The weakest way to choose a down jacket supplier is simple: send one picture → ask for price → compare three quotations → choose the cheapest.
That process ignores many of the factors that determine whether seasonal outerwear actually makes money. Professional buyers should evaluate product proof, commercial terms, fit, delivery, documentation and replenishment together.
15 Questions to Ask a Down Jacket Wholesale Supplier
1. What Is the MOQ Per Style?
Do not accept only “MOQ = 100 pcs.” Ask whether that means 100 per style, per fabric or across the full order.
2. What Is the MOQ Per Color?
Color minimums can create unexpected inventory exposure. Clarify whether colors can share one style MOQ and whether size ratios are flexible.
3. What Is the Sample Lead Time?
Sampling delays can push approvals into the production window. Ask for first-sample timing and expected correction rounds.
4. What Is the Bulk Production Lead Time?
Confirm when the clock starts: deposit, fabric approval, trim approval or final sample approval. A vague “30 days” is not enough without a defined starting point.
5. What Is the Reorder Lead Time?
This is one of the most underrated seasonal buying questions. A retailer may be able to open shallower when a supplier can replenish winners while winter demand still exists. If replenishment takes 75–100 days, the buyer may need greater opening depth or earlier material commitments.
6. What Is the Exact Fill Composition?
Ask for documented insulation composition rather than relying on broad marketing language.
7. What Is the Fill Power?
Where fill power is relevant, confirm how it is measured and how the supplier documents the claim.
8. What Is the Shell Specification?
Ask for fiber composition, fabric weight where relevant, hand feel, performance claims and test methods.
9. How Is Down Leakage Controlled?
Construction, fabric selection and quality control all matter. Leakage complaints can quickly turn into returns and negative reviews.
10. Can You Provide Garment Measurements?
Professional buyers need garment measurements, grading rules and layering allowance—not only generic S/M/L size labels.
11. Can You Support Petite, Tall or Plus Development?
If extended sizing matters to your market, discuss feasibility at development stage rather than after a core pattern is finalized.
12. What Is the FOB Price—and What Is the Estimated Landed Scenario?
A $40 FOB jacket is not necessarily cheaper than a $44 jacket after freight, packaging, duties, payment fees, returns and markdown pressure. Compare the economics at realistic retail conditions.
13. Can You Replenish Specific Sizes?
If M and L sell out while XS and XL remain, repeating the original size pack can recreate the same imbalance. Ask whether repeat production can be weighted toward the actual missing sizes.
14. What Compliance and Product Documentation Can You Provide?
Depending on the target market, buyers may need fiber and care information, testing records, packaging documentation and other compliance materials.
15. Can You Support Retail Content?
Modern buyers need more than cartons. Ask for white-background images, front/side/back views, detail photography, accurate color swatches, product videos and usable English copy.
Use a Supplier Scorecard Instead of Choosing on Price Alone
| Factor | Suggested evaluation weight |
|---|---|
| Product quality & specification | 20% |
| Price & margin | 20% |
| Fit consistency | 15% |
| First-order lead time | 10% |
| Reorder speed | 15% |
| MOQ flexibility | 10% |
| Documentation & content | 10% |
A supplier that is $2 cheaper but creates excess inventory, weak fit or missed delivery can be far more expensive than the initial quotation suggests.
What a Strong Supplier Proposal Should Look Like
Weak: “We have 500 styles and the best price.”
Stronger: “Based on your customer, climate and $149–219 retail band, here are four recommended styles. This is the MOQ, estimated landed scenario, size curve, product specification, sample timing and reorder option.”
The goal is to connect the product to a retail role, target shopper, price ladder, proof package and reorder plan.
For private-label development questions, read our Private Label Down Jackets Guide. For inventory depth and reorder gates, see Puffer Jacket Inventory Planning.
Supplier FAQ
Should buyers always choose the lowest MOQ?
No. A low MOQ combined with slow replenishment, inconsistent fit or poor documentation can still create significant seasonal risk.
What is one of the most important supplier metrics after price?
Reorder lead time is especially important for seasonal outerwear because it determines how much demand can be served after the opening order.
Why should a supplier provide content assets?
Better measurements, imagery and product proof reduce buyer uncertainty and make the retailer's product page easier to build.
Should a supplier recommend styles?
Yes, but recommendations should be based on the buyer's customer, climate, price architecture and sales channel—not simply on what the factory has most stock of.
Comparing Down Jacket Suppliers?
Send your current buying brief and target market. We can return a focused style recommendation with MOQ, size/color options, sample timing, wholesale pricing, reorder timing and available customization.