El Pico Distribution only provides sampling services for those customers ready to order production quantities upon approval of the samples. El Pico Distribution can develop your style for you. The more information you can initially provide the better. We can work from comp samples, drawings, or specifications. We will need as much of the following information as possible:
- Sample size
- Fabric criteria (content, construction, weight, etc.)
- Desired colors
- Size range
- Label type, placement, and supplier
- Packaging requirements Estimated initial order quantity
If you are sending us samples for reference and wish to have them returned please include a self- addressed and stamped envelope, or a UPS or FedEx account number. We typically hold customer samples as long as there is active dialogue. We reserve the right to dispose of these samples if a return is not requested within 8 weeks. From this information we will provide you with a pre-cost estimate.
These estimates take 5-10 business days to prepare, as we evaluate fabric utilization, engineering details, and findings costs. There is no charge for this quotation service. Once your pre-cost estimate is accepted we will, at your direction, make fit/construction samples (first samples). We will produce four first samples, two for internal testing and reference and two for your evaluation. These samples will be constructed from “like” fabric similar to what you intend to use for production. The charge for this service is $375. First samples normally take 14-21 business days to produce. Our development pricing is predicated on your intent to order production upon sample approvals. In the event production is not ordered an additional $375 fee will be assessed per development.
El Pico Distribution retains ownership of all patterns developed internally unless pattern development is contracted on an hourly basis. For customers wanting a El Pico distribution developed pattern produced using the subsidized “production ready” fee basis they may be purchased for an additional $200. If written specifications are also required the fee is $250. Once you have reviewed your samples one will be sent back to us with either an approval or revisions request. Very minor revisions may be made without the need for re-sampling. Revisions due to our error will be made and re-sampled at no additional charge. Revisions due to a change in direction will be billed at $70 an hour plus materials.
Defining Clothing Products
You’ve written your business plan and you are ready to execute the next phase. This phase includes defining the products you wish to sell. The following criteria must be addressed in order to request prototyping of first samples: El Pico Distribution only provides sampling services for those customers ready to order production quantities upon approval of the samples.
- Fabric criteria (knit or woven, etc.)
- Fabric construction (jersey, muslin, interlock, poplin, etc.)
- Fabric weight Fabric content (100% cotton, blend, etc.)
- Colors
- Garment construction
- Sizes
- Grading
- Findings
- Labeling
- Packaging
- Value-added services (print, embroidery, etc.)
Production Minimums
Using 100% cotton knits (jersey, 1×1 rib, 2×1 rib, French terry, fleece, interlock, thermal) in white, there is no textile minimum and a 30-dozen apparel minimum with a color minimum. Colors are dyed to customer requirements. Using fabrics we do not stock, the apparel minimum is contingent on the textile minimum. Most common knit fabrics carry color minimums of 500 yards and overall textile minimums of 1,000 yards. Performance fabrics typically carry 1,200-yard minimums per fabric/color. Depending on the utilization of the fabric and garment, this may translate to 4,000 garments for infant items to 850 garments for adult long-sleeve tees.
An alternative to using up textiles in your first production is to place a deposit equivalent to 85% of the value of the remaining fabric. El Pico Distribution will warehouse the balance of your fabric for future production. Highly technical garments or garments requiring less common fabrics may also require higher minimums.
Sales Samples
El Pico Distribution only provides sampling services for those customers ready to order production quantities upon approval of the samples. El Pico Distribution will produce sales samples in exact color and fabric. Usually, this means a commitment to manufacturing production quantities of fabric (if it is a non-stock fabric or color). This commitment is equal to 80% of the value of the purchased fabric, which will be applied as part of your production order deposit when placed. Sales samples are billed at 2-1/2 times the quoted price.
We do require a completed spec pack to facilitate proper samples. A counter sample would also be helpful, as would a fabric swatch. You must be positioned to handle our quoted minimums, El Pico distribution only provides sampling services for those customers ready to order production quantities upon approval of the samples.
El Pico Distribution will produce first samples in like fabric for fit and construction. We require a $400 deposit per item to begin this process. You will not be billed for your samples, only the freight required to transport them. In the event you do not place an order we will retain the unused portion of your deposit as a sample fee. If you do place an order, the unused portion will be applied toward production.
Cost-Estimating a Clothing Line
El Pico Branded Apparel: Choose style, color, sizes, and quantities you plan to order. If you choose to utilize any value-added services (heat transfers, screen printing, dyeing, washing, embroidery, re-labeling, bar coding, etc.), be sure to let us know. If screen printing is to be included, please define the number of colors and the size of the artwork as it is to appear. El Pico Distribution will quote you based on this information.
Custom Apparel: There is no guessing at pricing. Although we may have made many similar garments in the past, a specific style made from a specific fabric is influenced by your specific sizing, the fabric shrinkage, the fabrics cuttable width, the fabric cost, the labeling technique and packaging requirements. Even if the construction is the same as another similar style, these influences can mean a 10-20% cost difference. Subtleties like drape, clinginess, and curl can factor into labor costs. For these reasons we require the following information to provide a reasonably accurate first estimate.
- Fabric type Fabric weight Color(s)
- Shrinkage Sample or line drawing
- Size ratio and range
- Seam types
- After-wash dimensions
- Label type(s)
- Labels per garment
- Label placement
- Size grade
- Packaging requirements
- Overage maximums
- Value-added requirements
- Garment dyeing
- Embroidery
- Screen printing
- Heat transfer printing
- Garment washing
- Bar coding
- Steaming/pressing
From this information, El Pico Distribution will be happy to provide you with a pre-cost estimate. This type of estimate does not involve the creation of a sample; rather, we will rough out a pattern and calculate utilization without the advantage of using actual patterns or size ratios. This service is provided at no charge and will take 5-10 business days. In order to provide a more accurate price, El Pico Distribution will need to develop a pattern and construct a first sample. We will provide a price consistent with the sample we provide. If changes are to be made, your price is subject to modification accordingly.
Pricing
In order to provide accurate import pricing, El Pico Distribution requires a counter sample, a completed spec pack, or both. We will create a spec pack for you for a fee of $150. We also incur freight costs for shipping samples and spec packs, so we will ask for a credit card number to charge these costs. You need to be in a position to order production quantities, as we do not price import apparel as an exercise. We do not charge for the pricing, only the costs of freight, and an estimate usually takes 10- 14 business days. You must provide estimated quantities per style/color with your request.
