A Perfect Pairing - Finding Manufacturer
Finding Manufacturers that Fit Your Brand
One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "How do you find your manufacturers?"
It's a great question because choosing a manufacturer isn't simply checking prices or comparing turnaround times. It's choosing a business partner. The people who print your fabric or wallpaper become an extension of your brand. Their quality becomes your reputation.
When I first began my business, I thought finding a manufacturer was about finding someone who could produce my work. Over time, I realized I wasn't looking for a printer—I was looking for a relationship.
That shift changed everything.
Start With Your End Customer
Before contacting manufacturers, ask yourself a simple question:
Who is this product for?
A fabric designed for upholstery has very different requirements than fabric intended for pillows, drapery, or quilting. Wallpaper for an interior design professional that has certain requirements for color and installation is different than a renovator that wants to order wallpaper for a do it yourself project.
The intended use should always guide the manufacturing decision.
When you know who you're serving, the technical decisions become much easier.
I have a few go to manufacturers for various returning customers, who have installer preferences like no margins on the wallpaper.
Quality Is More Important Than Price
It's tempting to compare manufacturers by price alone, especially when you're just starting out.
I've learned that consistency, communication, and reliability are often worth paying for.
A beautiful design printed poorly is no longer a beautiful design.
I pay attention to:
Color accuracy
Fabric weights
Print clarity
Communication
Shipping consistency
Willingness to answer questions
These qualities build confidence—not just for me, but for every client who purchases my work.
Ask Questions Before You Commit
I never assume every manufacturer works the same way. AND trust me they do not! From wallpaper widths to margins in the runs there is always something to learn about each manufacturer.
Some of my favorite conversations happen before I ever place an order.
Here are a few questions I always ask:
- What fabrics do you recommend for home décor?
- What is your minimum order quantity?
- Can I order strike-offs or samples?
- How do you handle color matching?
- Do you provide Pantone matching?
- What file specifications do you require?
- What is your typical turnaround time?
- What happens if there's a production issue?
- Can I order a blank swatch booklet?
A manufacturer who welcomes these questions is often one who values long-term relationships.
Order Samples—Every Time
One of the best investments you can make is ordering samples before committing to a full production run.
I always want to see:
- How the colors translate.
- How the repeat feels.
- How the fabric drapes.
- How the wallpaper looks in natural light.
- Holding the product in your hands is invaluable.
Relationships Matter
Some of my best business opportunities have come from relationships—not transactions.
I enjoy getting to know the people behind the printing presses.
I learn from them.
They learn about my work.
Over time, those conversations create trust.
When challenges arise—and they always do—you already have a relationship built on respect and communication.
That's invaluable.
My Best Advice
Don't rush the process.
Take your time.
Order samples.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Build relationships before you need them.
The right manufacturing partner doesn't simply print your artwork.
They help you bring your creative vision into someone's home.
That is a partnership worth investing in.
Reflection
As creatives, we spend countless hours refining our designs.
We should give just as much thought to choosing the people who help us bring those designs into the world.
I had to do some research to find the perfect match for me and along the way I made some mistakes. I live in South Carolina, finding a manufacturer here made sense. But over the years, asking questions meeting people in the business caused me to find more printers in other areas and that is ok.
Adjustments are necessary sometimes. I will be sure to share how and why some of my changes printing partners changed.
What's one question you've always wanted to ask about finding a manufacturer?
Contact me via emial at Lori@loribattaglia designs. I read every message, and if it is a question I can answer - I am happy to help!
Lori