tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167636832009-06-08T16:27:14.274-04:00Style Source Apparel BlogGeoff Krasnov offers apparel/clothing/garment manufacturing and sourcing news.Rick Englishnoreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-8340384644764451522009-06-08T16:09:00.002-04:002009-06-08T16:27:14.285-04:00Custom Import ApparelOur import division is the fastest growing segment of our business. As much as we prefer to manufacture garments domestically we cannot ignore the advantages to importing custom apparel. The higher the value added, and the higher the amount of labor, the more sense it makes to import. The bottom line is that you are competing in a marketplace that is saturated with low cost import apparel, and toGeoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-42782966246120604462009-06-02T09:40:00.002-04:002009-06-02T09:56:42.502-04:00Hot Trends in Import ApparelOur import division has been seeing a discernable uptick in business over the past 6 months, despite the economic turmoil. Leading the way is polo shirts and polo derivatives. With workplace attire moving towards casual and lifestyle branding catching fire, polos make the perfect customizeable statement. Our resources make for the best names in golf, and our long standing relationships make the Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-26966151507222023112009-05-22T10:05:00.002-04:002009-05-22T10:08:36.326-04:00STYLE SOURCE TO BEGIN ACCEPTING AMERICAN EXPRESSYes, it's true, we have caved in and set up our systems to begin accepting American Express cards as of June 1, 2009. We have had many customers want to use their rewards cards in the past and found their fees out of line with the other major cards. However, Am Ex has become more aggressive and are now competitive. We are pleased to provide this additional flexibility and now accept Master Card, Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-13592259271045769922009-03-26T10:04:00.004-04:002009-03-26T10:30:20.630-04:00Delivery assumptions may be dangerous to your business!I recently had the experience of explaining to a good customer why her assumptions about deliveries were not relevant to current operating conditions. Upon reflection, I have to giggle a bit because I made the very same assumptions when ordering from a vendor recently. One would think, with business as slow as it is, that production channels would be wide open and , subsequently, deliveries wouldGeoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-42599442432874406892009-03-04T16:37:00.001-05:002009-03-04T16:39:00.294-05:00FURTHER CLARIFICATION OF THE CPSIARecent clarifications now include the exemption of dyed and undyed textiles as well as sewing threads. Read about it at http://www.apparelmag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=CD746117C0BB4828857A1831CE707DBE&tier=4&id=A9831B619F124BDEB96A283859BEC7B3Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-33484911422443873552009-02-25T11:24:00.002-05:002009-02-25T11:42:10.615-05:00DEALING WITH THE DOWNTURN-WHAT HAVE WE DONE FOR YOU LATELY?Ok, so every day we get up and face the same depressing news and fear for the length and depth this downturn may take. We all have businesses to run, and as sales decline we find the need to fill in but have the issue of purchase minimums from vendors. At Style Source, we take our needs as a sign that our customers likely have those same needs. Our response is to temporarily lower our minimums toGeoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-19172903353797989762009-02-03T08:43:00.003-05:002009-02-03T08:53:59.349-05:00CPSIA Delayed for 1 Year on Apparel ProductsA just released statement has provided a one year moratorium for those apparel producers concerned about the new lead and pthalate testing requirements. Read the latest athttp://www.strtrade.com/wti/wti.asp?pub=0&story=30183&date=2%2F3%2F2009&companyThis is particulary good news for crafters, as the policy wonks will actually now take the time to evaluate the impact these new requirements may Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-44548537238711561662009-01-23T08:36:00.002-05:002009-01-23T09:18:45.601-05:00Doldrums and Stagnation...What to Do?Clearly, the effects of our economy are hitting every possible sector. Each day we witness more layoffs by venerable corporations, we watch the news and hear of crashing financial markets, states near bankruptcy, foreclosure rates climbing etc etc. We ask ourselves what to do to stimulate sales. With every action there is a reaction, and so it must be prophetic to surmise that opportunity rests Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-55110526563651642952009-01-21T16:53:00.004-05:002009-01-23T08:35:51.062-05:00A Few More Bits on the CPSIAIt was