El Pico Distribution ensures full-service, headache-free import clothing sourcing.
First Samples & Sample Runs
The import sourcing systems and strategies used by El Pico distribution are designed to make sure that your import shipments are to specification and meet or exceed your expectations. Our sample process begins with first samples, which are constructed from like fabric for fit and construction evaluation. Fabric and color swatches as well as findings samples are submitted for standards approval. Once prototypes are approved and orders are placed, we produce fabric for sample production (and in some cases for order production). Upon fabric approval, we make a full-size run, again prior to cutting production, and submit for approval.Our process ensures that all materials, fit, construction, and grading are to your satisfaction prior to production.
Shipping
During this approval phase, you are solely responsible for the cost of shipments of samples. Unless otherwise requested, El Pico Distribution uses FedEx for the movement of packages. You may provide us with your account number for direct billing from FedEx, or we can bill you. Most shipments are first delivered to our offices for documentation and quality certification.
El Pico distribution requires a $500 deposit for each style we are requested to develop. We deduct freight charges from this deposit as they occur. If you do not order production, the balance on hand will be applied as a development fee. If you do order production, your balance will be applied to your order.
Unless otherwise arranged, El Pico Distribution ships product FOB the port of origin (on certain programs we may offer LDP not including freight). Production lead time is typically 90 days (excluding holidays) from order date (Asia) and 60 days from order date (Latin America or Canada). Ocean freight is typically 20 days from the Far East, 30 days from Vietnam or Cambodia, and 7-10 days from Latin America. Customs clearance is typically 2-5 days, but could take longer and is beyond our control. In the event that your shipment is on a container that is selected for an intensive exam (or selected on its own), any charges related to warehousing or customs fees are at your jeopardy. It is important that you understand that the U.S. Customs Service has absolute authority over shipments and that their actions are outside of our control.
Possibilities like acts of terror or natural disaster may also delay your shipments. The liability of late delivery due to circumstances outside of our control is your risk.
Customs Brokerage
You will be required to select a customs broker (we can help you if you do not have one) and to become an importer of record by placing an import bond. Your broker will require a power of attorney in order to file clearance papers on your behalf. Your broker will also handle the direct billing of bulk shipment freight.
Terms
El Pico Distribution’s terms are either LOC or 50% (plus freight estimate) deposit at time of order and the balance upon notification of scheduled shipment from port of origin, whichever you choose. We fully warrant all products to your satisfaction of compliance to specifications, coloration, construction, and manufacturer’s defects. All orders are subject to a plus or minus 5% variance in order quantity.
Clothing Development
In order to develop our sewn product overseas, El Pico distribution must provide our production partners with as much information as possible. In order to do so, we utilize technical specifications (spec packs), which detail construction, critical measurements, and packaging and also define all findings (snaps, zippers, labels, etc.). Our partners then provide us with pricing estimates for consideration.
If our pricing estimates are accepted, El Pico Distribution will produce first samples from like fabric for construction and fit. We will also begin submitting lab dips, findings samples, strikeoffs, CADs, etc. You will be responsible solely for the cost of freight to the USA and to your facility. Our sampling process will evolve until all aspects of your styles are approved. Once approved, sales samples may be ordered and pricing finalized.
Costing Import Clothing
You would be surprised at how many people call El Pico distribution asking for a price on an item while providing no product specifics. They ask for a “general idea” and often try to base their decision-making process on a guess.
El Pico distribution will NOT provide generalized pricing without knowing the basics (fabric type, weight, and content; colors; quantities; size range). Specific pricing requires a full spec pack and a sample if available. Swatches of the fabric in correct weight are also very helpful. If you do not have one, please find something close and submit it with any necessary comments (softer, heavier, drapier, etc.). An import submittal checklist is available for review.
For colors, we prefer that you use a PANTONE number or submit a fabric swatch. If you know your grading, please define it for us. If you are unsure of the grade, we will be happy to make recommendations.
The final piece of information El Pico Distribution requires for accurate import pricing is quantities per color. Quantities dictate where we will place production and strongly influence pricing. Production at our minimums (1200 per style/600 per color) will not yield as favorable a price as a 10,000-piece order.
Sampling Import Clothing
El Pico Disribution is not a sample house. We only develop samples for customers who understand our production minimums and who have the immediate capability to support production orders upon sample approval. We will submit fabric swatches, lab dips, findings samples, etc. leading up to prototypes for construction and fit. We will do this free of charge as long as you place a production order within a month of sample approval. The only expenses you will incur are freight charges (typically $40-$70 per package from Asia).
For each item to be developed we will require a $400 deposit. We will deduct freight charges from your account funds. In the event you do not order from us, you will forfeit your deposit balance as a development fee. (For larger programs, please inquire as to required deposit fees.)
At El Pico Distribution , we expect our customers to provide as much information regarding production as possible. A fully developed “spec pack” is ideal. If you do not have the internal capabilities needed to develop a spec pack we can do it for you ($150 per pack).
It is essential that we provide as much information as possible to our overseas vendors. Information we will need includes:
- Size range
- Critical dimension measurements
- Findings details (zippers, buttons, etc.)
- Thread colors
- Fabric criteria (content, construction, weight, color, etc.)
- .Jpg of art needed for printing or embroidery
- Placement specifications
- Labeling information
- Packaging requirements and materials
- Technical drawing or samples
Typical lead time for first samples is 20-25 business days. First samples will be in like fabric and will be designed for fit and construction only. Sales samples may be ordered once fit/construction is approved. The ability to produce sales samples is predicated on availability of textiles. If your program mandates custom colors or fabrics a commitment will be required against the minimum fabric that must be produced. Sales samples are billed at 2-1/2 times quoted price.