I"ve finally started on a project, and this one is different

[Alan H]

Taking a quick look through the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (U.S.) - your duty(tax) could be 6.5, 7.5, or 8.5%. 50% is a bit high.
And if I remember correctly, neither El Salvador or Nicaragua have quotas on their textile products, so that shouldn't be a concern.
But keep in mind - my specialty is regulating raw or live cotton and hemp, not clothing made from them.

Thanks, that is very helpful, and a big help with my budgeting since my fabric costs are quite different from what I'd guessed they'd be!

Things are coming together. The prototype fabric is ordered. It will be a 75% hemp, 25% recycled polyester blend twill in 9.5 ounce cloth. This 9.5 ounce is NOT the same measurement as how kilting cloth is measured!! This cloth is currently available in two colors, charcoal and indigo. Special orders for large amounts can be made in other colors, and if this all goes as hoped, I will probably do one in a foresty-sage green. The polyester should help with any wrinkling issues people have with hemp, but it's still a very green fabric, being recycled polyester.

The kilt will be a modified (and re-named) X-Kilt with 2 inch wide box pleats and a narrow apron with A-shaping. It will close with two buttons, one on each side. It won't have pockets, for now, though some sort of pocket may be an option for later.

The prototype, and 5 yards of cloth heads down to the sewing co-operative in El Salvador Friday of next week, so I have one weekend to bang out the prototype. I should hear back from them a week or two after that and see if the co-op wants to take on the project.

If they do want the project and if the kilt they send me back looks good, I will ship them material for 20 kilts.

The initial run will be for 20 kilts, all in charcoal, in waist sizes as follows:

32-34
34-34
36-38
38-40
40-42

You MUST remember that these are NOT custom-made kilts, made to anybody's specific measurements. There will be one standard length (probably 24 inches) and one standard taper (probably 6 inches from waist to hips). The first 20 kilts will be offered on X-Marks for a few weeks, because I want feedback from people who know kilts. I will also be selling them locally to members of the local group that supports a bunch of South Bay churches involvement with El Salvadorean communities. If they sell well and feedback is good with some constructive ideas for improvement from X-Markers, I'll then put in an order for about 200 kilts in indigo and charcoal, and will take out an advertisement on X-Marks.

Details of distribution, paying local and state taxes, and liability....all the drek that comes along with having a company, are still to be worked out. Remember that at least $20 a kilt goes to Environmental and Social Justice causes....that's the whole point.

I won't post any more about this until I know whether the rest of the project is a "go" or not.

Cheers..

Alan

[runewolf]

Cool deal Alan! I can't wait to see the indigo.

[Pleater]

Good luck with this project, Alan - I hope that it is a successful venture, both with a view to the production of kilts and to assisting the sewing cooperative.

Anne the Pleater

[beerbecue]

I think there is a rising market for sustainable products - both environmentally and socially friendly.....

Good luck to you... I will keep an eye out for that first batch!

[Wompet]

Details of distribution, paying local and state taxes, and liability....all the drek that comes along with having a company, are still to be worked out.

Alan - one more thing: because there will more likely than not be duty on these, you will have to make a formal commercial entry when the time comes. If they were free of duty, and each shipment was under $2000 invoice value, formal entry wouldn't be necessary .
You can do this yourself, but using a professional customs broker would make things easier.
Of course, you're doing this in a non-profit, charitable manner basically, so then ...
You may want to contact a broker ...

[pipesndrumsnun]

I think this is a fabulous idea, Alan!!

[ScottEPooh]

I too would like to add my congrats to you Alan for coming up with this. I am looking forward to word as it plays out!!

[TNKiltedWolf]

I have to concur with everyone else! It sounds like a fabulous idea. I really like the ideas of the recycled/sustainable materials and the added benefit of aiding the peoples of other countries! Keep up the good work Alan, and keep us up to date on how it all turns out. If it does work, I know I'd be interested in one.

[Cherub]

I have to concur with everyone else! It sounds like a fabulous idea. I really like the ideas of the recycled/sustainable materials and the added benefit of aiding the peoples of other countries! Keep up the good work Alan, and keep us up to date on how it all turns out. If it does work, I know I'd be interested in one.

I would also be interested and can think of a few stores that might be intrested in the Toronto area. That deal in hemp and hemp related products,

but funds being very (that's an understatement) limited the price point would be a major issue with me.

[Smayniac]

You can do this yourself, but using a professional customs broker would make things easier.
Of course, you're doing this in a non-profit, charitable manner basically, so then ...
You may want to contact a broker ...

Alan,

my cousin passed the broker's license exam some time ago, he is not currently licensed, but he is local in SF and involved in a similar commercial enterprise, sustainable goods primarily from Africa. He might be interested in supporting your effort. PM me if you are interested in getting in touch with him.

Bob