Cherie Bixler & Associates

Cherie Bixler, Inc. pattern making and consulting

Design Sourcing Marketing Production completing the mix

Over 20 years of Industry Experience, Clients are Listed below. . .

Have a question? Call us at (201) 944-5497 or email us!

Frequently Asked Questions

These are actual questions people ask. This information has been provided as a service to aid in your success.

1. Q: What services do you provide?
A: We make patterns, samples and production. We also do consulting and sourcing at no cost to clients.

2. Q: What do you need from me to start the project?
A: We need to see sketches, photos, garments or a combination of these items so you can convey your ideas to us.

3. Q: Would I get in trouble for making a garment like something I purchased from a store?
A: No, because small changes to fabrication and styling can make it look entirely different.

3. Q: Do you help with ideas?
A: We can give an opinion if asked.

4. Q: If I send you garments to work from do you send them back?
A: Yes, we will return them. In some rare cases we may have to take it apart but would make you aware of it prior to doing so.

5. Q: What if I don’t sketch that well?
A: That is not a problem. We have a formula that will help you draw better instantly.

6. Q: What if I have little knowledge of the industry?
A: This should not hold you back if this is something you are passionate about. We are willing to answer any questions you have and suggest helpful resources.

7. Q: I feel overwhelmed since I know so little about the process?
A: Just take it one step at a time and you will learn everything you need to.

8. Q: I was told I need to read books about this industry?
A: It is good to be as knowledgeable as possible. You may want to cross reference any reading material because there is the text book way of doing things and found it was not always used in the industry when I graduated from college.

10. Q: I am concerned about someone taking my ideas?
A: We have a non-disclosure agreement that we sign.

11. Q: Do I need a patent for my idea?
A: Do some research on the Internet and see if there is a similar product. Remember that someone may be able to change something slightly and get away with it; make sure it is worth the cost.

12. Q: Do the patterns that you make belong to me?
A: Yes, they belong to you.

13. Q: Do you keep a copy of the patterns?
A: No, we don’t keep any copies of your patterns. It may be in our system if we have to create a marker for production.

14. Q: What are your fees for consulting?
A: The consulting is at no cost to clients.

15. Q: How do you charge?
A: By the actual work that we do. There are some price estimates at our website. To get an actual price you will need to provide sketches and we will go over pricing and process.

16. Q: How long does the process take?
A: To make patterns and samples I need to see what is involved and will give you an estimate.

17. Q: How do I know if my ideas are good?
A: Show them to several people you trust. There is a market for everything.

18. Q: Do you design or illustrate?
A: We can give you our design opinion and provide technical sketches for the cutters must (page that gives sewing info) but as far as designing or making beautiful sketches for the purpose of marketing, we can suggest someone.

19. Q: Do you do embroidery or screen printing?
A:Yes. We will need you to provide a disc with the art work. If you don’t have a graphic designer we will suggest one.

20. Q: I am having a hard time finding fabric?
A: We can provide you with resources to contact directly.

21. Q: I don’t know anything about the different types of fabric and feel silly when I call since I can’t answer their questions?
A: Most of the resources we will suggest are accustomed to dealing with small companies and we will give you an idea what to say prior to calling.

22. Q: What about finding trims, labels and etc.?
A: We will give you leads.

23. Q: I don’t feel like looking for fabrics and trims; can you do it?
A:You will save money if you do your own leg work. It may be possible if don’t mind the additional expense and depending how busy we are.

24. Q: What size do I make the samples?
A: You can pick any size for them to be fitted in.

25. Q: How do I get the fit right?
A: If you want them to fit like certain styles that you have, we can go off those and work in the style lines. If it is something that you don’t have a garment for, we will get enough info from you to make it happen.

26. Q: What if my sample needs fit changes?
A: We get plenty of info from you prior to starting the pattern to try and avoid numerous fittings. Any fit revisions to the pattern are included in price.

27. Q: Do you think I should get muslin made prior to getting the real sample made?
A: If you are working with expensive fabric or doing styles that are not typical lines.

28. Q: When do I get all the different sizes made?
A: Once you approve the fit and want to go into production.

29. Q: What are your production minimums?
A: 100 pieces in

U.S.A.

and that can be assorted sizes and colors. 120 pieces overseas and that is assorted sizes and 1 color.

