Q - What do I need to do to get my order started?

A - First, we'll need to agree on the cost for your project

Second, we'll need for your funds to have arrived in

our bank account in the amount required.

Finally, we'll need your complete shipping information,

and then we can begin.

BEST FORMAT FOR ARTWORK

Q - What format can I send my artwork in... and can you

work from sketches?

A - Yes, we can work from sketches, CAD drawings, photos

or actual samples of shoes that are similar to yours.

If you pictures and material description for your shoes,

TIF, JPEG and PSD formats work best

COLOR MATCHING

Q - Can I Get An Exact Color Match?

A - The short answer is "NO", though we can usually get

pretty close to a swatch that you provide. The fact is

that in color-mixing, whether to dye materials, mix inks

or add colorant for plastic production, every batch will

have variance from other batches, and even variance

within the same batch.

Q - Can you just match the color that I send you through

the Internet?

A - There will always be variance between what appears on

two different computer screens. It's almost impossible

that the color you see is what we're seeing.

Q - How about Pantone colors?

A - There are dozens of different Pantone books issued

every year, each quite expensive, and the colors in the books

change over time. Our design team does have one book

can be used to give an approximate color to what you see,

provided you have that exact same book. Keep in mind that

the paper medium on which the book is printed reflects

light very differently from various materials so, again,

you'd be working with as close a match as we can locate

or have dyed, and NEVER a "perfect match".

Q - So if I want a certain color, what should I do?

A - The best approach is to send a swatch of the color you

desire, if possible, in a similar material to what you'd

need. We will search many possibilities and find the one

that is closest... but always keep in mind, the chances of

it being an "exact match" are probably less than your

winning the lottery.

Exact Match of Materials

Q - Can I get the exactly the materials I want?

A - Unless you are spending the large sums required to

create you own custom components, we must purchase

pre-made components in the market place.

FORMS OF PAYMENT

Q - What kinds of payment do you accept? Can I send a

check from my country's bank?

A - China doesn't use a checking system so all funds

have to come by wire transfer or, if for $500 or less,

PayPal. If via PayPal, funds must be sent in equivalent

Hong Kong dollars. (Prices are normally quoted in US

dollar amounts.)

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PayPal and TT FUNDS TRANSFER FEES

Q - Who is responsible for PayPal or Bank TT Fees?

A - In every case, the buyer is responsible for the

charged fees, usually 4% for Paypal, and varying TT rates

for banks, though $40 is probably average. When making TT

arrangements with your bank, be sure to personally double

check the correct spelling for name, the correct amount,

and that our name has been also been printed in long form

in the NOTES section.

TIME REQUIRED FOR FUNDS TRANSFER

Q- How long from the time I make a TT payment until you

receive the funds?

A - It can take 3 to 7 days from the time your bank makes

out a TT before our bank here receives and makes those

funds availanble to us.

MOQ's (Minimum Order Quantities) . . .

Current MOQ's

Q - What is the smallest order I can get?

A -It depends on how they will be made . . .

MOQ's for shoes that are virtually hand made, such as High Heels or most Men's dress shoes, may have MOQ's as low as 200 per style, usually based on 6 sizes. For some styles, the MOQ could be higher.

Sneakers, Running Shoes, Hiking Boots and most other Sports Shoes require much heavy equipment and a very large staff to be organized and to work at high levels of efficiency. Standard MOQ's are currently 2000 pair per style for most Sports Shoes, though exceptions are sometimes possible as explained next...

Less-than-MOQ Size Orders

Q - Can I order less than Minimum Order Quantity?

A - Sometimes . . .

We try to accommodate "less-than-MOQ" size orders whenever possible, though the price would always be higher than for MOQ size orders.

Smaller Possible Order Size will vary according to the availability of materials involved, the work needed to put the order into production and the current back-up of other orders at the factory.

Q - How is Standard MOQ determined?

A- Up to a point, the Cost of making any product is directly related to Quantity. . .

Standard Minimum Order Quantity is the number of shoes needed for us to buy the materials (leather/fabric/outsoles/innersoles etc.) in the smallest possible quantities at standard pricing, and to cover all other expenses (management planning, organization and oversight, and efficient use of labor to produce your shoe order).

If you request a smaller order quantity, you are basically requesting a more expensive shoe, because more cost has to be absorbed by each pair.

If we are able to buy the materials in a smaller quantity, we can sometimes produce the smaller number of shoes for you, but often at such higher prices that you could not be competitive...

and that is not even mentioning shipping costs which typically are cheaper per shoe as the quantity gets larger.

