Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Process
What is the AJG product development process?
AJG’s product development process is a collaborative journey from concept to production. We begin by understanding your brand vision, then proceed through design refinement, tech pack creation, sourcing, sampling, production negotiations, order placement, pre-production, production management, quality control, and logistics - getting ready to sell, high-quality apparel delivered to your door. Our team manages communication with factories and your dedicated project manager ensures accuracy and consistency, saving you time and reducing costly errors. The process is tailored to your brand’s unique needs and priorities, and we can act as your team or work alongside your existing team to get things done efficiently, accurately, and on time.
How do I get started with AJG Fashion Consulting?
Getting started is simple. Reach out to us to schedule a discovery call. During this initial conversation, we discuss your brand goals, product ideas, and challenges. From there, we develop a customized plan that fits your timeline and budget. We pride ourselves on making the complex apparel development process approachable and manageable, so we are always here to answer questions and find the perfect service offering for your brand’s needs.
Do you help with every stage of the apparel development process?
Yes. AJG offers comprehensive support across every stage of apparel development, from initial concept and technical design to fabric sourcing, sample coordination, production oversight, and quality assurance. Whether you need full-service management or assistance with specific phases, we tailor our services to fit your brand’s needs and resources. We help brands of all sizes - whether you are just launching, looking to grow, or scaling into larger production.
What makes AJG’s process different from other consulting agencies?
AJG combines 80+ years of industry expertise with a hands-on, full-service approach that acts as an extension of your team. Unlike agencies that only offer partial support, we oversee every detail, from creative direction to factory audits. Our commitment to transparency, craftsmanship, and founder empowerment ensures your brand maintains control while benefiting from seasoned production know-how.
How involved will I be in the development process?
Your level of involvement is flexible and tailored to your preferences. Some founders choose to be deeply involved in decisions and reviews, while others rely on AJG to handle day-to-day management. We keep you informed with clear updates and invite your input at key milestones to ensure the final product aligns with your vision. Our role is to make the process seamless and stress-free for you.
Read about how we help brands launch, grow, and scale in Our Process.
List of Services
What services does AJG Fashion Consulting offer?
AJG provides a full range of fashion consulting services including design development, tech pack creation, fabric and trim sourcing, sample coordination, production management, quality control, compliance guidance, and logistics support. We specialize in helping emerging and established brands navigate complex apparel production challenges with tailored solutions. We specialize in supporting brands from end to end in our full-service, monthly retainer pricing model.
Do you offer full-service product development?
Yes, AJG offers full-service product development that covers everything from initial concept through to finished production. We coordinate all aspects of development and production, along with factory communication, to ensure a smooth, efficient process that delivers high-quality results on time and within budget.
Can I choose specific services or do I need a full package?
We offer flexible engagement models. You can select individual services like tech pack creation, sourcing, or production management as needed, or opt for a comprehensive full-service package. Our goal is to provide exactly the level of support that fits your brand’s needs and stage of growth.
Do you offer production management or just development?
AJG provides both product development and production management services. We set you up from the beginning with factories that can actually produce your product - not just create great samples. This ensures a smooth transition from sampling to production, with long term growth and scalability in mind. We act as your liaison with manufacturers, managing timelines, quality standards, and problem-solving throughout production to ensure your orders are delivered correctly and on schedule.
Do you offer sourcing for sustainable fabrics, and production with ethical factories?
Ethical manufacturing and sustainable materials are important to AJG, and we have a strong, global network that supports brands seeking sustainable and ethical sourcing options. We work with a network of suppliers committed to transparency and responsible practices, helping you identify fabrics and trims that align with your brand’s values without compromising quality or performance. We have partners all over the world, and each of our partners has been thoroughly vetted to be 100% socially compliant by holding accredited 3rd party audits along with personal visits from our team within the last 2 years. We work with each brand to understand their needs, production quantity, goals for growth and scaling, and recommend the best partners from our network that fit their product needs.
Learn about all the services we offer in our List of Services.
Timelines
How long does apparel product development take?
Apparel product development timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the design, the number of styles, and the sourcing process. Typically, from initial concept to final production delivery, the process takes about 6 to 10 months. This timeline is significantly influenced by size of the collection, production location, number of sample rounds, custom fabric requirements, factory availability, and transportation methods. Your project manager will be using a timeline tracking tool to keep you up to date on the status of your project.
Why does apparel production get delayed? How does AJG help with timeline changes?
Delays can occur due to multiple factors including fabric or trim manufacturing delays, factory capacity issues, changes in designs, additional sample rounds requested, quality control issues, or logistical challenges (such as port strikes). Early planning, clear communication, and working with experienced partners like AJG can help mitigate these risks. We are your team, and will work to solve any situation that may arise, bringing pro-active solutions and getting your product safely delivered.
