Q. I have a design idea. Where do I start?
A. It would be best to have a clear idea on: 1- How many designs you plan to work on. 2- Rough idea on production quantities. 3- Price Target. Once you know the scope of the project it would be easier for us to select the right factory for your project and guide you through the process.
Q. Can you help design the collection if I give you the idea?
A. Yes. We have designers and technicians on board. We can design your collection based on your concept. Then we'll make the samples, and eventually supervise the production on your behalf.
Q. Can you help me build a production and commercial plan?
A. Yes. We have over 15 years experience in global market, and we can help you build a production and commercial plan that suits your budget to launch your project/brand.
Q. What about shoe boxes, and dust bags?
A. Many designers forget about the packaging. It is important to study the final packaging of your designs, way in advance. We have good contacts for shoe boxes and dust bags, and we can work with the suppliers that suit your project.
Q. Do you produce sneakers as well as shoes?
A. Yes. We have a network of suppliers and factories that cover all types of footwear. Our offices are in Italy, so we prefer to work with Italian sneakers factories and Italian shoe factories of course.
Q. Can you just make samples for me?
A. Yes. However, there is a lot of work and preparation that take place beforehand. Shoe sample factories also exist, and specialize only in samples. However, if you plan to produce in quantities afterwards, it is better to create your sample immediately at the Italian shoe production factory. In any case, before we approach the factory we need to prepare the patterns, specs and components.
Q. What is the difference between prototype and sample?
A. Prototypes are normally 1/2 a pair made of any available material to test the general design attributes and the fit. We advise to make a prototype before if the design is complex, and there are some uncertainties in the fitting. After studying the design through the prototype, a sample is made of the final materials and details. If there are still some issues to address in the samples, a final round of modifications takes place before the design goes into production.
Q. How much does a shoe sample cost?
A. it is always hard to tell the cost of the sample before it is actually being made. A rough idea on cost can be guessed based on many factors: Design and Details. Materials. Quantities. In general samples cost 2X the production cost.
Q. How long does it take to make a shoe or sneaker sample?
A. Typically it takes 3-4 weeks to prepare the sample. It all depends on how prepared we are with all the details and components. If the components are available and the design specs are all ready, then the factory could require 1-2 weeks only.
Q. What is the difference between Private label and White Label?
A. Private label is when you create your own designs under your own brand name. White label, is when you borrow the factory's designs and put them under your own brand name.
Q. Are "Made in Italy" shoes perfect?
A.YES & NO. Leather shoes are produced by hand and assisted by machines. They are not molds producing identical parts. There could be imperfections in the final product that are within acceptable margins.
Q. Can I you use Vegan leather?
A. yes, we work with suppliers for vegan leather, recycled leather, and eco friendly materials. In the end our client "you" decide what material you wish to use for your production.
Q. Can you ship?
A. Yes, we are affiliated with TWS (Trans World Shipping) who can handle all logistics on behalf of our clients. Drop shipping is another program that can be explored further.