ORDERING JUST 2OO PAIR OF SNEAKERS

Q - I'm just getting started. Can I order just 200 pair of Sneakers?

A - We do have a Special opportunity at present for you to order just 200 pair of Cold Process Sneakers, though the price is quite a bit higher than if you were to order the Standard MOQ. This is simply to assist getting your new styles to the public with the idea of speeding up larger sales based on the acceptance of your brand in the market place.

HIGH HEEL DESIGN ELEMENTS

Q - I'm a High Heel designer. Can you make my shoe shaped the way I want it or do I have to choose some standard shape?

A - Yes, for most high heels we can follow the shape you want for the basic outsole lines. The limitations are more for the heels in that most are injection molded, and if you want something not available in the markets, you'd be looking at up to $800 per size to create your own, so we try to find the closest shape to your ideal. For acrylic outsoles, we are limited to the market place availability unless you want special molds made.

COST OF PROTOTYPES

Q - How much for Samples or Prototypes? Are they free?

A - Prototypes are always expensive to produce. Materials must be sourced, which takes valuable time, and the quantity purchased is at premium price since the quantity is so small. Designer, management and production labor are also very high in compared to a full-production product.

For Prototype shoes, there is a pre-paid base minimum charge which must be received before any work can begin, normally US$200 per pair, to be verified when we have a complete understanding your design requirements.

Up to 50% of the basic prototype charge may be credited back to you on your Full Order, meaning an order at normal standard minimum quantity levels for that shoe (typically 200 pair of High Heels or 2000 pair of Sports Shoes, with some variation).

COST OF ARTWORK, LOGOS AND SPECIAL METAL, JEWELRY, ETC.

If logo/artwork is required on the prototype, the charge is usually $40 per silkscreen per color, or $60 for an embossing mold, for example. If custom metal or expensive crystals, etc, are required, those would be additional as well. Once made, the same artwork can be used indefinitely for your different styles or full production without further charge.

PROTOTYPES ARE MADE FROM AVAILABLE MARKET MATERIALS

Prototypes are usually made from existing market available materials. This means that, for example, if you required a certain shade of leather or fabric, for example, and we had to buy and dye an entire cow hide or 1000 yards of fabric to be processed, we could do it, but you would need to agree and send the extra funds needed for that.It would be based on the suppliers charges for minimum amounts of that material or process.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING COST FOR CUSTOM-MADE OUTSOLES

If you want a unique Outsole for your Sports Shoes, the minimum cost could easily be around $800 PER COMPOSITE PART/PER SIZE, meaning that if your outsole was Rubber and EVA combined (typical of Running Shoes), the cost could be $1,600 or more PER SIZE to create your unique design.

Many Outsoles do have a small area reserved on the Outsole just for your logo, but the above refers to an an actual redesign of the mold, to include adding any sizes for which molds to do not already exist.

BEST FORMAT FOR ARTWORK

Q - What format can I send my artwork in... and can you work from sketches?

A - Yes, we can work from sketches, CAD drawings, photos or (best) actual samples of shoes that are similar to your.

When you send pictures and material description for your shoes, TIF, JPEG and PSD formats work best for us.

PRICE ESTIMATES FOR FULL ORDERS

Q - When can I get a price quote for my shoes for full production?

A- After reviewing your sample shoes or pictures and specifications, we can usually give you an estimate of Full Order pricing, though we don't always know for sure until the actual prototype is made.

RETURNING YOUR PROTOTYPES TO US

Q- Will you need the prototype back to make my full order?

A - Yes . . . after you have received your prototype and are ready to make your full order for that style, we often require that the prototypes be shipped back to us to ensure accuracy in production. If so, we would deduct that return courier charge from your full order balance payment and return the prototypes to you with your shipment.

PAYMENT FOR FULL ORDER QUANTITIES

Q - When do I have to pay for my full order . . . and is a deposit required?

A - A minimum of 35% deposit must be received prior to beginning your Full Order. The balance must be received prior to turning your completed order over to the shipper, usually a minimum of 10 days before the ship is scheduled to depart.

FORMS OF PAYMENT

Q - What kinds of payment do you accept? Can I send a check?

A - China doesn't use a checks system, so all funds have to come by wire transfer or PayPal:

Placing Orders either for Prototypes or Full Orders usually involves either PAYPAL,typically for amounts under US$1000, or a Bank "TT"(Telegraphic Transfer)for larger amounts.

