Committing to a buy isn't easy. It's a lot of trust. You have to believe that the hat is going to be made exactly the way you envision it. Can the supplier get it right? You've got to trust them.
Then you commit to a large order, hoping people will see what you see. But that's part of it. You make something because you believe in it. You like it. You love it.
You order your first sample.
This is the part you prepare for. You think about everything: the size of the hat, the colour, the logo placement, the embroidery, the tags, and so on. You make sure you've covered every detail because a sample isn't cheap, but it's a necessity. It's the first step in building a relationship with your supplier.
Once you both believe you're on the same page, the fun begins.
The payment is made, and the wait is on.
A sample can take a couple of weeks to arrive, but it feels like an eternity. Your mind races. What happens if it arrives and everything is wrong? That happens, and it's part of the process.
Luckily, in my case, that wasn't a problem.
The sample is in my hands, and there's a smile on my face.
Now the testing begins.
Can the hat withstand the elements? Luckily, Auckland weather can throw every season at you in a single day. But that's not enough. You wear the hat day in and day out. On the course, to work, to the supermarket. Wherever my shoe’s go, the hat goes. You have to make sure it can last.
Finally, you're convinced it's the right hat.
Alright, next step.
How many do you want?
Every supplier has an MOQ (minimum order quantity). Depending on the supplier, that number can be large or small, but either way, it comes with a price tag.
So the next leap begins.
But is it really a gamble? You believe in it, so why wouldn't someone else?
The number is set. Another payment is made, and a lot more money is handed over. This wait is much longer, but it has to be. You're producing higher quantities, and quality is everything.
Communication becomes key. We're in different countries, but I never let that become an excuse. My supplier becomes a bit of a pen pal because I'm checking in about everything.
Then your first shipment arrives. It's a relief.
You can't quite work out where the time went, but it's definitely gone. Nothing about this process is quick.
You're just relieved you've made it this far.
I'm here.
You're here.
Collection 01 is here.