How to Get an Accurate Knitwear Manufacturer Quote for Bulk Orders

Requesting a knitwear manufacturer quote is a critical step for fashion brands, retailers, and private label businesses planning bulk production. Unlike basic apparel, knitwear pricing depends on multiple technical and material factors that directly impact cost, lead time, and production feasibility.

This article explains how brands can prepare accurate information, understand pricing components, and work efficiently with a knitwear manufacturer to receive reliable quotes for OEM and ODM bulk orders.

What Affects a Knitwear Manufacturer Quote

For brands new to knitwear sourcing, understanding how a professional knitwear manufacturer operates is essential before requesting quotations.

A knitwear manufacturer quote is not a fixed price. It is calculated based on several production-related variables that determine material usage, machine time, and labor requirements.

Key pricing factors include:

• Yarn type and composition (cotton, wool, blends, recycled fibers)
• Knitting gauge and stitch complexity
• Product category (sweater, scarf, hat, gloves)
• Order quantity and colorways
• Finishing requirements (washing, trimming, labeling, packaging)

Understanding these factors helps brands avoid unrealistic expectations and speeds up the quotation process.

MOQ and Bulk Order Requirements

Most professional knitwear manufacturers operate with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 100 pieces per style, depending on yarn selection, gauge, and design complexity.

MOQ is necessary to ensure:

• Efficient yarn sourcing
• Stable machine setup
• Consistent quality across production runs

For brands launching new collections, starting with bulk-ready designs and limited color options can help meet MOQ requirements while controlling costs.

OEM vs ODM: How It Impacts Quotation

The quotation structure differs depending on whether a brand chooses OEM or ODM production.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing)

• Brand provides design files, sizing, and specifications
• Quote focuses on production cost and materials
• Suitable for brands with in-house design teams

ODM (Original Design Manufacturing)

• Manufacturer supports design or offers existing styles
• Quote may include development or customization fees
• Ideal for brands seeking faster time-to-market

👉 For a full overview of production capabilities, see:
Knitwear OEM & ODM Manufacturing Services

Information Brands Should Prepare Before Requesting a Quote

To receive an accurate knitwear manufacturer quote, brands should prepare the following details:

• Product type (sweater, scarf, hat, etc.)
• Target yarn composition and weight
• Estimated order quantity (minimum 50-200 pcs)
• Size range and grading requirements
• Target market (USA, EU, Australia, Spain, UAE)
• Desired delivery timeline

Providing clear information reduces back-and-forth communication and shortens quotation lead time.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Knitwear Quote

For most bulk orders, a professional knitwear manufacturer can provide an initial quotation within 1–3 business days, depending on:

• Complexity of the design
• Availability of yarn options
• Sampling or development requirements

Quotes involving custom yarns or new stitch development may require additional evaluation time.

Common Mistakes When Requesting Knitwear Quotes

Brands often delay production by making avoidable mistakes, such as:

• Requesting quotes without defined quantities
• Ignoring yarn availability or seasonal constraints
• Comparing knitwear quotes directly with cut-and-sew pricing
• Underestimating sampling timelines

Avoiding these issues improves sourcing efficiency and cost accuracy.

Next Steps After Receiving a Quote

Once a quote is approved, brands typically proceed with:

• Sampling and fit confirmation
• Yarn color and stitch approval
• Production scheduling
• Bulk order confirmation

For brands developing multiple knitwear styles, working with an experienced manufacturing partner ensures consistency across collections.

👉 Explore available product categories here:
Knitwear Products for Private Label Brands

Conclusion

Obtaining an accurate knitwear manufacturer quote requires preparation, technical understanding, and clear communication. By defining product requirements, understanding OEM and ODM options, and planning bulk-ready designs, brands can streamline sourcing and reduce production risk.

Working with a reliable knitwear manufacturing partner helps brands control cost, maintain quality, and scale successfully in competitive global markets.