Small-Run apparel production studio

Emerging fashion labels, activewear and streetwear brands, uniform buyers, local retailers and designers needing sampling and short runs.

Per-piece production pricing plus fees for sampling, pattern grading and rush orders, with repeat orders from brands you work with regularly.

• Industrial sewing and garment construction
• Production planning and costing
• Managing clients and, later, a small team

• Check zoning for your unit and whether you need a local business license or certificate of occupancy
• Workers' compensation insurance is usually needed once you hire, so check your state's rules
• Check state and federal requirements for wage, safety and fire rules for workshops
• Cash flow risk: fabric and labor costs come before the client pays, so consider deposits
• Startup costs add up quickly: budget for the unit deposit and first months' rent, several industrial machines, a cutting table, pressing equipment, insurance and initial fabric stock
• Competing with overseas pricing: focus on speed, small minimums and quality

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the unit deposit and first months' rent, the industrial machines you buy, cutting and pressing equipment, insurance and initial fabric stock. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many brands you serve and run sizes. Fabric and labor costs come before clients pay, so consider deposits. Plan for around 30 hours a week at minimum.

Check zoning for your unit and whether you need a local business license or certificate of occupancy. Also check your state's workers' compensation rules once you hire, and state and federal wage, safety and fire requirements for workshops.