Achieving success in Garment exports apart from the requirement of good quality of garments and timely delivery, many other factors are also to be considered. Strategic long term planning or short term planning is required for overall success. Keeping the Indian textile and garment sector scenario in mind, the strategies for win-win situation for exports are framed. The greatest advantage of India is that, it has its own source of fabrics like cotton, khadi, silk, wool and synthetic fibres. Also the wide variety of handicrafts and craftsmanship is an added advantage. This country has the capacity to steer clear competitiveness at an international level. Certain Micro level strategies have been framed in order to achieve success in garment exports which are as follows:
Maintenance of fabric quality
The most important aspect for achieving success in garment export is the sustaining the fabric quality. There are many quality control procedures followed for inspection of the fabric right from the stage of weaving, processing, garmenting and finishing of the garments. Thus such type of quality check when done at each and every step of manufacturing of the garments, it would certainly ensure fabric of high quality.
Manufacturing and product quality warranty
By adopting advanced software business solutions like CAD-CAM in garment manufacturing difficulties in patterning or in development of certain products can be overcome. These software are of great use and help garment exporters to enhance businesses. One more thing related to this aspect is to proportionate the ratio of supervisors to the number of laborers, this would ensure better supervision quality. The supervisors should be well trained and have complete know-how about their work. From designing to final finished garments taking care of these things would ultimately result into manufacturing and product quality assurance.
Product variations
To maintain the interest and competitiveness it is important to present product diversification in the garments to be exported. There are many ways to add the element of newness to your collection like introducing range of garment collection season-wise i.e. spring-summer collection, autumn-winter collection, etc. Also variety could be added in terms of segmenting the garments like nightwear, evening wear, corporate clothing, lingerie, casual wear, etc.
Managing the lead time
As the saying says time is money, the time taken from order taken to delivery of goods should be minimized in order to reduce the total lead time. It is important to improve the element of time in order management as it gives the opportunity to the manufacturer to provide timely delivery of garments during the season, and also enhances the competitive edge of the exporter in international market.
Development of Indian designs and fabrics
Indian fabrics, designs and prints are catching the attention of designers all over the world. This can be used as an added advantage by the Indian garment exporters. Garment exporters of India in alliance with designers of India itself or designers abroad could successfully promote the usage of Indian fabrics and handicrafts.
Selection of appropriate channels
After the garment of high quality is made, it is also essential that it reaches the target buyers, sellers and customers. For that it is mandatory to select appropriate channels through which they can be well marketed. Many times despite of having goods of high quality, lack of proper selection of distribution channel hampers the export profit.
Branding
Brand awareness is very essential to create a niche in international market. Retail as well as wholesale garment exporters require branding of their company. This strategy of branding has benefited many exporters as it helps in improving the garment quality and increase the level of pricing. Branding helps in identification of the company and it is a known thing that people generally go for established brands.
Increasing skill and technical expertise
If constant technological up-gradation is conducted, keeping in par with the international market, then it would definitely increase the cost benefits. Therefore there is a need to invest in garment manufacturing technologies, which would ultimately improve the production level and quality of garments. Also it is very important to uphold the technical know-how and skills of the labors working in garment facilities. On-the-job training is a good medium for it. Skilled labors would ultimately lead to increased good quality of production
Knowledge and information of market-fashion & trends
Knowledge and information have become essential tools for successful business undertakings. Access to the relevant information helps to survive in the international competition. The exporters should have knowledge of fabrics, market trend, costs of accessories, production costs, labor costs, etc. The exporters should keep themselves abreast of the garment market and latest fashion trends. Due to fast changing international scenario of this sector, use of online information sources is also very beneficial. Therefore use of computers and its services are essential and provide that extra edge to your business.
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