Some relationships just don’t work out. It happens with personal relationships and it happens with business ones too. If you find yourself needing to move on from your factory, patternmaker, or designer for whatever reason, here’s what to take with you when you go.
Graded pattern files in a DXF
If you worked with this person/company to create you patterns, you want to get your pattern files. Ask for them in DXF format. The grading is often in a separate file with a .rul extension, so save those too. DXFs are a format that any factory or patternmaker can import and open regardless of what software they use.
If you can get the native file type from whatever software the patterns were made in, that can be helpful if your new provider also uses the same software. Either way, get a DXF file of your patterns.
Editable tech packs
You might only be able to get the PDF of the tech pack which is better than nothing, but if you can get an editable file (often an Excel spreadsheet) that is ideal. With an un-editable PDF, your new factory will still be able to use that to make your product. If you get the editable file, though, you can easily make changes if you ever update the style, add colorways, or add new sizes to your current styles.
Editable technical sketch files
Technical and flat sketches are often done in Adobe Illustrator. You don’t need these to move forward with someone else, but it is nice to have if they are willing to give these files to you. Like with the editable tech pack files, it makes any future updates you make to the original styles easier.
Your material and supplier info
This is often in the tech pack “bill of materials” page, but if not, you can ask for it. Depending on how the factory or service provider works, though, they may not give it to you or they may charge a fee to turn over this info. You can cut your losses and find new vendors for your materials, but if you like the quality you’ve been getting, it is great to continue working with those vendors. (No reason to break up with the whole friend group even if your relationship with the one person ended.)