You have probably scoured the web and tried to find vendors that will help you understand the business and give you a quote so you can make an informed decision. The trouble is, you will find very little solid information about how to realistically develop your product, what things actually cost, and what you should reasonably pay. Most importantly, hardly any references and credentials will be available about the people you are trying to do business with.

As you search for a partner, you will come across people who claim they work for a factory. This is almost never the case. They are almost certainly agents, especially if you found them on any of the big trade websites that sell everything and anything. Agents often misrepresent themselves as factory employees to build a sense of security – they want you to think you are getting the lowest possible price and they they have the ability to oversee your production.

These agents will often give you very attractive pricing upfront and perhaps free samples from factories that are desperate for business and will work with agents on a no fee basis for prototypes. This is a very risky way to work. Even if the agent finds a factory that can produce some good initial samples, this does not mean they can deliver on a production order. Some less stable factories will take your deposit and never deliver on the production order. There is usually little to no recourse in this situation, as the foreign agent can just ignore your request for a refund without suffering any legal consequences.

In the case that your shoes do go into production, the product quality will often be suspect and not match the confirmation samples you were provided. This is because many agents don’t have the ability to put proper quality controls in place at the factory. When bad goods are delivered, your agent will only be able to negotiate a discount, at best. This usually means being stuck with product you can’t sell, and being out a significant amount of time and money.

We have people come to us with horror stories on a daily basis. They spend thousands to get nothing and end up giving up. Some even travel to China with no results, as they can’t afford to stay on site for months at a time, overseeing product development and production. Many get faulty product and are left with broken dreams.

A reputable factory or agent will not provide free samples and the sample development costs won’t be less than a few thousand dollars if there is no commitment for orders. If they do, it is the first sign you are dealing with an amateur or a desperate company.

So when asked by potential clients to explain why our estimates for development/production are higher than other estimates they may have received, we explain all of the above and let them know that our costs are higher because we provide better service, are reputable and have to cover any costs that may occur as a result of honoring all of the contracts we take on.

We aren’t perfect but we are deeply committed and caring. You should look for that level of engagement from any vendor you work with.

Signs of a good agent:

1) Responsive attitude and clear communications

2) Asks lots of questions to make sure they understand your project

3) No free samples or low cost samples without a large order commitment

4) Logical timelines, not just telling you what you want to hear

5) Has standards and requirements for working together

If you are just getting started we have an education program to help you put your best foot forward.

Good luck!

We are always looking for examples of beautiful craft. This morning I was inspired by Ruslan Khasanov‘s liquid type. I couldn’t help but pull together theabove  Otabo logo from his microtype face.

The fonts make me think of the hand made collection that we are creating. The structure of the font is still legible but every single version of the letter will be slightly different when painted or animated just as every piece of leather we hand stain is unique. Every pair of shoes has its own subtle character. Each an original piece of art.

Hats off to Ruslan. More coverage by Fast Company here.

Have a dream shoe? We can help.

Send us a note: collaboration@otabo.com

We’ve got all these fine looking brogues and oxfords sitting around the office, and Ryan Shaffer, our Director of Production, still diverts to wearing sneakers.  And who can blame him? Sneakers are not only a high-fashion staple nowadays, they are also comfortable and work with a diverse wardrobe. Here’s a sneak peek at one of our new client projects. High tops in sueded and mirrored calfskin with a classic vulcanized outsole.

While we don’t use metal shanks in our Otabo shoes – we use heat contoured fiberglass, which is light weight and stronger than steel – we are playing around with metals in some other interesting ways. Namely, as toe and heel caps. These molded gold pieces will be used in new patterns for prototypes of ladies’ ballet flats. If they turn out well, our subscribers just might be receiving a limited edition offer this spring.

Visiting the factory is always exciting. We get to see what is brewing and how things get done. The process, even in its roughest form, is always beautiful – these new wingtips are beautiful. Crafted from a single piece of seamless leather, this wraparound “wingtip” pattern creates a unique aesthetic that represents a high level of master craftsmanship and some pretty exciting changes coming to our hand welted, Otabo Bespoke line.