The verdict in three sentences
A cut and sew manufacturer selling to brands is not buying a website, it is buying qualified private label enquiries, and the agency should prove it understands that before you sign. These 10 questions separate, in one meeting, providers who understand brand sourcing teams from those selling a template. Realistic 2026 budget: USD 12,000 to 45,000, 6 to 12 weeks, and USD 150 to 600 a month for support.
Ranges to know before the meeting
| Item | 2026 range (USD) | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Core site, 10 to 20 pages | 8,000 to 25,000 | Templates, custom design |
| Capabilities and capacity pages | 1,500 to 5,000 | Factory video, process diagrams |
| Certifications and compliance pages | 1,000 to 3,000 | Number of certificates |
| Private label enquiry form | 1,500 to 4,500 | Tech pack upload, conditional fields |
| MOQ and lead time calculator | 2,000 to 6,000 | Rules per product category |
| Hosting | 300 to 1,200 per year | Managed vs shared |
| Support | 150 to 600 per month | Update frequency |
The 10 questions, with good and bad answers
| No. | Question | Good answer | Bad answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Who is the target buyer and what do they check first? | "A brand sourcing manager checking capacity, MOQs and lead times in two minutes" | "Everyone, it will look great" |
| 2 | How will you show our capacity? | Hard numbers: units per month, lines, MOQ per category | Factory photos with no data |
| 3 | How will you handle our made in USA claim? | Wording checked against the FTC standard that all or virtually all of the product is made in the US | "We'll put a flag on the homepage" |
| 4 | How will certifications appear? | Dedicated page, dated certificates, audit summaries | Logos in the footer |
| 5 | What does the enquiry form capture? | Product type, fabric, quantities, target date, tech pack upload | Name, email, message |
| 6 | Who owns the domain and admin access? | You do, handed over at launch | "We manage everything" with no transfer |
| 7 | How fast will it load on mobile? | Under 2.5 s, measured before launch | No target |
| 8 | What do changes cost after launch? | Hourly rate or retainer written in the contract | "We'll figure it out" |
| 9 | How will you track enquiries? | Form tracking by product category and source | Page views only |
| 10 | What happens if we switch agencies? | Source files, backups and docs handed over free | Paid exit clause |
Questions 6, 8 and 10 protect your investment. Questions 1, 2, 5 and 9 decide whether the site produces usable leads. Question 3 matters more than many realise: the FTC treats unqualified made in USA claims strictly, and penalties can be heavy.
What the answers reveal about the quote
An agency that answers questions 2 and 4 well has budgeted discovery time with your plant manager, typically 2 to 4 days. A quote 30 to 40 % cheaper usually skips that time and the enquiry logic, which then returns as change orders. Accessibility is another hidden line: ADA web accessibility claims remain frequent in Illinois and elsewhere, so ask whether WCAG 2.1 AA testing is included.
Mini case study
Illustrative example: Linda, CEO of a 90-employee apparel plant on Chicago's West Side, gets three quotes: USD 9,500, 24,000 and 48,000. The cheapest has no discovery and a basic contact form. The most expensive adds a full B2B ordering portal she does not need yet. She signs the USD 24,000 offer with support at USD 350 a month.
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The maths: two-year cost of 24,000 + 8,400 = USD 32,400. If the site wins one new brand worth USD 250,000 a year in orders at a 14 % margin, that is USD 35,000 a year, covering the investment within the first year.
FAQ
What does a textile manufacturer website cost in Chicago?
USD 12,000 to 45,000 in 2026 depending on capability pages, enquiry logic and design. Add USD 150 to 600 a month for support.
Can we say made in USA on the site?
Only if all or virtually all of the product, including significant inputs, is made in the US. Otherwise use qualified wording such as "cut and sewn in Chicago from imported fabric".
Should we publish MOQs?
Yes, by category. It filters out small buyers and can cut unqualified enquiries by roughly a third (2026 estimate).
How long does it take?
Six to 12 weeks. Collecting certificates and capacity data often takes 1 to 2 weeks on its own.
Let's scope your project. Send us your capacity, MOQs and target brands, and we will price the site with a timeline and support plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