Can AJG help expedite my timeline if I’m launching quickly?
Yes, AJG can support accelerated timelines by prioritizing key tasks, leveraging our industry relationships, and closely managing factory schedules. While some elements like fabric lead times can’t be rushed, our proactive planning and coordination can optimize your Fashion Supply Chain, and significantly reduce delays to keep your launch on track.
Learn more about how AJG manages product development and production Timelines.
Manufacturing
& MOQs
What is a MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?
MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity, which is the smallest number of units a manufacturer requires a brand to produce in one production run. It ensures that production is cost-effective for both the manufacturer and the brand.
What are typical MOQ requirements for new brands?
MOQ requirements vary widely depending on the factory, product category, and complexity. For new or emerging brands, MOQs often range from 100 to 500 units per style, but some factories may require higher minimums. AJG helps brands identify manufacturers aligned with their production needs and budget.
Can I produce small runs if I’m just starting out?
Yes, producing small runs is possible, especially by working with manufacturers specializing in smaller quantities. However, small runs typically come with higher per-unit costs. AJG can guide you to manufacturers and production strategies that fit your launch scale and budget.
How do I choose the right apparel manufacturer?
Choosing the right manufacturer involves evaluating factors such as product category expertise, quality standards, capacity, communication responsiveness, ethical practices, and geographic location. AJG leverages its extensive, vetted, 100% socially compliant network to match brands with manufacturers best suited to their needs and goals, ensuring alignment on pricing, timelines, and compliance.
Searching for the right factory to produce your fashion brand? Learn about how we work with Manufacturing and MOQs.
Pricing
How is pricing determined for product development?
Pricing for product development depends on the complexity of the styles, number of styles, materials used, and the level of service required. Factors such as the number of samples, technical design needs, sourcing complexity, and production oversight also influence costs. AJG offers a transparent, monthly retainer pricing model so you know what to expect each month. Our rates are tailored to each brand’s scope and scale to optimize value and quality.
What is the cost to launch an apparel brand?
Launching an apparel brand involves costs across product development, sampling, materials, production, marketing, and overhead. Product development and sampling alone can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars depending on style count and complexity. AJG helps founders plan realistic budgets that align with their vision and market entry strategy.
How should I budget for development, sampling, and production?
A practical budget includes allocating funds for initial tech packs, prototype samples, size set samples, and production runs. It’s important to factor in contingencies for revisions, fabric minimums, and shipping. AJG works with brands to create phased budgeting plans that align with their goals and growth trajectories.
What is the typical apparel production pricing model?
Apparel production pricing is typically calculated on a per-unit basis, which includes materials, labor, trims, and overhead. Some factories charge additional fees for patternmaking, grading, or specialized finishes. Costs vary by location, product complexity, production quantity, and factory capacity. AJG assists in negotiating transparent pricing and analyzing cost breakdowns to ensure profitability and quality.
Learn about AJG’s all-inclusive, retainer-based pricing model.
Working
With Us
What does an apparel consultant do?
An apparel consultant acts as your expert guide through every stage of product development, from concept and design refinement to sourcing materials, creating tech packs, managing samples, and overseeing production. They help you navigate complex processes, optimize costs, and ensure quality so you can focus on growing your brand. AJG Fashion Consulting serves as an extension of your team, providing hands-on support and industry expertise.
How is AJG Fashion Consulting different from a fashion designer or manufacturer?
Unlike a fashion designer who focuses primarily on creative design, or a manufacturer who produces garments, AJG Fashion Consulting offers end-to-end development support, combining design consultation, sourcing, quality control, and production management. AJG bridges the gap between your vision and the factory floor, ensuring your product is both market-ready and manufacturable with scalability in mind.
Will AJG communicate with factories on my behalf?
Yes. AJG acts as your primary liaison to factories and suppliers, managing communication to ensure your specifications, deadlines, and quality standards are met. This reduces confusion and streamlines production, allowing you to focus on brand growth rather than manufacturing logistics.
Do I retain ownership of my designs and tech packs?
Absolutely. All designs, tech packs, and intellectual property remain the exclusive property of your brand. AJG supports you with development but does not claim ownership of your creative assets. Every brand has a dedicated google drive, where all the assets of your project live - you always have full access to every file related to your brand.
Can you help me scale once my brand starts growing?
Yes. AJG offers scalable solutions tailored to your growth stage, including expanded sourcing networks, production management for larger runs, wholesale partnership management and negotiation, and strategic planning to streamline operations as demand increases. We work with you to optimize cost, lead times, and quality for sustainable growth.
Learn everything you need to know about Working With Us - and read real feedback from our clients.
Get Your Customized Support Plan Today
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