brought to my attention that a class action suit is being filed against the CPSIA. The website to view the activities is http://reformcpsia.org/ . You will note that the counsel needs a retainer, so the more people that sign up the lower the cost per individual/company. Personally, I have recently contacted my states Secretary of Commerce, who happens to come from the apparel supply chain,Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-79020283100406158622009-01-12T16:28:00.006-05:002009-01-14T09:48:27.157-05:00NEW CPSIA LEAD AND PTHALATE LAWS CREATE CONFUSIONI have received at least a dozen calls from concerned customers about the new law passed by the Consumer Products Safety Commission in response to high lead and pthalate content in childrens products. I will try to cover. to the best of my understanding, how this new law affects childrens apparel.- the law requires a product to be certified by the selling agent as having less than 600ppm of lead Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-90238109921001671232008-12-03T09:54:00.000-05:002008-12-03T10:13:04.297-05:00CHANGING DYNAMICS IN FIBER PRODUCTIONThe latest edition of Textile World Magazine offers some interesting quantifications on man made fiber production from 1987 to today. In 1987 the predominant fibers produced were polyester (39%), nylon (20%), cellulosic ( rayon family-15%), acry;ic (14%) and olefin(polypropelyne-12%). Today, those figures are polester-67%, olefin-14%(primarily used in carpeting), nylon -8%, and acrylic and Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-65898836481123408342008-11-24T11:23:00.000-05:002008-11-24T11:33:24.288-05:00Fabric closeouts a great way to make your own clothes!Due to the number of customers and the vast variety of fabrics we work with we almost always have fabrics left over from programs. We sell these fabrics off at cost, which is a bargain for anyone comparing prices at wholesale outlets like JoAnn Fabrics. We currently have 11 colors in a 1x1 baby rib. This fabric is used for infantwear as well as womens tanks and tees. It is made from combed ring Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-37511435717205508132008-11-17T09:14:00.000-05:002008-11-17T09:38:15.008-05:00Import Apparel - Competing at RetailThere is a very strong sentiment that many startups stress as central to their thinking. They want made in USA apparel, as they believe the domestic consumer values the origin higher and is willing to expend more at retail to get it. The truth of the matter, is this is less true with domestic consumers and more true in overseas markets where "Made in USA" carries panasche. We are pleased to Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-91855528595946059722008-11-12T09:25:00.000-05:002008-11-12T09:46:58.985-05:00Trends in Apparel PrintingThe level of interest in our printing services continues to increase as more and more people find the low entry costs, minimal inventory risk and brand building opportunities. The increasing number of printing venues has further accelerated this growth. Let's review the different systems.Plastisol Screen Printing- This is the most common method of printing, and the one you have likely seen. Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-43194097886941599722008-10-22T13:53:00.000-04:002008-10-22T14:09:34.034-04:00Is now the time to start a clothing line?This question has been asked of me three times in the past two weeks, so I will assume that if you are considering custom apparel manufacturing you are asking yourself the same question. My answer is always consistant, as it comes in the form of a question back to the inquiring mind. Do YOU feel that the time is right? Are you prepared? Have you written a business plan? Have you researched your Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-32055482950979662222008-09-30T08:11:00.000-04:002008-09-30T08:47:15.588-04:00Prepared for Dye Garments and Garment DyeingWhat is it about prepared for dye (pfd) garments that is so different from normal white garments you can buy at any store? What are the pitfalls of using white garments for garment dyeing?PFD garments have many attributes that are not at all obvious to the naked eye. It begins with fabric preparation. Fabrics must be in a condition that they will readily accept a range of dyestuffs, from direct Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-7534218518108950992008-09-08T15:23:00.000-04:002008-09-08T15:35:07.553-04:00HEATHER FOCUSES ON DISNEY MARATHON IN JANUARYYes, she's at it again. Training with Team in Training for the Disney Marathon on January 11 in Orlando. Since her first leukemia remission 5 years ago, Heather has participated and completed the Nike 26.2k, the Dublin 26.2K, handled one leg of a triathelon, and has been an