We're in China visiting our factory and checking out a special order heading over to Korea. Here are some pics of the factory so you can see behind the scenes of how these bags are made.
It is surprising at our many individual processes are involved with putting together one of these bags. From stitching the linings to each pocket to attaching the branding to the zip pulls.
1. Inside the factory
Walking into a factory gives you a completely different perspective on the products you design. From the outside, a bag might look like a fairly simple object, but seeing the working environment and the number of people involved really brings home the skill and organisation required to make it. I find it fascinating to see how an idea that starts on my desk in London eventually becomes a finished Goodordering bag.
2. The people behind the products
One of the most valuable things about visiting a factory is being able to meet the people who help bring your designs to life. Manufacturing is a partnership, and I want the people making Goodordering products to understand what we're trying to achieve. Having the opportunity to talk face to face, ask questions and build a relationship makes a real difference to how we work together.
3. It's all in the details
It's surprising just how many individual processes go into making one bag. Each pocket lining, seam, label and zip pull needs attention, and all these little details add up to the finished product. As a designer, I spend a lot of time thinking about the way a bag looks and functions, so it's incredibly useful to see how those decisions translate into the actual manufacturing process.
4. Turning a design into reality
A design on paper is one thing; making it work consistently in production is another. Visiting the factory helps me understand the practical challenges involved in construction, from handling different materials to getting the stitching and proportions right. These conversations are especially valuable when developing new products or refining an existing design, because the best solutions often come from working through a problem together.
5. Getting the finishing touches right
Even the smallest components matter. Something as simple as a zip pull or a branded detail needs to be positioned and finished properly to make the whole product feel considered. These are the sorts of things that are easy to overlook when you're looking at a finished sample, but seeing them being made helps me appreciate the care and precision involved in getting each detail right.
6. A batch of orange Market Shoppers
Seeing a batch of our orange Market Shoppers hanging up, ready for inspection and packing, was a particularly satisfying moment. These were real products, made to fulfil a real order, and it was exciting to see them all together after the design and development process. It's also an important stage in production: checking the finished bags before they are packed and sent on their way.
7. Checking quality before dispatch
Quality control is one of the reasons I value being able to visit in person. I can look closely at the finished products, check the details and discuss anything that needs attention directly with the factory team. Having a reliable manufacturing partner means being able to communicate openly about these things and trusting that everyone shares the same commitment to getting the order right.
Why a good factory relationship matters
Running a small brand means that every production run matters. There isn't always room for expensive mistakes, unexpected delays or a batch of products that doesn't meet the standard I've worked hard to establish. Having a factory I can communicate with, rely on and work collaboratively with is invaluable.
Of course, visiting in person isn't always easy, especially when your manufacturing is overseas. But if you get the opportunity, I think it's worth taking. You learn things you simply can't learn from a screen, you build relationships that go beyond emails, and you gain a much better appreciation of the people and processes behind your products.
For me, Goodordering has always been about thoughtful design and making useful things that people enjoy using. Having a good, reliable factory partner is a huge part of making that possible.
