FAQ
Q: We have an idea of what we want but we don't know where to start.
Can you help?
A: We can work with everything from official blueprints to a concept
in your mind. Send us your sketches, blueprints or an item similar
to what you're looking for and we can guide you in the right direction.
Q: We are concerned about the confidentiality of our concept/design.
How do I know that you're not going to take our design and market
it yourself?
A: We are in the contract sewing business and that's where our
interests lie. If you do the marketing and we do the production,
both will be successful. If you have concerns and wish to submit
forms pertaining to non-compete and confidence issues, we are willing
to review such agreements. We do need an explicit description of
the product to be certain that it does not conflict with items that
we are already producing before we will sign such agreements.
Q: We are interested in you quoting a product that we already purchase
from another vendor. Will there be a charge for this quote?
A: No. If you can provide the exact item for us to examine, the
quote is free of charge.
Q: How do you charge for your design work?
A: We charge an hourly rate of $80. We do not commence with a charge
until we have spoken or met with you and looked at your project to
determine if it is feasible for us to manufacture. We will then enter
into a written agreement as to the amount of hours you wish to purchase
for the necessary design, sourcing and prototyping. We can give you
an estimate of the time that we foresee the project taking before
you sign any agreement. This payment is expected at the time the
agreement is entered into.
Q: What amount of lead time do you need for a design or prototype?
A: It depends upon the sourcing and complexity of the design. Typically,
we ask for two to four weeks to create the first prototype.
Q: Why should I use Brown Sales for automated cutting when I
can do my own cutting?
A: Outsourcing cutting allows companies to cut back on employee
and operating costs and expensive material mistakes. By using the
Eastman automated cutting system, we can digitally input patterns
of all shapes and sizes into the computer so that all pieces are
cut exactly to specifications and are consistent with every piece
thereby allowing for easier and faster production of the sewn pieces.
The automated program also utilizes the material in the most efficient
manner by automatically spacing the pieces within the pattern to
produce maximum yield from every roll. In addition, the material
can be shipped directly to Brown Sales thereby freeing up warehouse
space.
Q: How will I be charged for the cutting services?
A: There is a flat fee for setting up the pattern and placement
within the cutting system. This fee covers entering the pattern into
the system, a trial run of the pieces, minor adjustments to the pattern
as specified by the customer and a time study for piece pricing.
Once the pattern is accepted, a per-piece charge is implemented based
on size and quantity of the pieces needed.
Q: Am I responsible for determining the source of materials and
hardware for the project or is this your responsibility?
A: We work with a lot of vendors that provide a large array of options.
We attend trade shows and scan trade publications to stay current
with new developments. There are exceptions when customers may decide
to be responsible for finding components. We may also ask customers
to find their own components when the production run is quite limited.
We can create a program that fits your needs.
Q: Is there such a thing as too small or too large of an order?
A: We have no minimums or maximums. However, small production runs
of an item will be more costly than larger runs due to the time involved.
We have many clients who will give us larger purchase orders with
different release dates to take advantage of volume pricing.
Q: How soon can I get finished product?
A: Once all of the initial prototype work is done and we are in
agreement on the project, we will order the materials. When we receive
the materials, we will normally be looking at a three to four week
production window.
Q: What type of inspection system can we expect?
A: We have very high standards in our cutting and sewing departments.
Our employees are not on a piece rate system. Most inspection is
done while sewing the product. An inspection is also done at the
final stage of packaging. Working with your concerns on the inspection
of your product is important to us.
Q: What are your payment terms once we go into final production?
A: Once credit worthiness is established and the product is in the
production mode, our terms are net 30. However, it is our company's
policy to stop production on projects that fall delinquent with our
payment terms.
Q: I need some screen printing or embroidery on my product. Can
you do this?
A: We sure can. We have many clients that require one of the above
processes on their product. We do not do it in house because we feel
that we should stick to what we do best and let the experts in those
areas do that part of the project. We have long standing relationships
with vendors who do screen printing and embroidery.
Q: What shipping options do we have?
A: We would traditionally use UPS or Fed Ex Ground for smaller items
and LTL trucking companies for larger shipments. We have discounted
rates with some companies and we always ship the least expensive
way. We will use a company of your choice if you have an agreement
with someone. We are also able to dropship directly to your customer
if desired.
If you're interested in products that we market and produce on our
own
(bean bag chairs, foam furniture, etc.), please contact us.
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