30. Q: Can I do less than the production minimum?
A: Yes, but it would cost a little more per garment.

31. Q: Do you think it is best to do production in

U.S.A.

or overseas?
A: It depends on what you are making.

32. Q: How long does it take to do the production?
A: Once you have approved the garment, fabric and trim it take about 2 months.

33. Q: How do you ship the production?
A: It is flat packed in individual plastic bags. We can apply all labels and hang tags.

34. Q: I have already placed an order with another company and they put my work aside and don’t return my calls?
A: Try to get an idea of when it will be completed. Be positive and try to work it out. If that does not work, just tend to the details and keep it moving.

35. Q: The company I was working with will not give me my work and I have paid?
A: Try to work things out with them. If it is not possible determine if it is worth your time and stay focused of your goals.

36. Q: I have had a bad experience with another company and it is hard to trust anyone?
A: Look back to see what went wrong and use it as a learning experience. Don’t let this destroy your chances of moving ahead. Communication is the key in developing new relationships.

37. Q: I have several companies in mind to work with and am torn which one to go with?
A: Ask plenty of questions. Don’t feel bad about wasting their time since it is important to find the right fit; just make sure you have all the questions ready when you get them on the phone and go with your gut.

38. Q: How long have you been in this business?
A: 25 years. Please don’t think I am too old to do the work as I am still in my mid 40’s.

39. Q: When can we get started?
A: As soon as your place order. Remember the starting date depends on availability in schedule. So place your order, if you are ready as we have to do work in the order we receive it. We can work on patterns as you are sourcing fabric.

40. Q: Do we need to meet; I am in another state?
A: It is not necessary as most clients are in different states.

41. Q: How will we work from a distance?
A: Email, phone and mail. We will go over the process to make it simple.

42. Q: Can I get a discount?
A: Bulk orders can get more of a discount. We may also suggest ways upon seeing sketches to make this possible.

43. Q: What is the smallest order you take?
A: One style.

44. Q: Can you do a large production as my company grows?
A: Yes.

45. Q: How do I pay?
A: Money order, check, bank wire, PayPal or credit card.

46. Q: How do I figure out how much to charge for my garments?
A: We will give our clients a formula.

47. Q: Do you know anything about marketing or trade shows?
A: Yes, we will provide this info to clients.

48. Q: Can I sew the garments myself?
A: Yes, remember it must look nice if buyers are going to look at it.

49. Q: Can you work from my patterns?
A: We prefer to make our own patterns. We would need to look at them to see if they are suitable.

50. Q: I think I am ready to go into production; what do I need?
A: Patterns, samples, markers, and fabric.

51. Q: I have been told that I don’t know what I am doing and I am crazy for doing this.
A: Surround yourself with people who are supportive and have your best interest in mind. There is constructive criticism but make sure that is really the case.

52. Q: How many garments should I make for a line of clothing?
A: 12- 24. If budget is an issue do not make any more than you feel comfortable doing.

53. Q: I am looking for a financial backer to finance this?
A: It may be hard for someone to be convinced that they want to invest in your idea without seeing actual samples. To show them just your sketches may not be enough. Also they may want to see you get things off the ground and get some small orders before they are willing to invest. Friends and family are a good place to start to find this type of person. Remember that when you bring a partner into the situation they may have a different vision of how to launch the company and this can lead to stress and conflict. If possible it may be in your best interest to finance it yourself though a line of credit or credit card. If this is what you decide to do, make sure that you know all costs up front to start your line. Don’t get in over your head investing an excessive amount that will be hard to repay.

54. Q: I have an idea and I would like to sell it to a big company?
A: Get a patent for the idea, make a proto type, and present it to a big company with them signing an agreement prior to seeing it.

55. Q: What is the biggest mistake you see people make or the questions they forget to ask?
A: The process of doing the line can be very exciting but it does take some investment of time and making wise decisions. Carefully go though the steps and always ask about anything that you don’t understand.

56. Q: We have a celebrity we would like you to make some clothes for. How do you go about making it fit them if you don’t meet?
A: I will need something from their wardrobe or their measurements to work from as well as a sketch or photo of the style.

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