alternatetext
 
Here is where we hope you'll find answers to the most common questions...

SERVICES

What services do you offer?
Product Development, Pre-Production, Sampling and CMT Domestic Manufacturing in Los Angeles.
Our full list of services is
here

Do you source fabrics?
No we don't.... we only offer CMT sewing services

Do you sew production orders?
Yes we do.... depending on your product type and volume we'll delegate your orders the factory that is best suited to produce your order

What is the smallest order you'll take?
Production runs of one style valued at $500.00
There is NO MIMIMUM for CAD or sampling services

Can you give me some production estimates to compare?
We can do even better than that! .... You'll get a firm price in writing once you provide us with the following:
- P.O. to cut and sew sample of the style in question
-50% Deposit
-Materials and Trims
-Pattern
-Technical Specification or sew by sample to follow
-Target CMT price (the CMT price you need to be for us to match or lower)
-Target order size (how many units per style is your minimum order)

Haven't you been doing this long enough to give me a price without having to make a sample?
Without sewing a sample we would be "guesstimating", which is really just an educated guess....
There are plenty of contractors happy to "guesstimate" who will give you a much higher price once you come back with orders or won't work on your orders at all because they are too busy to handle small orders....
If that's how you feel more comfortable working, then we are NOT SET UP TO WORK WITH YOU...

I don't have everything you need to make a sample for pricing
We can help by creating patterns and technical specifications, but the rest needs to be provided by the client

SERVICES WE DO NOT OFFER

Please, resist the temptation to ask if we offer any of these...

Sourcing (fabrics or trims)
Business Management
Business Plan Advise
Access to Finance
Sales Representation
Recruit Sales Reps
Lists of Buyers or Stores
Wholesale
US Distribution
Technical Design Training
Private Tutoring
Shoes
Eyewear
Jewelry
knitted Sweaters
Bridal
Bras
Swimwear
Hand Stitching


And here is (the ever growing list) of questions to which the answer is -"NO!"-

-
Are you looking for a business partnership with a Designer?

- Do you store fabrics / trims / garments in your warehouse FOR FREE?

- Can you meet me outside of regular business hours?

- I'm in the area.... Can I just come in to show you something for 5 minutes?

- I'm waiting for my fabrics/trims/whatever, can you reserve my sample/production sewing days?

- I've never worked with you, but... Can you tell me what's the best CMT/FOB price you can quote me on "X" garment?

-Can you find me a showroom or sales rep for my line?

-Can I get a direct number where I can always reach someone or your mobile number to call?





READ THIS BEFORE PLACING ORDER

We are not sure what to order... how can we set-up a meeting?
Please feel free to
contact us to arrange for a 30 min consultation (Los Angeles only) or to schedule a 5 minute web conference via AIM, Skype or ichat (Web cam and microphone needed) or a 3 question chat consultation.


What do I need to order CAD Patterns?
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Front View and Back View sketches (or sample)
2) Fabric swatches
3) Alphanumeric style number
4) Purchase Order
* Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear
** If you are expecting items returned, please provide a FED EX or UPS account number


What do I need to order CAD services by the Pattern Piece ?
Pattern Digitizing
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Pattern and Pattern Card
2) Fabric swatches or Sample
3) Alphanumeric style number
4) Purchase Order
* Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear
** If you are expecting items returned, please provide a FED EX or UPS account number

Pattern adjustments or new pieces from existing reference:
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Reference pattern number to be used as block
2) Fabric swatches for new style
3) Alphanumeric style number
4) Purchase Order
* Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear
** If you are expecting items returned, please provide a FED EX or UPS account number

Grading:
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Style number of pattern to be graded
2) Grading rule set to be used or Existing grading rule ID*
3) Size Range
4) Alphanumeric style number
5) Purchase Order
* If you need help establishing grading rules, the cost is $25.00 per set
** Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear
*** If you are expecting items returned, please provide a FED EX or UPS account number

Markers:
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Graded pattern number to be placed on marker
2) Ratio per size
3) Cuttable fabric width
4) Purchase Order
* Marker numbers are usually allocated to match pattern
unless otherwise indicated
** Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear
* If you are expecting markers to be shipped, please provide a FED EX or UPS account number

What do I need to order technical design services?
Base Size Specification:
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Style number of reference pattern or sample
2) Technical Flat Sketch be used*
3) Alphanumeric style number
4) Purchase Order
* If you are providing Technical Flat sketches, the set-up cost is $12.00 per set
** Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear
*** If you are expecting items returned, please provide a FED EX or UPS account number

