Executive Internal Training Highlights: How can sexy lingerie brands collaborate deeply with OEM factories?
As a board member of the company and a seasoned OEM procurement professional, I deeply understand the challenges and opportunities in our brand's globalization journey. Finding a reliable sexy lingerie OEM factory is a crucial step for establishing a foothold in the international market. Today, drawing on my collaboration experience with YIYI factory and practical cases from the industry, I want to share key points procurement teams should focus on when driving a brand's globalization strategy. This is not only an internal training for procurement teams but also aims to inspire OEM factory partners to achieve win-win cooperation.
1. Understanding Global Markets: Diverse Needs and Cultural Adaptation
The essence of lingerie globalization lies in meeting the unique demands of consumers in different regions. For example:
(A)North American Market: Prefers bold and personalized designs, with high demand for materials like lace and mesh, emphasizing comfort and durability.
(B)European Market: Values luxury and high quality, with consumers willing to pay a premium for sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
(C)Asian Market: Favors delicate and lightweight designs, with a stronger emphasis on comfort and cultural adaptation (e.g., subtle yet sensual designs).
These preferences directly impact how we collaborate with OEM factories.
Team Reflection:
Are we thoroughly aware of the diverse needs of target markets?
Can the OEM factory respond quickly to varied market demands?
In our collaboration with YIYI factory, close communication allowed us to translate market demands into specific production requirements, enabling the rapid launch of North American bestseller styles and the efficient implementation of luxurious European collections.
2. Choosing OEM Partners: Five Key Evaluation Criteria
(A)Production Capacity and Flexibility
YIYI factory demonstrated remarkable production flexibility during our peak seasons. For instance, they completed a batch order of 50,000 units within just two weeks, including quick adjustments to production lines for design modifications.
Actionable Suggestions:
Conduct on-site evaluations of factory production lines and expansion capabilities.
Assess the factory’s ability to handle order fluctuations, especially during peak periods.
(B) Quality Assurance System
YIYI factory, certified with ISO9001 and BSCI, has a clear quality management process. Their ERP system integrated seamlessly with our tracking, and in one export order, they resolved packaging issues and re-shipped within 24 hours.
Actionable Suggestions:
Request detailed quality control procedures across multiple production cycles to assess consistency.
Deploy team members for periodic supervision of key processes when necessary.
(C)Innovation and R&D Capabilities
YIYI factory supported us comprehensively by introducing automated cutting equipment. In a material innovation project, they completed the entire process from sample testing to mass production.
Team Suggestions:
Prioritize factories with independent R&D capabilities.
Request case studies of innovative equipment usage and conduct on-site evaluations.
(D)Cost and Efficiency
Can the factory control costs while ensuring delivery efficiency and quality?
How experienced is the factory in handling emergencies?
In a logistics adjustment in 2021, YIYI factory proposed rerouting through Singapore, saving us 20% on shipping costs—a testament to their proactive collaboration skills.
Actionable Suggestions:
Compare cost structures among factories in detail and evaluate logistics time and cost efficiency.
(E)Long-term Cooperation Willingness
After signing multi-year agreements, YIYI factory displayed strong stability and prioritized our orders.
Team Tips:
Evaluate the factory’s long-term plans and reputation.
Verify compatibility through pilot collaborations.
3. Optimizing Collaboration Processes: End-to-End Control from Design to Delivery
(A)Rapid Sample Turnaround
Through direct coordination between our designers and YIYI factory’s R&D team, sample production time was reduced from 10 days to 5 days. This efficiency gave us a competitive edge in launching new products.
(B) Standardized Quality Control Management
YIYI factory established checkpoints at every stage, from fabric inspection to final packaging, ensuring consistent quality across batches.
(C) Cross-Border Logistics Optimization
By coordinating among the factory, logistics providers, and our team, we streamlined the shipment-to-delivery process. YIYI factory’s expertise in handling disruptions (e.g., port closures due to typhoons or pandemics) helped us avoid significant losses.
4. Case Study: From Pilot Collaboration to Strategic Partnership
Initially, we tested a small batch order with YIYI factory. The results exceeded expectations in both delivery time and quality. Gradually, we increased outsourcing to YIYI, reaching 30% of annual production in the first year. Over three years, YIYI became our core supplier, with OEM production now accounting for 68% of total output.
The success of this partnership hinged on the following:
(A) Clear Goal Setting: Define pilot scope and evaluation metrics upfront.
(B) Efficient Communication: Hold regular quarterly meetings to address issues collaboratively.
(C) Long-term Benefit Sharing: Build a win-win model through reasonable cost-sharing mechanisms.
5. Recommendations for OEM Factories: Growth Strategies
(A) Invest in Innovation: Enhance capabilities in design innovation, smart manufacturing, and sustainable materials.
(B) Improve Flexible Manufacturing: Develop the ability to adjust quickly to order fluctuations.
(C) Implement Data Management: Use digital tools to optimize production and logistics coordination.
(D) Proactive Communication and Feedback: Not just meet order requirements but actively propose optimizations for the brand.
(E) Strengthen Intellectual Property Protection: Safeguard brand trademarks to prevent design leaks or counterfeiting.
The Significance of Collaboration: Growing Together
The globalization of lingerie brands is a complex and meticulous endeavor. However, through effective collaboration with OEM factories, we can achieve product diversification, cost optimization, and market share expansion. Our partnership with OEM factories is not merely the execution of contracts but a journey of mutual growth.
I hope today’s insights will benefit both procurement teams and factory partners as we tackle bigger market challenges together.
