Managing Cost from Design to Delivery

Tips for managing and saving costs include the following:

1. Know your budget.
   It is important to be “up front” with this information. If the budget is too restrictive based on your ideas, this is the time for us to properly advise you.

2. Plan in advance.
   • There may be opportunities for special savings or price reductions during the spring and summer months. Planning 3-4 months in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons such as fall and winter.
     
   • Pre-payment discounts may be available.
     
   • Planning ahead and staying on schedule allows you to avoid unexpected rush fees that may add to the cost of the garment.
3. Come prepared with ideas.
   Any time you have difficulty making decisions or change the design, especially later in the design process, costs will escalate. Most importantly, the delays that occur often result in rush fees and added shipping costs.

4. Select or build designs from patterns we have created and tested.
   • The most time consuming and costly services are patterning and sample making.
     
   • Create your own look by changing the fabrics, trim and embellishments. It will expedite the ordering process and eliminate patterning/prototype fees.
5. Select your fabrics carefully.
   Fabric impacts the cost of a garment significantly. Choose fabrics that are less expensive and easy to work with. Our staff will assist you in identifying your options.

6. Be flexible.
   It is possible costs will exceed budget. Have a contingency identified in the budget. Prioritize and be open to changing ideas to satisfy budgetary constraints. If it is not possible to make sacrifices, be prepared to increase your budget and use some of the contingency.

7. Approach sizing carefully.
   • Avoid designs with potential for fitting problems. For example, some designs, such as low back garments, are more difficult to fit than others. We will work with you in identifying fitting concerns before the design is confirmed.
     
   • Order standard sizes whenever possible. We are always willing to customize a fit; however, this service is an additional cost.
8. Order all your garments at the same time.
   • Discounts are based on quantity. The more you order, the greater the savings.
     
   • Reorders are substantially higher with no discount on quantities of 5 or less items.
9. Don’t change the design, sizes or quantities once the production process begins. You will be billed for changes, re-cuts or waste.

10. Consider finishing some of the design details yourself. Some of these include:
    • Adhering rhinestones
      
    • Sewing on buttons
      
    • Creating accessories
      
    • Tacking or securing ties, straps, bows, etc.

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