The Critical Difference Between Sourcing Agents and Full-Service Manufacturers

The Critical Difference Between Sourcing Agents and Full-Service Manufacturers

The decision between working with Sourcing Agents and a full-service manufacturer is the single most important choice a new apparel brand makes, determining its profitability, quality control, and operational risk. While a full-service manufacturer owns the entire production process, a sourcing agent acts as a non-producing middleman. Understanding this critical difference allows startups in the UK and US to strategically choose the partner that best aligns with their budget, volume, and need for control.

Phase 1: Defining the Roles in Apparel Production