Graded Specification:
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Style number of UDS graded pattern or...
1A) Style number of UDS base size spec or...
1B) Both of the above or...
1C) Style number of UDS pattern to be graded or...
1D) Sample + Grading rules to follow or...
1E) Sample + Establish Grading Rules...
2) Technical Flat Sketch be used*
3)
Construction Sketch be used**
4) Alphanumeric style number
5) Purchase Order
* If you are providing Technical Flat sketches, the set-up cost is $15.00 per set
* If you are providing Construction sketches, the set-up cost is $20.00 per set
*** Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear
**** If you are expecting items returned, please provide a FED EX or UPS account number

Import Prototype Request:
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Style number of reference pattern or sample
2) Technical Flat Sketch to be used*
3) Construction Sketch to be used**
4) Alphanumeric style number
5) Purchase Order
* If you are providing Technical Flat sketches, the set-up cost is $15.00 per set
* If you are providing Construction sketches, the set-up cost is $20.00 per set
*** Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear
**** If you are expecting items returned, please provide a FED EX or UPS account number

Import Technical Package:
A)Place your order
B)Pay 50% Deposit
C)Provide the following:
1) Style UDS graded pattern + Proto Request or...
1A) Style number of UDS graded pattern or...
1B) Style UDS pattern + Establish Grading Rusles or...
1C) Style Proto Request + Establish Grading Rules...
2) Technical Flat Sketch to be used*
3) Construction Sketch to be used**
4) Alphanumeric style number
5) Purchase Order
* If you are providing Technical Flat sketches, the set-up cost is $15.00 per set
* If you are providing Construction sketches, the set-up cost is $20.00 per set
*** Delivery date will be confirmed once
all of the above is received and payment funds clear



ORDERING SERVICES

How do I place an order?
Most services can be ordered through our online store, but you can also contact us if you can't find what you need or have a more specific question


How do I check availability for specific dates?
Hourly rate services are only offered from Los Angeles MON-THURS between 8:00AM - 3:00PM and FRIDAY 8:00AM - 2:00PM
When you "View Details..." for every hourly service there is a link called
ON-SITE AVAILABILITY which takes you to a calendar showing UNAVAILABLE DAYS in BLUE


What can I do if the dates I want are not available?
You can contact us to be put on a waiting list, as there are times when the client has to change dates and that day will become available right away.
Alternatively you may also try our other REMOTE (non hourly) services and find that this could work out for you as well!


How do I book hourly services?
Go to the Hourly Services section of the online store and select the service you are interested in booking.
In the "Quantity:" field enter at least 4 hours and proceed to check out, where you will have the option to pay by cheque, paypal or credit card (via paypal)
YOUR BOOKING WILL BE CONFIRMED WHEN PAYPAL/CREDIT CARD PAYMENT IS RECEIVED or CHEQUE FUNDS HAVE CLEARED!


What if I have to cancel my booking?
Make sure to contact us at least 48hours before the first day of the booking and provide a written cancellation
THERE WILL BE A $25.00 PENALTY FEE IF YOUR BOOKING IS NOT CANCELLED 48HRS IN ADVANCE

PAYMENT

What are your payment terms?
We offer 3 payment term options:

50% deposit 50% due on day of completion for and accounts with a history of at least 20 previous transactions and trading for at least 3 years

50% deposit and balance due in 5 business days net for select accounts with a history of at least 50 previous transactions (subject to credit approval)

0% deposit with FULL PAYMENT due on invoice 5 business days from shipping date or project completion for Corporations trading for at least 5 years (subject to credit approval)


Why do you ask for a deposit?
We have to protects ourselves and avoid problems with individuals who may not be authorised to hire our services on behalf of their employer.
There were numerous instances where confirmed bookings for on-site services would be "forgotten about" and the people we were supposed to work with were unavailable on the day.
A deposit is the only tangible commitment we have from a client who wishes to hire our services and wants to secure specific hours and days


We have been trading for less than 3 years and our company's policy is to pay after the work is completed

A deposit is the only way we have to "recover" some of the expenses involved with completing projects, should a new company face financial difficulties.
We have been
obligated to strictly enforce our payment term policy with companies that have been in business for less than 3 years in order to keep our service range flexible and prices competitive
Unlike other business service providers, VOLUME IS IRRELEVANT to meet deadlines because we give priority to projects in the order in which deposits and complete material groups are received...
regardless of how how big or small the order might be


Our company is not set up to pay via Paypal
You don't need to have a Paypal account to pay with credit card, but credit card payments are still processed through Paypal.
We also accept business cheques or USPS Money orders (USA ONLY), but prefer Paypal because the transaction is completed almost instantly
Please note that booking for services where the retainer has been paid with a cheque
WILL NOT BE CONFIRMED UNTIL FUNDS HAVE CLEARED
Orders for services where the balance exceeds $100.00 and has been paid with a cheque or money order
WILL NOT BE DELIVERED or SHIPPED UNTIL FUNDS HAVE CLEARED

VOLUME DISCOUNT

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

Do you offer discounts?
We do offer volume discounts on all CAD services (excluding pattern copies or shipping and handling charges)

REMOTE SERVICE DISCOUNT RATES (Note that discounts apply to each ORDER by product category!)

