Lingerie production unit for local labels

Established independent labels, online brands wanting Australian-made products, and designers moving from samples to regular production.

Per-garment manufacturing fees agreed with each brand, often with minimum order quantities. Extra income can come from sampling, pattern making and grading.

• Production planning and costing
• Sewing and garment construction knowledge, including stretch fabrics
• Managing and training a small team
• Quality control and meeting deadlines

• Employing sewers means checking award rates, such as the Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Associated Industries Award, plus workers compensation and superannuation
• Workplace health and safety duties for machinery, ventilation and lighting; check with your state's regulator
• Check zoning and permitted use for any workshop with your local council
• Reliance on a few brands: losing one client can hit income hard
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for machinery and stock
• Check whether any ethical clothing accreditation is expected by your clients

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your workshop, machines, stock and insurance. These are estimates only, so get quotes for your own equipment and premises before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your team size and the brands you produce for. That is revenue before wages and costs. Relying on a few brands means losing one client can hit income hard.

Check award rates such as the Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Associated Industries Award, plus workers compensation and superannuation. Also check workplace health and safety duties with your state regulator, council zoning for the workshop, and your insurance cover.