We actually don't have in-house production, we use contractors/factories in the nyc garment center to manufacture our finished goods. Samples I pattern, fit, and make myself in house but the rest is really dependent on others. The only time I take a sample in to our factories is usually if it requires a special machine that I don't have. We have different contractors who specialize in different materials and types of garments which is really important. Not everyone is GOOD at everything, so we split production based on what their speciality is.
Keeping sales/orders in line is really a tricky tightrope, my suggestion is build a relationship with a factory/smaller sewing contractor discuss pricing at different qty's if they will do lower qty's you'll usually pay more. Having a factory that will work with you is really important to the first couple seasons as you get your legs under you.
In the end having a contractor still does not change the fact that you are a manufacturer and ultimately responsible for the finished goods.
BTS on Polyvore
Between the Sheets Blog
BTS Blog Mini Editor
Friday, July 22, 2011
I have another question :) How did you come to the decision to have in-house production? And did you sew in the beginning until sales picked up? Thanks so much for answering my questions! I look up to you!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Hi Layla! I was wondering if you worked for another company and started your business and then eventually quit, or did you just jump right in?
Before I interned I had around 10 internships under my belt with a lot of them being something more along the lines of assistant positions. Then I worked at a start up sweater company designing, technical design, and some sales. I was miserable, that was definitely when I realized I no longer enjoyed designing anything but intimates! I got a lot of experience there though because in addition to my other duties I worked as the fit model and realized a. how patient models are and how it feels to be a human mannequin b. how the smallest details in the fit like 1/2" off a sleeve, hem, or neckline can change something from frumpy to fabulous.
After that I worked at a division of a major israeli based global corp where I worked on licenses for major brands of intimates, and some new, some established but being relaunched. I got a lot of experience on the design/production side there. At one point I was the ONLY designer and I managed print design/recoloring for a couple of labels, oversaw all design development and worked closely with our one production person to make sure designs were being carried through properly in production. It prepared me a little bit for doing it all on my own. I say a little bit because no matter how much you do at a big company when you have a small business you do EVERYTHING.
Making the decision to quit I actually left up to fate, I was in the 3rd round of interviews at another major company and I made myself a promise that if I was meant to get the job I would, and that if I didn't it was a sign I should take a leap of faith and quit. Needless to say I was the runner up fo the position, left my job, worked at a hotel for 9 months to help during the development stage and when I couldn't handle doing that and running the collection at the same time any longer I quit that to focus on BTS.
There are many paths you can take to having a business but I think there is a feeling when it is the right time and you have to seize it before you're too afraid to try - I know I'm glad I did!
