[janay]

Hello Loves!

I am an established clothing designer in Kansas City ready to take my bridal separates collection from small-scale local production to medium-scale international manufacturing.

The product is a mix of bridal tops and bottoms that will be sold at a handful exclusive bridal boutiques, at regional trunk shows, and mainly online through my website. The fabric will be certified organic cotton/bamboo blends.

I am seeking a mentor who has worked with India specifically in clothing manufacturing.

I am visiting India to select a manufacturer in March, and would prefer a family-owned factory with high techincal patternmaking and construction knowledge. I would also love a factory that could assist with sourcing materials and notions, although I will be hand selecting some materials when I visit.

I nearly had my line produced in China, but when international shipping was factored in the costs were very similiar to US production. I found the factories hard to work with on a personal basis, instead having to go through a broker who took a percentage. In working with China, the factories could work from a sketch or basic pattern, and create me "fit samples." These samples would be sent for my approval and for model fittings prior to production. Samples cost an average of $20, with an agreement to use the manufacturer following sample approval.

On a different note:
Do I need to obtain an import license prior to beginning production?

What is the exact stipulation regarding "made in" or "assembled in" tagging? I have heard of some designers cheating the system by getting small details finished in the US after most of the production work was completed, and not having to label the garment with the entire country of orgin.

Also, I have a manufacturing number here, but would be using the factories. Does anyone know specifics of the labeling act regarding wash and content--- Do I have to have these labels affixed before importing?

I look foreward to a myriad of responses!

Thanks!

[adamwade]

Hi -

Great questions...don't get too worked up over which country to deal with. You will find that both countries (china and india) have pros and cons.

You do not need an import license, but you are going to need a good freight forwarder. You will have get a customs bond, and depending on the material you are going to have to deal with import quotas.

Your shipping costs from China are virtually identical from the ones you will expect in India.

I have found over the years ( I have worked with kids clothing ) that China is actually a better place to deal with than India. India is great for larger corporations that have in house designers and quality control. China has better resources do deal with start up companies, and much more experience dealing with export issues to the USA.

Again...don't get fixated on a specific country, it's the relationship you develop with each individual factory that is really important. It is almost impossible to develop a good relationship with China via email, they are a much more meet and greet, face to face type country. India is better over email, simply because they speak better english.

I really think you will find that China is a better place to deal with on a smaller scale. You are going to need to visit in person to find the right factory to work with. I have dealt with a number of entrepreneurs just like you and have been able to get them over the hump.

Give me a call anytime and I can give you some more advice.

Adam
249-341-0715

[shoonya]

Hi there,
I am looking forward to start a kids wear label with all production done in India.My concern is on the customs and tariff that needs to be paid to the U.S.A while importing the garments.I heard about the U.S. customs and tariff book which would guide you to the exact tax to be paid.Is there any import license that needs to be taken?Where can I get more info on the topic?
Also, do one need a business license to start an online business?