Frequently Asked Questions
About Middleman Sourcing (MMS)
Where is MMS based?
MMS is strategically positioned with its primary headquarters in London, United Kingdom, and a dedicated, full-scale operational team on the ground in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Who can partner with Middleman Sourcing?
MMS partners with fashion brands, retailers, designers, institutions, and businesses of all scales. From developing a single product to managing complex, ongoing production, the agency provides tailored solutions for any stage of growth.
Is MMS limited to fashion brands?
No. Support is provided to any entity looking to produce garments, textiles, and a wide range of apparel-based products,
including institutional textiles.
Does MMS support startups and emerging brands?
Yes. Solutions are available for businesses of all sizes. MMS offers scalable support to help emerging brands navigate the
complexities of manufacturing.
What distinguishes MMS from traditional sourcing agents?
MMS acts as a dedicated production partner rather than a mere intermediary. The agency provides direct oversight through a global network and prioritises collaboration with certified, sustainability-focused manufacturing partners. With a rigorous focus on garment integrity, factory compliance, and reliable door-to-door logistics—particularly across Europe—MMS ensures total quality control from concept to final delivery.
Products & Capabilities
What types of products are produced by MMS?
MMS manages the manufacturing of a wide range of apparel and textiles, including menswear, womenswear, kidswear, and accessories. The agency also facilitates production for institutional goods, such as high-performance towels and textiles. All items are fully customisable and produced through a verified network of global manufacturing partners.
What specific services are provided?
MMS offers end-to-end production management, overseeing every stage from initial design to final delivery. Core services include:
- Development: Pattern making, size grading, and fit refinement.
- Sourcing: Fabric development, material sourcing, and testing.
- Manufacturing: Cut, make, and trim (CMT), including advanced construction.
- Customisation: Screen printing, DTG, and speciality embroidery.
- Logistics: Labelling, custom packaging, and global shipping.
Are blank stock garments available?
MMS primarily operates as a made-to-order manufacturer, providing total control over fabric weight, colour, and fit. However, a specialised "Shop Blanks" service is currently in development. This will offer a curated range of non-customised, high-quality essentials with low minimum order quantities (MOQ). In the interim, "Ready Fabric" options can be utilised to accelerate production times for specific projects.
Working With MMS
How do I get started with MMS?
Simply contact us with your requirements. We’ll guide you through the sourcing process—from understanding your product needs and budget to sampling and production.
Can I request samples before placing a full order?
Absolutely. We always recommend starting with samples to ensure the product meets your expectations. Sample timelines and costs will be shared based on your project scope.
Who handles quality control?
MMS takes full responsibility for quality control. Our team is involved at every stage—from raw material checks to final inspection—so your products meet high standards consistently.
Manufacturing & Locations
Are your factories ethically audited?
Absolutely. We prioritise factories that hold certifications such as SEDEX, BSCI, or OEKO-TEX. We believe transparency is the future of fashion, and we can provide audit documentation upon request for your bulk orders.
Where is production managed?
MMS operates through a global network of verified manufacturing partners, with a primary production base in Bangladesh. To ensure the best outcome for every project, production is strategically allocated across Portugal, South Asia, and Turkey. We select the factory based on your specific needs, technical complexity, order volume, and budget requirements. This multi-region presence allows for a flexible supply chain tailored to specific brand needs.
Does MMS own the manufacturing facilities?
No. MMS operates as a production management agency, managing the end-to-end process from sourcing to FOB delivery. The agency identifies the optimal manufacturing locations and oversees production through long-term partnerships and exclusive agreements. This model ensures greater flexibility and expert sourcing while maintaining consistent quality and compliance across all categories.
Can facility visits be arranged?
Yes. Site visits to production facilities can be coordinated for clients with active development or ongoing production projects.
What is the standard Minimum Order Quantity(MOQ)?
For fully customised, made-to-order production, the recommended minimum is 300 units per style, per colour. However, MMS maintains flexibility for emerging brands and can often accommodate smaller runs of 50 to 100 units. The final MOQ is determined by specific product categories, fabric availability, and the complexity of the garment construction.
Production & Delivery
How do you ensure the quality of my order?
We don't just "order and hope." We implement a Three-Stage Inspection process:
- Pre-Production: Reviewing fabric swatches and tech packs.
- In-Line: Checking the first batch of the production run.
- Pre-Shipment: A final AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) inspection before the goods leave the factory floor.
What is the typical lead time for production?
Lead times vary by product and order size but typically range from 30–60 days after sample approval. We’ll provide a detailed timeline during the planning phase.
Do you offer shipping and logistics support?
Yes. MMS manages the entire logistics process, including freight forwarding, documentation, and delivery. We ensure a hassle-free experience from factory to final destination.
Can I track my order status?
Yes. We maintain regular communication throughout the process and provide updates at every stage, including production progress, quality checks, and shipment tracking.
Design, Development & Sampling
Can custom designs be submitted for production?
Yes. MMS works directly from provided tech packs, sketches, reference images, or physical samples. Whether a brand provides full technical specifications or a creative concept, the agency offers the necessary support to translate those ideas into production-ready garments.
Can MMS assist if a Tech Pack is not available?
Yes. For clients who do not have a completed tech pack, the in-house technical team provides comprehensive development support. This includes creating technical drawings, assisting with material selection, and developing the patterns required for manufacturing.
What is a Tech Pack and why is it required?
A Tech Pack is a detailed blueprint that
outlines every specification needed for production—including measurements,
material compositions, colourways (Pantone), trims, and labelling instructions.
A precise Tech Pack minimises errors and ensures consistency across bulk production. MMS can develop these documents for clients as part of the initial
development phase.