Other forms of Payment are possible to include using a credit card through Pay Pal, sending though Western Union or via Irrevocable Letter of Credit (LC), though the fees and extra paperwork for LC's make this method rarely used.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PayPal and TT FUNDS TRANSFER FEES

In every case, the buyer is responsible for the fees, usually 4% for Paypal, and varying TT rates for banks, though $40 is probably average. When making TT arrangements with your bank, be sure to personally double check the correct spelling for name, the correct amount, and that our name has been also been printed in long form in the NOTES section.

TIME REQUIRED FOR FUNDS TRANSFER

Q- How long from the time I make a TT payment until you receive the funds?

A - It can take 3 to 7 days from the time your bank makes out a TT before our bank here receives and makes those funds availanble to us.

TIME REQUIRED FOR MAKING PROTOTYPES AND FULL ORDERS

Q- How long does it take to make my shoes?

A - Minimum time for making Prototypes is usually 3 weeks from the time the design elements are clear and funds received.

For Full Orders, normally we need to schedule 30 days for production, whether for 200, 2,000, 5,000 or 10,000 pair. Most of that time is spent in preparation, to include waiting for the fabric or leather to be manufactured and delivered so we can begin cutting, embossing, silk screening and sewing. For sport shoes, actual assembly capacity is about 4,000 pair per day.

Two bigger issues are, first, that the funds get transferred through the banks, because the banks mess up the TT documents so often, which delays funds being credited to our account so goods can be released to the shipper. The second issue is the schedule of ship departure, because there may be only one or two departures per week, and we must have goods at the shippers  port facility usually 4 days before a ship departure so that the shipment can be cleared by China customs and loaded as cargo.

It is always best to get your order placed as soon in advance as possible, and to personally double check your bank's TT document to see that everything is written and spelled correctly, and especially that they have included our full name in the notes section.

SHOE BOXES

Q - Will shoes be shipped in shoe boxes? What if I want some special shoe boxes?

A - Vulcanized shoes are normally placed in clear plastic bags by pair. For a small additional expense, dividers can be added upon your request to help keep a better shape.

For all other shoes, an inexpensive white shoe box is used unless you request to order a nicer shoe box. A "pretty fancy" box costs about US$0.60. Special Design Boxes can be made according to your specification and are priced according to their design and materials.

The default box includes a one color silkscreen logo on the top, if artwork is provided.

PACKING CONTAINERS

Q - How are shoes packed for shipping?

A - For Vulcanized shoes in plastic bags, 20 pair are normally place in on Packing Container. For Cold Process and Dress Shoes, 10 boxes per Packing Container are normal unless other arrangements are made.

Special Packing Containers can be ordered in your desired colors and printing, cost determined by design requirements. The default Packing Container is a brown cardboard box with your name and contents printed on one side.

CHOOSING YOUR SHIPPING OPTIONS

Q - Should I ship by courier or by sea? Will you help me figure that out?

A - When considering your shipping options, sea shipping takes 3 to 4 weeks but is much cheaper than sending by courier, though larger quantities give you much more price advantage than small quantities. As a free service, we will contact the shippers on your behalf to ask about rates and shipping days, and get the paperwork arranged.

Please Note that we are not shippers and make nothing from the shipping ourselves.On rare occasions, the shipper might charge more than they originally quoted us, in which case, we have no control over, and are not responsible for, any change from the quote we originally passed on to you.

BUYING FAMOUS BRAND NAME SHOES FROM CHINA

Q - Can I really order famous brand name shoes from China? What's the truth about Branded Shoes? Is it safe to buy them?

A - “Brand Name” Shoes from China (like Nike, Adidas, Asics and New Balance)… are they “real”, and is it legal to buy them? We get that question a lot, and the short answer is…US Customs Can Impound Illegal Shoes! Learn The Truth about Branded Shoes and you might want to keep your money in your pocket!

These are sold all over China and the shoe factories that produce them vary in their production methods. Some are almost perfect replicas of the originals. Others substitute inferior glue and other materials, but they all have one thing in common . . . they are NOT made by the big brand names whose name they’ve stolen. It may not be illegal for you to buy them, but it is illegal for you to IMPORT them into most countries. If customs catches you, they could be impounded at least… or you could even face a fine for trying to import illegally branded goods.  

By having us manufacture YOUR brand, you are both legal AND investing in YOUR OWN NAME rather than supporting the NIKE empire... and the irony is, the quality will be just as good, but usually at a much lower price.

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Please let us know if you have questions that were not answered above, or Contact Us today to get started with your order. Tell us a little about yourself and your footwear requirements and we'll be happy to work with you.