10 Essential Tips for Importing Clothes from Bangladesh
Importing from Bangladesh can be incredibly profitable, but there are pitfalls to avoid. Here are 10 essential tips from experienced importers to help you save money, ensure quality, and build successful partnerships.
1. Never Choose Based on Price Alone
The cheapest quote is rarely the best deal. A factory offering prices 20-30% below market rates is likely cutting corners—using inferior materials, skipping quality checks, or even running a scam.
What to do instead:
- Get quotes from 3-5 factories
- Compare prices against market averages
- Investigate why a price is significantly lower
- Focus on total value: quality + service + reliability
💡 Pro Tip:
If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns and visit the factory if possible.
2. Always Order Physical Samples First
Never start production based on photos or digital mockups alone. Physical samples reveal issues that photos can't show: fabric hand-feel, color accuracy under different lighting, fit and construction quality.
Sample best practices:
- Order samples from 2-3 factories for comparison
- Wash samples to test shrinkage and color fastness
- Check stitching quality by turning inside out
- Test zippers, buttons, and other hardware
- Compare against your target quality level
3. Invest in Third-Party Quality Inspection
Hiring an independent QC inspector costs $200-400 per day but can save you thousands in rejected goods. They catch defects before shipment when problems are still fixable.
When to inspect:
- Pre-production: Check fabrics and trims before cutting
- During production: Catch issues early in the sewing process
- Final inspection: Check finished goods before shipment (most critical)
✅ SupplyCloth includes QC:
All our orders include professional quality control with photo reports at no extra charge.
4. Build Long-Term Relationships
Your first order with a factory will never be perfect. Factories prioritize regular customers—they get better prices, shorter lead times, and more attention to detail.
How to build relationships:
- Pay on time (this is huge in Bangladesh)
- Be clear and professional in communication
- Give feedback—both positive and constructive
- Start small and grow gradually
- Visit the factory in person when possible
5. Understand Lead Times Realistically
From placing an order to receiving goods typically takes 90-120 days. Rushing leads to mistakes, quality issues, and higher costs.
Typical timeline:
- Sample development: 10-14 days
- Sample shipping: 3-5 days (air) or 35-45 days (sea)
- Sample approval & revisions: 7-14 days
- Production: 30-60 days
- Shipping: 35-45 days (sea) or 5-7 days (air)
- Customs clearance: 3-7 days
6. Specify Everything in Writing
Verbal agreements mean nothing. Every detail must be in your purchase order: materials, colors, sizes, quantities, price, delivery date, payment terms, and quality standards.
Your PO should include:
- Detailed product specifications
- Approved samples (with reference numbers)
- Size chart with tolerance ranges
- Packaging requirements
- Labeling and hang tag specifications
- Quality standard (AQL level)
- Delivery terms (FOB, CIF, or DDP)
- Payment schedule
7. Use Order Pooling to Lower MOQs
Most factories require 500-1000 pieces minimum per style. But sourcing partners can combine orders from multiple clients to unlock lower MOQs.
Benefits of order pooling:
- Start with as little as 200 pieces total
- Test new designs with less risk
- Access better factories that normally require large orders
- Share setup costs with other buyers
8. Understand the True Landed Cost
FOB price is just the starting point. Calculate your total landed cost including freight, insurance, customs clearance, duties (if applicable), and delivery to your warehouse.
Hidden costs to remember:
- Sample costs (often $100-200 per style)
- Sample shipping ($50-150)
- Quality inspection ($200-400)
- Freight ($1,500-3,000 per container)
- Insurance (1-2% of goods value)
- Customs clearance ($150-300)
- Banking fees (1-3% for international transfers)
- Local delivery from port ($200-500)
9. Verify Certifications Independently
Many factories claim certifications they don't actually have. Always verify directly with the certification body.
How to verify:
- Request certificate copies with validity dates
- Check certificate numbers on issuing body websites
- Ensure certificates are current (not expired)
- Verify the factory name and address match exactly
Key certifications to look for:
- BSCI/WRAP: Social compliance
- OEKO-TEX: Chemical safety
- GOTS: Organic textiles
- ISO 9001: Quality management
10. Start Small, Scale Gradually
Your first order should be a test run, not your entire inventory. Start with minimum quantities to validate quality, timing, and the factory relationship before committing to larger orders.
Recommended approach:
- Order 1: Minimum quantity to test the process
- Order 2: Double quantity if quality was good
- Order 3: Scale to target volumes
This minimizes risk and gives you leverage if issues arise. Factories also take you more seriously as a repeat customer.
Bonus Tip: Work with a Trusted Sourcing Partner
Managing everything yourself is possible but time-consuming and risky, especially for first-time importers. A reputable sourcing partner like SupplyCloth provides:
- Access to pre-vetted, certified factories
- Competitive quotes from multiple sources
- Professional quality control at every stage
- German legal accountability (no offshore uncertainty)
- Lower MOQs through order pooling
- Expert guidance throughout the process
Ready to Import Smart?
Get expert guidance and competitive quotes from our team.
Get Your Free Quote