What is the difference between Prototype, Fit, and Salesman Samples?
- Prototype: Initial concept to test design and construction. Substitute fabrics may be used for speed. Estimated time: 5–10 working days.
- Fit Sample: Used to finalise sizing and design details using approved or near-final materials. Estimated time: 7–14 working days.
- Salesman Sample (SMS): A production-ready master reference using final fabrics, trims, and colours. Estimated time: 7–14 working days.
- Note: Timelines begin once all tech packs and materials are confirmed. Sample production and courier fees are the responsibility of the client unless otherwise agreed.
How does the sampling process work?
The process begins with a tech pack or physical reference samples. These are used to create a prototype for design and
construction approval. If exact bulk fabric is unavailable for small quantities, the closest match in weight and colour is used for the initial stages. Development typically takes 7–14 business days once
all specifications are confirmed.
Materials, Sustainability & Customisation
Can MMS assist with sourcing sustainable andeco-friendly materials?
Yes. MMS sources a wide range of sustainable materials—including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and eco-friendly trims—tailored to specific budget and performance requirements. We ensure all sustainable sourcing aligns with relevant certifications to meet your brand’s
environmental standards.
What certifications are available for sustainable options?
MMS works with certified materials and
facilities that adhere to globally recognised standards, including GOTS, GRS, OCS, BCI, and OEKO-TEX®. All manufacturing partners undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with social and environmental standards.
How is sustainable production defined at MMS?
Sustainable production involves minimising environmental impact through strategic sourcing and manufacturing choices. This includes Material Integrity (organic/recycled fibres), Responsible Processing (low-impact dyeing), and Factory Compliance (fair labour standards).
Are all fabrics offered by MMS organic?
No. While organic cotton is a core offering, MMS also sources conventional cotton, recycled synthetics, technical textiles, and
specialty blends.
Are Lab Dips (colour samples) provided?
Yes. For custom colour requirements, Lab Dips are provided to ensure precise colour matching against Pantone references or
physical swatches before bulk production commences.
What customisation and branding techniques are available?
- Advanced Printing: Screen printing (Water-based, Plastisol, Flock, Discharge), DTG, DTF, Puff, Reflective, and Sublimation.
- Specialised Embroidery: 2D and 3D (Puff) embroidery, Chain-stitch, Chenille, and custom Appliqué/Patchwork.
- Garment Treatments: Fade-out effects, Vegetal and Garment dyeing, Enzyme washes, and Micronisation.
- Integrated Branding: Interior and exterior neck labels, flag labels, and custom care/composition tags.
Are custom labels and packaging solutions provided?
Yes. MMS offers a comprehensive range of branding assets including custom woven or printed labels, hangtags, and
sustainable packaging like branded polybags and specialised boxes. Additionally, we provide technical integration for QR codes and RFID tracking.
Timelines, Logistics & Payments
What are the typical development and production timelines?
Timelines vary based on complexity and country. Standard estimates for production in Bangladesh are:
- Lab Dips: Approx. 7–10 working days.
- Sampling & Prototyping: 2–4 weeks.
- Bulk Production: 8–12 weeks following final pre-production sample approval.
- Shipping (FOB): Air Freight (5–7 days) or Sea Freight (4–6 weeks).
- Note: Timelines are approximate and depend on country, order volume, and material origin.
Will I have visibility over costs and production progress?
Transparency is a core principle. Clients
receive detailed cost breakdowns before work begins and regular status updates
throughout the manufacturing cycle.
How is quality control managed?
Integrity is maintained through internal checks at every stage by on-the-ground teams in Dhaka. Final inspections follow approved AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standards. Independent third-party inspections can be arranged.
Can changes be made once production has commenced?
Once bulk production begins and samples are approved, changes are not recommended as they significantly impact schedules and costs.
What are the standard payment terms?
Our standard framework is a 50% deposit before production commences and 50% remaining balance due upon
completion and prior to shipment (FOB).
What payment methods are accepted for bulk orders?
MMS accepts wire transfers (bank transfers) for all bulk production and sampling invoices. Full banking details are provided at the invoicing stage.
Can MMS manage global shipping and logistics?
Yes. While standard terms are FOB or EXW, we offer tailored shipping solutions
including CIF, DAP, and DDP (Full landed service) based on your requirements.
Note: While we specialise in managing the movement of goods, the availability of DDP or DAP terms depends on the destination country and total order volume.
Will I have to handle UK Customs and Import Duties?
No. As a UK-registered Limited Company, we can provide LDP (Landed Duty Paid) quotes. This means the price we give you includes the cost of the goods, shipping, and all UK customs duties. Your order arrives at your door with no hidden "surprise" invoices.
What are the primary shipping methods?
For time-sensitive consignments and sampling, MMS utilises DHL, FedEx, and UPS for rapid air freight (5–7 days). For larger bulk orders, sea freight (4–6 weeks) is recommended to optimise cost-efficiency.
How are shipping costs calculated?
Shipping costs are determined by the total
volume (CBM), weight, destination, and chosen method. Final costs are confirmed
once the consignment is packed and ready for dispatch.
Legal & Projects
Are designs and intellectual property protected
Yes. MMS operates under a strict non-disclosure policy. Formal NDAs can be executed upon request.
How do I initiate a project with MMS?
To begin, submit your project details via
the website enquiry form or email info@middlemansourcing.com. Providing reference images, tech packs, or a general concept will allow the technical team to review your requirements and guide you through the initial development stages.
Still have questions?
If you need more clarity on our manufacturing processes or have specific technical questions, our team is here to guide you.