testing and inspection brief so responsibilities and costs can be discussed.
Schedule and delivery basis
Give the target sample review and launch dates, destination and requested delivery basis. Ask for a schedule that identifies approvals and information still needed.
Product-specific inputs
What changes between the nine categories?
Use the core brief for every line, then add the construction details relevant to that product. These are discussion inputs; feasibility is confirmed for the actual design.
| Product category | Details to specify |
|---|---|
| Custom Plush Toys & Stuffed Animals | Character views, dimensions, fabric, filling and face details. |
| Kids Sofa Chairs & Bean Bags | Overall and seat dimensions, cover, filling and packing volume. |
| Toy Blankets & Gift Sets | Component list, individual dimensions, matching colours and set packaging. |
| Shaped Pillows & Cushions | Outline, thickness, front and back materials, filling and decoration. |
| Hooded Throws & Wearable Blankets | Flat dimensions, hood shape, user group, fabric and edge finish. |
| Sequin Pillows | Both artwork states, sequin direction, coverage and backing construction. |
| Chenille & Towel Embroidery Products | Base fabric, artwork dimensions, texture, placement and backing. |
| Kids Sleeping Bags & Nap Mats | Open and packed dimensions, lining, padding, closures and use setting. |
| Custom Soft Accessories | Function, panel layout, dimensions, materials and any handles or closures. |
How do you compare OEM / ODM quotations?
Compare the same product specification, order breakdown and delivery basis. A lower unit price may reflect a different fabric, filling, pack-out or excluded service. Ask the supplier to identify the assumptions, exclusions and any options separately.
- Product unit price and the quantity on which it is based.
- Sample development, revision scope and sample delivery.
- Retail packaging, labels, cartons and any tooling or setup charges.
- Testing, buyer inspection and documentation included in the quote.
- Freight and other delivery charges covered by the agreed trade basis.
- Quote validity, payment terms and the conditions for starting production.
MOQ, sample timing and production timing depend on the design, materials and production route. Ask for project-specific confirmation rather than applying one figure across all nine product lines. For plush projects, the MOQ and cost guide explains the main variables in more detail.
What should be approved before bulk production?
Review the sample against the written brief. Check dimensions, proportions, material feel, colour, filling, decoration, seams, labels and packaging fit. List changes against labelled photos and measurements, and keep one consolidated revision record.
Agree which physical samples, specifications and artwork files form the approved production reference. Record the version, unresolved conditions and who approves each item. If a material, construction detail or sales market changes, review the resulting specification and testing requirements with the responsible parties before proceeding.
Able’s OEM / ODM process sets out the steps from brief review to export preparation. The factory and quality page shows production areas, while the compliance page explains how qualified buyers can request relevant records.
Ready to send your brief?
Start with a non-confidential visual or a controlled share link. Include the category, reference, dimensions, estimated quantity, destination market and target schedule. Sensitive artwork can follow after direct sales contact.
Copy this outline into your inquiry
- Product / reference
- Category, website inquiry reference or artwork link
- Specification
- Dimensions, materials, filling, decoration and variations
- Buyer requirements
- Intended use, destination market, labels and packaging
- Commercial planning
- Quantity per design, sample target, delivery target and quotation basis