FAQs

Is PAL a factory?

We are not a cut and sew factory, but we will help you get ready for one. Factories won’t want to talk to you until your product is completely developed. There are lots of steps in the development process and we can help you get them done. Check out our Services page to learn more about what we offer or our How it Works page to learn more about the process.

Can I call you for a referral to a factory?

The factories we work with trust us to send them only potential clients who are ready for their services. They simply don’t have time to screen everyone who may or may not be prepared. We need to at least have a Design Review meeting with you before we can recommend you to a cut & sew facility.

What do I need before I talk to a factory?

In addition to wholesale materials, you need at least three basic things before you call a factory to make your product:

A digital (CAD) pattern
A tech pack
A good sample (prototype)

How long will it take to get product?

Every product is different, but it can take 18 to 24 months from idea to finished products ready to sell. Product development alone can take 12 months or more, and factories are often booked 6 months ahead of time. But much of your timeline depends on you, time and money.

How much will it cost?

Again, every product is different and we don’t offer flat-rate development services at PAL. After your Design Review meeting, we can give you a much better estimate of what it will take to get you started. We’ll be honest, it’s not cheap. Anticipate between $2000 to $5000 per style to get to factory-ready product the first time around.

Yeah, but what will my product cost to make?

You won’t know for sure until much later in the process. A good designer will help you design a product that you can sell for a given price point, or be honest with you about what is possible. When you’re just getting started, and doing smaller runs, your costs per piece will be high. It’s gets better when you can invest in more volume.

Will you make me a few custom items for personal use? Can you copy a beloved item from my closet?

That’s just something we’re not set up to do. It is outside the scope of our business. You need someone who makes custom clothing, often called a tailor or seamstress. Please see our resources page, or search the web for custom clothing.

Can you fix or alter an existing garment or sewn item?

This is very different from what we do. You need someone who does alterations. Please see our page of resources. or search the web for alterations.

Will you copy an item I already have so I can manufacture and sell it?

That’s complicated. We don’t knowingly knock off other people’s designs for commercial purposes. Is this something you created, and you just need it cleaned up for manufacturing? Then yes, we can do that. Is it your design, and you somehow lost your files (or your original factory can’t or won’t give them to you)? Then yes, we can probably help. If it’s something you purchased that you really love, we can use that item for inspiration or to inform the fit or features of your original work. Design often uses previously made items for reference, research or inspiration, and that’s fine. Creating an exact copy of something that exists in the market already is not something we do.

Can I buy fabric at your shop? Can I buy a sewing machine from you?

We don’t sell fabric or sewing machines at our location. You can visit our resources page to find a fabric or sewing machine retailer. We do offer wholesale fabric sourcing as part of our pre-production services.

Can I take a beginning sewing class?

Please visit our resources page for a beginning sewing or pattern making class.

Can I get printing or embroidery done at PAL?

We don’t do garment decoration or textile printing at our site. Check our resources page or search the web for fabric or garment printing or embroidery.