SOS: Never ask a factory for the price until you do THIS 💷

Make it British Podcast

What UK Manufacturers Really Think When You Ask About Price

If the first thing you ask a factory is “How much?” — you’re not alone.

But it might explain why you’re not getting the response you hoped for.

In this episode of Manufacturing SOS, I’m unpacking what actually happens when you lead with price, and why it’s one of the fastest ways to put off the best manufacturers.

You’ll learn how to work backwards from a realistic retail price, how to spot when your margins just don’t add up, and what to do before you ever ask for a quote.

You’ll also get a reality check on what it really costs to make something in the UK — and why bartering isn’t a strategy.

If you want to be taken seriously by UK factories and avoid wasting everyone’s time (including your own), this episode is for you.

Listen now to find out:

💸 Why asking for price too soon makes you look unprepared

🧮 How to calculate a realistic target cost price

🧵 Why most founders get their garment costings completely wrong

📉 What happens when you treat manufacturing like price shopping

🔁 What to say to a factory instead of “how much is this to make?”

🎧 Subscribe to the Make it British podcast so you don’t miss the rest of this special MANUFACTURING SOS series

▶️ Watch the full series on YouTube

🚀 Ready to scale your UK-made brand? Apply for the British Brand Accelerator at makeitbritish.co.uk/apply