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You see a low unit price, but hidden fees and shipping costs destroy your profit margin. This makes financial planning impossible and erodes trust in your supplier.
A transparent factory1 provides an itemized quote breaking down costs for materials, labor, and washing. They quote all one-time fees upfront, help you estimate landed costs, and offer clear volume discounts.
After 20 years of making jeans, I've learned that trust is the most important thing we build. And trust begins with honesty about price.
A price is not just a number; it's a story about the quality of the fabric, the skill of the workers, and the artistry of the wash. A low price can hide many problems.
My goal is to be your partner, not just a supplier. That means I need to open my books and show you exactly where your money is going.
This way, you can build your brand with complete confidence, knowing you are getting true value.
How is my per-unit cost itemized by labor, materials, and wash?
You get a single price-per-jean. You have no idea if the fabric is good quality or if you're overpaying for a simple wash, leaving you blind to cost-saving opportunities.
We break it down into three main parts: materials (fabric, trims), labor (cutting, sewing), and washing. This shows you exactly what you are paying for and where costs can be adjusted.
We do not just give you a single number. We provide a clear, itemized quote. This empowers you, the designer, to make informed decisions.
First is materials, which is usually the biggest part of the cost, around 50% to 70%. This includes the denim itself and all the trims. Next is labor, which is about 15% to 25% of the cost.
This covers the skilled work of cutting the fabric and sewing the jeans together. A more complex design with many details will have a higher labor cost than a simple five-pocket jean.
Finally, the wash and finishing make up the last 10% to 20%. A basic rinse is inexpensive, while a complex vintage wash with hand-sanding and distressing requires more time and resources.
By seeing the cost of each part, you can decide where to invest your budget to create the perfect product for your price point.
Example Cost Breakdown
| Component | Example Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denim Fabric | $3 - $10 / yard | Varies by weight, composition, and origin. |
| Buttons | $0.10 - $0.50 / piece | Varies by material (brass vs. alloy) and custom design. |
| Labor (Sewing) | $2 - $8 / unit | Depends on the complexity of the jean's design. |
| Washing | $1 - $6 / unit | A simple enzyme wash is cheaper than a complex stone wash. |
You approved a quote, but then surprise "mold fees" appear on the final invoice. This feels like a bait-and-switch and ruins your budget and your trust.
No. There are no hidden fees. All one-time costs, like custom molds for your logo buttons, are quoted as a separate line item from the very beginning. You approve everything in writing.
My policy is very simple: no surprises. Any cost that is part of your project will be on your initial quotation. This includes one-time fees for customization.
For example, if you want a button with your brand's logo, we need to create a steel mold to produce it. There is a one-time cost for making this tool, usually between $50 and $200.
This fee will be clearly listed on your quote as a "Custom Mold Fee." Once you pay it, that mold is yours, and you will never be charged for it again on future orders.
The same is true if you want premium trims, like branded YKK zippers. There might be a small surcharge, and we will list it clearly for you to see.
My team will ask you to review and sign off on all these costs before we start any work, so you can be 100% confident in the final price.
How can I calculate total landed cost including duties and shipping?
Your factory price seems great. But when freight and customs add another 30% to the cost, your profit margin disappears. You are left with a surprise bill and an unprofitable product.
We help you calculate this. We provide our FOB price2, give you reliable shipping estimates, and provide the correct HS customs code3 so you can calculate your country's exact duties.
The price you pay my factory is only one part of your total cost. The final price, when the jeans arrive at your warehouse, is called the Total Landed Cost.
I want you to know this number before you even place an order. It's calculated with a simple formula: Landed Cost = FOB Cost + Shipping + Duties + Local Handling. Our price is the FOB Cost, which means we cover getting your jeans to the port in China.
We work with freight forwarders every day, so we can give you a very accurate estimate for the Shipping Cost to your country, whether by sea or air. Most importantly, we will give you the correct HS code for your product.
This is a customs code (e.g., 6203.42 for men's denim jeans) that allows you to look up the exact duty rate for your country.
For the USA, it is about 16%, and for the EU, it is about 12%. We can even provide a worksheet to help you put all these numbers together.
What volume discounts apply for larger orders?
You want to scale up your order. But your factory gives you the same unit price, offering no reward for your increased business. This makes it hard to improve your margins as you grow.
We have a clear, tiered discount system. As your order quantity increases, your per-unit cost goes down. This helps your business become more profitable as you scale with us.
I believe in partnership, and a good partnership means we both benefit from success. As your brand grows, your orders will get larger. Larger orders create efficiencies in my factory.
We can buy fabric in bulk at a better price, and our cutting and sewing lines run more smoothly with a larger batch. I pass these savings directly on to you. We have a simple, tiered discount structure.
While every project is different, the principle is the same: the more you order, the lower your per-unit price becomes. For example, an order of 15,000 pairs will have a significantly lower unit cost than an order of 1,000 pairs.
This discount applies to the main production costs of materials, labor, and wash. We want to help you improve your profit margins as you grow. Our success is tied directly to yours.
Example Volume Tiers
| Order Quantity (Pairs) | Typical Discount |
|---|---|
| 1,000 – 5,000 | 0% – 5% |
| 5,001 – 20,000 | 5% – 15% |
| 20,001 – 50,000 | 15% – 25% |
| 50,000+ | 25%+ (Custom Quote) |
Conclusion
True pricing transparency is simple. It is an itemized quote, no hidden fees, and clear volume discounts. We provide this clarity so you can build your brand with confidence.