active contributor of her time to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She feels the monies raised in the past saved her life,Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-84769726096486085632008-08-13T14:17:00.000-04:002008-08-13T15:01:48.117-04:00WHY ARE SALES SAMPLES SO DARN HARD TO GET?I get this question alot. The classic conundrum of not being able to sell a product if you can't show the product. At Style Source, we call them speculation samples, but the bottom line is the need to put sample garments in the hands of sales representatives is real. The fine line between needing them to show to existing customers with an established company and needing them to show to potential Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-40241416128953871212008-08-08T11:52:00.000-04:002008-08-08T12:12:30.392-04:00Shifting Sourcing OpportunitiesIt never ceases to amaze me how quickly the playing field for custom apparel sourcing changes. In the late 1980's it was all about Puerto Rica (936 legislation) and then the Carribean Basin, with Jamaica and Costa Rica leading the way. Then the tides turned to Mexican maquiladoras, as NAFTA legislation was enacted. Mexico fell out of favor in just 3 years, as Central American countries like Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-1657632372482593392008-07-24T16:26:00.000-04:002008-07-24T16:51:01.192-04:00COST ESTIMATING GARMENTSWe often receive phone calls inquiring as to how much a private label garment may cost. When I hedge a bit and mention we need specific information to begin a costing process I am confronted with "oh, just give me a ballpark guess". I know my mission is to assist any and all that may call with as much helpfull advise as possible, so I take a deep breath and begin the 20 minute conversation on whyGeoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-68800501764053517742008-07-04T13:49:00.000-04:002008-07-04T13:58:14.973-04:00Pattern Making and Marking Services ExpandedStyle Source Inc has expanded its service offerings to now include apparel contract pattern making and marking. Our development department utilizes TukaTech CAD, which, as an open system, can be translated both to and from any existing CAD software. Our patternmakers are production oriented, and we also will provide sewn samples as an additional service (first samples for fit and construction Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-44021769429496827662008-06-27T09:27:00.000-04:002008-06-27T09:50:03.760-04:00Maternity to Infant to Adult Apparel..even Pet Clothing!Style Source Inc manufactures a full range of custom private label apparel. We produce custom maternity dresses, belly supports and nursing tops and gowns. We have produced custom wicking sleepwear in nightshirts, gowns and pajamas. We service a broad range of knit infant apparel including knit hats and bibs. We produce custom private label childrens clothing with expanded capabilities in our Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-68127279462312217132008-06-20T09:10:00.001-04:002008-06-20T09:18:40.796-04:00Circular Knit 100% Cotton Fabrics Our SpecialtyStyle Source Inc offers 11 basic 100% cotton knit fabrics for sale in 7 base colors with minimums as low as a single roll! We offer jersey fabrics in both open end and ring spun in several weights, 1x1 100% cotton rib fabrics, french terry, fleece, super soft interlock, baby rib and 2x1 rib. We will custom produce or source virtually any circular knit fabric, including cotton/spandex, bamboo Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-70476626747144848892008-06-19T11:25:00.001-04:002008-06-19T11:39:00.050-04:00Custom Printed Tees and Relabeling Services OfferedStyle Source Inc has been servicing the high demand for custom re-labeled and branded apparel for years. Many start ups find the best avenue for creating branded tees is to utilize the buying power and technical resources of our printables department. We provide plastisol, digital (light colored garments only) or heat transfer capabilities as well as rhinestone applications. Our low 144 piece Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16763683.post-31230489354319769122008-06-19T08:15:00.000-04:002008-06-19T08:39:16.569-04:00Quality Custom Polo Shirts Our Import SpecialtyStyle Source Inc has been importing quality apparel for over 5 years now, and we are fortunate to have partnered with one of the finest placket shirt producers in the world. We produce custom private label apparel from all over the world, but our primary golf shirt supplier is based in Hong Kong with the largest factory in Macau. We have access to a huge assortment of fabrics and can custom Geoff Krasnovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455742380872121736geoff@style-source.com0