Private label activewear line

Boutique gyms, running clubs, fitness coaches, small retailers and new fitness brands that want their own branded kit.

You sell finished garments at a markup over factory cost, per order or per collection. Some clients pay a design or sampling fee on top.

• Apparel design and tech packs
• Sourcing and negotiating with factories
• Quality control
• Project and deadline management

• Minimum order quantities can tie up cash, so check them before committing to a run
• Check federal textile labeling rules (fiber content, care labels, country of origin) for your garments
• Check that your designs and brand name do not infringe existing trademarks
• Quality problems and late deliveries from a factory can hurt you, so inspect samples and set clear terms in writing
• Check if you need a state sales tax permit and a business license from your city or county
• Product liability and general liability insurance are worth checking

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on sampling, production runs and the factory's minimum order quantities. Check those minimums before committing, since they can tie up your cash.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your customers, order sizes and pricing, starting from around 12 hours a week. Revenue is before production, shipping and other costs.

Check federal textile labeling rules for fiber content, care labels and country of origin. Also check that your designs and brand name don't infringe trademarks, whether you need a state sales tax permit and local business license, and insurance.