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Optimizing Bag Manufacturing for Luxury & Fashion Brands: 4 Key Insights
In a recent conversation with a top sales expert in the foreign trade industry, we found ourselves at odds on several critical points about the current export market. These debates gave me new perspectives on the key factors that truly drive success in manufacturing, especially for luxury and fashion brands. I’m sharing these insights because they’re vital for anyone looking to optimize their bag manufacturing processes and scale sustainably.
My friend believes customer disloyalty comes from greed — customers always want more for less. I see it differently. As markets shift toward decentralization, the emotional ties and loyalty once held by customers are weakening. What truly matters now is efficiency — specifically, the salesperson’s ability to solve problems quickly and effectively.
While personal rapport still plays a role, many salespeople cling to outdated methods like relying on “relationship-driven” approaches or “closing deals over drinks.” They overlook the fact that today's customers care most about:
Customer disloyalty isn’t about them changing their minds — it’s about your service failing to meet their expectations.
My friend argues that sales roles are low-skill and that many salespeople are just messengers. I think this misses the point. The real question is: How can salespeople avoid becoming interchangeable?
The key is in creating value at the procurement level. Top salespeople don’t just look for the lowest price; they work to find the best solution for the client. They understand factory dynamics, negotiate timelines, and resolve conflicts during delivery challenges.
When you master procurement, you become a supply chain commander — not just a salesperson. And a supply chain commander is irreplaceable. Once you control the system, replacing you becomes a high-stakes decision for anyone looking to make a change.
My friend believes that a “battle-ready” supply chain is just one that offers the lowest price. While pricing is important, I think this view is too simplistic. A truly effective supply chain needs five key elements:
Imagine you have nine factories to choose from in the same product category. Each factory serves a different market segment (high, mid, and low-end), and you’re prepared to provide quick quotes for any client type. If any supplier faces issues, you can easily switch to another. You know which prices are unsustainable, which processes carry risk, and how to anticipate seasonal bottlenecks or port delays.
A battle-ready supply chain is more than just a quote sheet. It’s a dynamic, strategic map designed to adapt and shift in real-time.
Many people believe that the customer controls the order. But unless you're dealing with a monopoly product, clients don’t lack suppliers; they lack control over their suppliers.
When I engage with clients, I focus on understanding what they lack. If you can fill that gap, you’ll hold the reins on the order.
The strongest companies aren’t those with the most clients; they’re the ones who can control the order flow. This is reflected in the following capabilities:
Most importantly, clients trust you because they know you can solve problems, not just pass the responsibility. The company that can navigate the complexities of the supply chain, deliver on time, and maintain quality control is the one that controls the order.
Many believe that winning orders comes down to mastering client acquisition, negotiation skills, or psychology. But in reality, long-term business success isn’t about slick salesmanship — it’s about supply chain control.
Top salespeople don’t land major orders based on charm alone. They do it by activating trusted factories, managing multiple supply channels, controlling costs, and ensuring on-time delivery — all while mitigating risks.
Remember: Sales can attract customers, but what truly keeps them is a supply chain they can trust.
While others focus on perfecting their cold emails, ask yourself: Once the client is through the door, can I offer them a supply chain they’ll stick with?
If you're a luxury or fashion brand looking for a trusted, efficient OEM/ODM partner for handbags ,SLGs & Bags— let’s talk.
GRS 4.0 Certified | Trusted by 15+ Global Luxury & Fashion Brands
Jimmy Zheng, Founder & CEO @ Jiean Bags | Proven Problem Solver | Risk-Controlled, On-Time Deliveries