Graphics and 3D Order NET value of $ 300.00= 5% discount
Cad Patterns Same
Technical Services Same
Cad Piece Services Same

Graphics and 3D Order NET value of $ 750.00= 10% discount
Cad Patterns Same
Technical Services Same
Cad Piece Services Same

Graphics and 3D Order NET value of $1500.00= 15% discount
Cad Patterns Same
Technical Services Same
Cad Piece Services Same

Graphics and 3D Order NET value of $3000.00= 20% discount
Cad Patterns Same
Technical Services Same
Cad Piece Services Same



HOURLY SERVICE DISCOUNT RATES CONTINUOUS BOOKING (Discounts apply to each ORDER)

2-3 days (4-6 hour each) for one week = 5% discount
(Must be paid up-front to qualify)

2-3 days (4-6 hour each) per week for 2-3 consecutive weeks =10% discount
(50% Must be paid up-front and 50%balance mid-way to qualify)

4-5 days (6 hour each) per week for 2-3 consecutive weeks =15% discount
(50% Must be paid up-front and 50%balance mid-way to qualify)

3 days (4-6 hour each) per week for 4 consecutive weeks (Monthly) =20% discount
(50% Must be paid up-front and 50%balance mid-way to qualify)

4-5 days (6 hour each) per week for 4 consecutive weeks (Monthly) =25% discount
(50% Must be paid up-front and 50%balance mid-way to qualify)

4-5 days (6 hour each) per week for 3 consecutive months (Quarterly) =30% discount
(50% Must be paid up-front and 50%balance mid-way to qualify)



SAMPLE SEWING (To be credited to PRODUCTION ORDER)

1 ORDER 300 units amount to be credited to production order =100% SEWING COST for 1 sample
(Sample MUST BE SAME STYLE as order being produced)

1 ORDER 200 units amount to be credited to production order =50% SEWING COST for 1 sample
(Sample MUST BE SAME STYLE as order being produced)

1 ORDER 100 units amount to be credited to production order =25% SEWING COST for 1 sample
(Sample MUST BE SAME STYLE as order being produced)

SHIPPING

When will my services be ready?
Each individual service varies between 48 hours and 1 week, as indicated by the description of each item
Please note that time frames only take into account how long it takes from the
day we confirm delivery
This time frame
DOES NOT INCLUDE shipping time when ordering paper or oak tag patterns


Can I use my own account (FedEx, UPS, etc) to ship items?
Of course you can!.. As long as we are provided with your account details


Do I need an appointment to collect items in person?
Yes your do... This can be arranged when we confirm your delivery date

RETURNS

What is your policy on returns (patterns, illustration, story boards)?
In the unlikely event that the client wants to return the items because we proceeded to finish the work without obtaining final approval, we will offer a store credit
That said, our system makes it virtually impossible to proceed without the necessary approvals from the client


Will I get a refund for my retainer if I ordered hourly services and cancel?
You will get a refund if we received WRITTEN CANCELLATION at least 48 hours before the first day of the booking
*** A $25.00 fee will be charged if written cancellation is not received 48 hours in advance***


How long will it take to get a refund?
That varies according to how you paid...

Paypal Please refer to their chargeback policy, as it varies according to the credit card company
Cheque We will send a Refund cheque via 1st class mail within 3 days of receiving written cancellation of services
Money Order We will send a Money Order via 1st class mail within 3 days of receiving written cancellation of services

OTHER

We have an ongoing project that will require several services, can we set-up a meeting?
Absolutely!... In fact, we wouldn't even consider getting involved in such a project without reviewing all the details first.
Please feel free to
contact us to arrange for a 30 min consultation (Los Angeles only) or to schedule a 5 minute web conference via AIM, Skype or ichat (Web cam and microphone needed) or a 3 question chat consultation.


Our company uses PCs and we don't have Macs.... Will the files work?
Yes they will!
The formats used (DXF, JPG, PDF, IL, PS, TIFF ,PAD, HTML, Excel, Word) are *cross-platform, which means that Macs or PCs alike can read and open them.
Please keep in mind that you need the to have the appropriate software already installed in order to work with any of these formats.

* MS Office 2007 (.docx) format is not compatible with previous versions