What do you actually make?
Ask to see garments similar to yours that the factory has produced, and whether they make them in-house or subcontract parts such as embroidery or printing. A supplier that specialises in your category will usually get the fit right faster.
How is the minimum counted?
Per style, per colour or per size? Can one minimum be split across sizes? Is there a surcharge below a certain quantity? These answers decide whether a small first order is realistic.
How does sampling work, and what does it cost?
Ask how many sample rounds are typical, how long each takes, what samples cost and whether sample costs are credited against bulk. Ask who in the factory reads your fit comments.
What are the two lead times?
Production lead time (from approval to goods ready) and transit time (from port to your warehouse) are different clocks. Ask for both, and for what can delay each.
How is quality controlled, and who carries the risk?
Ask about fabric inspection, inline checks and final inspection, which AQL level they work to, and what happens if goods fail. Agree in writing what counts as a defect.
Terms, documents and communication
Confirm the Incoterm (often FOB), payment terms, which export documents are provided, and who your day-to-day contact is.