I have spent over 20 years on the factory floor. So, I have worked with everyone from startups to big global brands. And I can tell you that a brand’s success or failure often comes down to one thing. It is the quality of their manufacturing partnership.
Asking the right questions can save you a ton of money. It can also save you a lot of headaches. This guide gives you my insider’s list of the 10 questions you need to ask a potential shoe manufacturer. You should ask them before you even think about signing a contract. This is your playbook for building a good and profitable supply chain.
The 10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Potential Shoe Manufacturer
Question #1: What are your MOQs and how flexible are they?
Why It Matters: Your MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity, has a big effect on your startup costs. It also affects your inventory risk and your cash flow. So, you need to find a partner whose MOQ fits with your business plan.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great shoe manufacturer will be clear about their standard MOQs. For example, they might say 500-1000 pairs per style for sneakers. But what’s really important is that they are willing to be flexible, especially for a new brand. So, a good answer might sound something like this: “Our standard MOQ is 800 pairs. But for a new partner like you, we can help you with a trial order of 300-500 pairs. This will help you test the market. We also offer different prices for different quantities, so you can see the savings as your order size goes up.”
Question #2: What are your lead times and how do you make sure you deliver on time?
Why It Matters: Lead times are very important for managing your inventory. They also affect how quickly you can respond to new trends in the market. You need to know the real, end-to-end timeline. This means from the moment you place your order to when you get your finished shoes.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great partner will give you a clear and realistic timeline. This can often be 10-23 weeks for a brand-new product. That time includes making the molds, producing the shoes, and shipping. They should also be able to show you the system they use to deliver on time. A good answer might be: “Our standard lead time for a new project is about 16 weeks. We use a digital supply chain platform that lets you see the status of your order in real time. We also give you a dedicated project manager who will send you an update every week.”
Question #3: What are your sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices?
Why It Matters: Today, sustainability and making things ethically are a big deal. Your customers really care about it. And major retailers will require it from you.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great shoe manufacturer will be proud to show you their commitment to these things. So, they should be able to show you their real certifications. A good answer might sound like this: “We are a BSCI-audited factory, and we are committed to fair labor practices. We also have a special R&D team that is always looking for new eco-friendly materials. For your products, we can source a wide range of LWG-certified leathers and GRS-certified recycled fabrics.”
Question #4: Can you handle our custom designs and how do you protect our ideas?
Why It Matters: Your unique designs are your brand’s most valuable asset. So, you have to protect your intellectual property (IP).
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great partner will have a strong R&D team. They will also have a clear and legal process for protecting your ideas. A good answer could be: “We are experts in making custom designs. We have an in-house team of technicians to help you bring your vision to life. And to protect your IP, we will sign a China-specific NNN agreement, drafted in Chinese, before we even look at your designs. We also have a secure system to protect all of your digital files.”
Question #5: What are your quality control processes?
Why It Matters: Good, consistent quality is what makes a brand successful.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: So, a good manufacturer will have a solid quality control (QC) process that happens at several stages. A good answer could sound something like this: “We check our products at three different stages. We check all the raw materials before we start. We have inspectors on the factory floor during production. And we do a final random inspection of every order before it ships, based on AQL 2.5 standards. We also think it’s a great idea for our clients to send their own third-party inspectors.”
Question #6: How do you price your products and what are your payment terms?
Why It Matters: You need to have a clear pricing model and fair payment terms. This will help you manage your budget and your cash flow.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great partner will be open about their pricing. A good answer could be: “We will give you a detailed cost breakdown for your product. That way, you will know exactly what you are paying for. Our standard payment term is a 30% deposit to start production. The final 70% is paid after your goods have passed a final inspection, but before they ship. This is a fair deal that protects both of us.”
Question #7: What is your production capacity and can you grow with us?
Why It Matters: You need a partner who can not only handle your first order, but who can also grow with you as your brand gets bigger.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great shoe manufacturer will have a clear plan for scaling their production. So, a good answer might be: “Our current factory can make over 5 million pairs a year. We have a modular layout and a cross-trained team, which means we can be very flexible. We are also committed to investing in new technology and more capacity to support the long-term growth of our partners.”
Question #8: What certifications do you hold?
Why It Matters: Certifications are a powerful, third-party proof of a factory’s commitment to quality and ethics.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great manufacturer will be able to show you a list of their relevant certifications. A good answer could be: “We are an ISO 9001 certified factory for quality management. We are also a BSCI-audited factory for social compliance, and many of our products are CE-compliant for the European market. And, of course, we can give you copies of all of our audit reports.”
Question #9: How do you manage supply chain risks?
Why It Matters: The last few years have shown us all that the global supply chain can be very unpredictable. So, you need a partner who has a proactive plan for managing risk.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great partner will have a supply chain that is both diverse and resilient. A good answer could be: “We manage risk by using a diverse group of suppliers. We have a network of suppliers for our key materials in different regions. We also use a digital platform that gives us real-time information on our inventory. This helps us to see potential problems and respond to them quickly.”
Question #10: What are your digital capabilities?
Why It Matters: In today’s market, you need a partner who is up-to-date with technology.
What a Good Answer Sounds Like: A great manufacturer will be investing in new digital tools. So, a good answer could be: “We use 3D modeling and digital prototyping to help speed up the product development process. Our factory systems can also integrate with your inventory system to give you real-time data on your production.”
The JINHUA Difference: How We Answer These 10 Questions
At JINHUA, we have built our business around being the kind of partner that can give you clear, honest answers to all of these questions.
Our Commitment to Flexibility and Partnership
We offer flexible MOQs to help growing brands get started. We give you a dedicated, English-speaking project manager. And we really believe in building long-term, collaborative relationships with our clients.
Our Expertise in Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation
We are a BSCI-audited factory. We have a deep commitment to quality and a dedicated R&D team that is a leader in sustainable materials and new designs.
Our Investment in a Resilient and Digital Supply Chain
We have a diverse sourcing strategy. We are also investing in the latest digital technologies to give our partners a more transparent, efficient, and resilient supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the single biggest red flag to look for in a potential manufacturer?
In my experience, the biggest red flag is when a factory is not open with you. If a potential partner will not give you a clear answer to these questions, if they will not show you their factory on a video call, or if they will not allow a third-party inspection, you should walk away.
2. How can I be sure I am dealing with a real factory, and not just a trading company?
The best way is to hire a third-party to do an on-site factory audit. You should also ask for a live video tour of their facility and check their business license.
3. What is the most important part of a manufacturing contract?
Every part of the contract is important. But two of the most critical parts are the intellectual property (IP) clause, which should state that you own your designs, and the quality control clause. That part should state that you have the right to do an independent, third-party inspection and that the final payment is not due until the goods have passed that inspection.
The Final Takeaway: Asking the Right Questions is Your Superpower
Choosing a shoe manufacturer is a critical decision. It’s not just about finding a supplier; it’s about finding a partner. By asking these 10 essential questions, you can cut through the noise and find a team that is truly committed to your success.
At Jinhua Shoes, we have built our business on having thoughtful, transparent answers to all of these questions. Since 2004, from our home in Wenzhou, China’s shoe capital, we’ve been the trusted OEM & ODM engine behind leading brands across five continents. We believe that a great partnership starts with an honest conversation.
If you’re ready to partner with a factory that welcomes your toughest questions, we’re ready to listen.
Got a project in mind? Let’s turn it into reality. Send your project details to our expert team by email to start the conversation.
📧 Email: sales@jinhuashoes.com
(You’ll get personalized expert feedback within 12 hours.)
