Before contacting us with a question, it’s possible that your question has already be answered here in the FAQ.
//Details Needed to Provide a Quotation
fabric content
fabric weight
fabric color
label type
label size
label location
embellishment type
embellishment size
embellishment location
total quantity:
Once we have these questions covered we can begin setting up for production. Production is to your exact specifications for each order. Orders begin with buying the yarn, then knitting or weaving, dyeing, cutting, printing, sewing, labeling, and finally packaging your product. Turnaround times vary depending on each orders requirements. A standard t-shirt run of 1,000 pieces takes about 4 weeks for production.
//Minimums
Most factories require 1,000 pieces per style to accept an order. We understand the need for smaller companies to custom manufacture garments according to their standards and specific requirements. We can accept orders as low as 300 pieces per style that have basic requirements. We recommend targeting 500 pieces per style. Per style means per color, per design. So one printed logo in two fabric color variations is considered two different styles. Anytime the fabric color or print changes, then it is considered a different style.
//Samples
We will always work on a production sample for approval before beginning an order. Samples must be made to ensure all specific details are in line. For samples we require a sample fee, but that fee will be put towards your deposit when starting the order. Average sample time is 15 days after receiving all the required specifications of the order. Sample fees vary based on each orders requirements.
//Quotes
We can provide quotes either FOB or CIF. FOB orders will ship from the port in Shanghai China, and shipping/insurance must be arranged and paid for by the buyer. CIF quotes include contract manufacturing, insurance, and delivery.
//Turnaround
Turnaround varies with each order based on specific requirements. Most orders will be around 4-5 weeks in production. More common garments such as t-shirts may spend less time in production, but orders requiring technical fabrics will require extra time to make. All orders are custom made according to your specifications, so orders with more requirements or unique fabric will take longer to produce.
//Payment
The standard for orders is 30/70. We require a 30% deposit to begin. When production is finished we compile a finished production report with the order details and photos of the completed products. Next the final payment of 70% is due. After confirming final payment your order will leave our port and be on its way. Acceptable payment methods include certified check, money order or bank transfer. We can also accept credit card and Paypal payments, but these charges may have an additional service charge that must be paid by the buyer.
//Finding The Right Fabric
We deal with a wide range of fabrics. If you have an exact fabric you are trying to match we can make it for you. We do manufacture garments with moisture wicking properties similar to Cool Max, coated fabrics to provide protection against wind and rain, eco-friendly fabrics such as organics, bamboo, hemp, soybean, etc… Depending on the function of your garment, we can help you dial in the right fabric to best fit your objectives.
//Fabric Specs
Fabric details including content, weight, desired hand feel and desired function are needed to make custom fabrics. We make all common or special fabrics, and can also replicate any client supplied fabric swatches.
//Finding Proper Color Numbers
The international numbering system used for printing and dyeing textiles is the TPX Color Matching System from Pantone. Similar to PMS numbers, but used in the textile industry. We suggest supplying TPX numbers so there are no discrepancies on color tones. Each computer screen and printer may show different color tones, so digital color swatches are not preferred unless the color is range is more broad for a tone. Samples or swatches with exact colors that need to be matched may sent to us, we then can help gather correct TPX numbers that will be used for dyeing and printing.
//Getting The Correct Measurements
Some clients need assistance gathering measurements for sizes. We have compiled some basic styles offered from the more popular brands of t-shirts displaying size chart specifications, available for you to compare with. If you have your own specific details please provide a sizing spec sheet with all the crucial specifications. Click the link below to view forms that will assist in organizing order details and to also view common size charts that can be used for reference.
DOWNLOADS – measurement and spec sheets (click here)
//What Can I Do to Make My Order More Eco-Friendly?
Use more organics, bamboo, hemp and other more sustainable fabrics. Try avoiding polyester and other synthetics unless required for function. The use of recycled fabrics is also a more recent option we have been offering to clients who keep the environment in mind. By using recycled fabrics less natural resources are exhausted and less waste goes into landfills. Certain dye and wash methods have harsh effects on the environment. We offer alternative dye and print methods that can also be used to keep your products more chemical free and less harmful on the environment. We suggest using natural dyes, or using natural fabric without any dyeing whenever possible. From an environmental aspect we ensure that working conditions are always keeping the health and well being of the environment at utmost importance. We push our clients to be more environmentally friendly when selecting which fabric and processes are used to manufacture their order and encourage every order to select natural fabrics, minimal dyeing, water-based techniques, and processes that are free of PVC and phosphates. Another important tip is to keep hangtags and packaging to a minimum.
//Shipping
We can handle shipping your order directly to your door, or we can provide quotes based on FOB pricing and you may handle your own shipping arrangements. Depending on the size of your order, delivery date, and budget, you can choose the shipping option that best suits your need. For smaller orders air shipping is an option. We work with DHL to provide affordable 5-7 day air shipping to your doorstep for many countries. Rates vary based on exact weight and volume of each shipment. If you are shipping a smaller sized order such as 500 t-shirts, air shipping may best your best option based on cost compared with delivery time. For larger orders sea shipment is suggested to save on shipping costs. Depending on the fabric and type of garment we ship most orders from Nantong or Shanghai ports. Sea transport time varies among carriers, with shipments to L.A. and Australian ports at sea on average 15 days. Orders to Rotterdam take around 25 days from our ports.
For a shipping estimate provide the order destination address to your sales rep and we can provide a quote. If you are a US based client you may also contact some of the reputable brokers and shipping companies in the link below for additional quotes.
US Customs approved brokers and agents (click here)
//Confidentiality
Since we work with many companies developing fabric or spec innovations, we have a strict policy when it comes to protecting our clients. In many cases we sign confidentiality agreements to ensure fair practices and high standards are held to protect client ideas and keeping future product releases secret.
//Ethics
When manufacturing, clients must always be cautious about the conditions their products are produced under. We continuously inspect and approve our facilities to meet and maintain our high ethical labor standards. We provide photos of your order in production and always welcome any clients who would like to visit our facilities. From an environmental aspect we ensure that working conditions always keep the health and well being of the environment at utmost importance. We push our clients to be more environmentally friendly when selecting which fabric and processes are used to manufacture their order.