9 February 2026

Why “Cheaper” Is the Most Expensive Word

 

After decades in fashion—designing, buying, sourcing, negotiating, and selling—I’ve learned that the greatest damage in this industry often begins with one small sentence:

“Can you do it cheaper?”

It sounds harmless. Like a favor. Responsible, even. But it is usually the start of a chain reaction no brand can control—a butterfly effect.

Factories do not magically create lower prices. When margins are squeezed, something has to give. It might be fabric quality. It might be workmanship. It might be working hours. It might be quality control. It might be delivery priority. The cost is simply moved somewhere less visible. Sometimes, it means people lose their jobs.

I’ve watched brands celebrate saving fifty cents per piece—only to lose thousands later through returns, delays, and broken trust. They thought they were negotiating. In reality, they were destabilizing their own supply chain.

Strong brands don’t hunt for the lowest price—or at least, you would think so. I’ve seen it all. They talk about building systems, collaborating with producers, optimizing layouts, and respecting margins. Then they run sixteen fabric trials. They pay for them, yes. But no one talks about what happens to the rejected rolls.

Sourcing is not about winning negotiations.

It’s about building resilience.

And resilience is what keeps a brand alive.

I’ve seen partnerships destroyed over fifteen cents.

For what?