If you are venturing into the shoe market, it is best to source from a China shoes factory. These factories provide high-quality shoes at extremely affordable prices. However, the low-cost is not the only attraction for importers!
China is the manufacturing hub of the world for more than a decade now, producing all sorts of quality goods. In this blog, we are going to shed light on the different shoes factories in China and also reasons why importers like Chinese shoes. Moreover, we are also going to talk about other aspects of the shoe import business.
So, what are you waiting for? Read on to know more!
Chapter 1: 6 Reasons to Source from the China Shoes Factory
If you have a shoe business or you are planning to start one, the best decision you can make for your business to grow is to choose the best China shoes factory.
Why? Because China is leading the world&#;s footwear manufacturing industry. Here is why importing from China can be very beneficial for you.
The process of importing wholesale shoes from China can be tricky for first time importers and seasoned ones alike. Thig blog here is going to help in your importing process.
China has been the leading footwear exporter in the last few years. According to Statista, China is the world leader in export of shoes. Surprisingly, you can see that even though Vietnam comes in second place, it is no where near the massive export numbers of China.
2. Vast Manufacturing BaseUndoubtedly, the reason for such a huge export ratio are many. However, what buyers need to realize that there is something about the China shoes factory that is attracting global clients in such huge numbers.
Despite huge growth in the export market, China is still able to cater to a large number of buyers because of its vast manufacturing base.
China is the hub of China shoes factory where you can find world-famous brands such as Hush Puppies, Justin Boots, Nike, Steve Madden, and many others.
China&#;s shoe manufacturing factories are set up across the whole country. Some of the cities particularly known for shoe factories are Fujian, Jiangsu, Guangzhou, and Fujian.
3. High Quality and Low CostMoreover, the biggest shoe market in the world is in Putian City. Take a tour of the city in this blog.
China is capable of bulk production of shoes while maintaining the quality of products. You can save up to 30%-150% of the cost if you Chinese factories over the US or any other exporter.
The trick here is to pick the right manufacturer with low cost and sell the products with perfect marketing to help you gain a big profit margin.
Chinese shoe manufacturers can maintain a high quality and low cost despite the factors such as import duties, quality control, and shipment cost.
This is because China has experienced manufacturers that are known for their high-quality products. They deal with the best brands in the world and can help your business grow rapidly.
4. Delivering Bulk Orders all Over the GlobeChina shoes factory deliver shoe products all over the globe via their global shipment networks. Whether you want men&#;s dress shoes or women&#;s fashion wear, China delivers bulk orders of any kind of shoes to your doorstep.
In fact, if you order in bulk, it is going to be much cheaper. The Chinese wholesale market is huge and beneficial for bulk orders.
As you saw from the statistics above, China is the leader in shoe exports. This shows that they are pros when it comes to international orders and the international market.
5. Worldwide ShipmentChina is a globally famous marketplace for shoe manufacturing. Chinese shoe products are not only good in quality but also very cheap when it comes to rates.
Chinese manufacturers offer worldwide shipment. Or you can hire a professional sourcing company who will do all the work for you including communication, quality checks, and product shipment. China&#;s worldwide shipment networks make sure that your products are shipped without any hassle.
Chapter 2: How to Import Shoes from China?
Are you planning to import shoes from Chinese manufacturers, but you don&#;t know the basic process? Do you have any doubts in mind? Then no worries because here we are going to share a comprehensive guide on importing shoes from China.
1. Identify Your Import RightsImporting shoes can be a daunting task if you are new to the process. Importers often face problems just because they are unaware of their rights as importers.
Here is the list of rights that you must know before purchasing any item from Chinese shoe manufacturers.
Do your homework before placing an order to avoid any last-minute nuisance. Choose the product that is permitted in your country otherwise, your money and time both will be wasted.
To be a successful importer you need to do thorough research about the product, know its potential market in your country, and gather all the important information including necessary documents.
Ask the manufacturer to provide you with a complete product description and products samples beforehand so you can know the tariff classification. Do all of this in advance so that the only job left at the end is to receive your order.
3. Calculate an Estimated Landing Cost for your Classified ProductsIt is important to classify your products in advance for a smooth shipment process.
First, classify the products that you are ordering and then regulate the ten-digit tariff classification number of your product.
After that, you can use this number along with the certificate of origin so you can know the cost of duty for the shoe that you are importing.
Now you can calculate the landing cost by adding together below mentioned factors.
Now that you are done with your product research and estimating landing costs, the next step is to find a reliable supplier that meets your demands and place an order.
Before placing an order make sure the supplier fulfils the following criteria.
If you are indecisive and can&#;t select a supplier, the best option is to go for a good Sourcing Agent. There are many ways in which you can look for one. Refer to our Ultimate Guide to Finding a Sourcing Agent.
To book the best in town, you can always contact EJET Sourcing. We are the best for a reason! Book your free consultation today by contacting our sourcing representative.
5. Complete the Paper Requirement Necessary for ImportingAfter placing an order, you need to complete the relevant documents to ensure a seamless delivery at your destination. The following documents are necessary for importing.
These are the documents you need for importing shoe products. The importing process can vary from country to country, thus make sure to prepare any additional document if required according to your country&#;s rules.
6. Choose a Shipment MethodNow that you are done with order placement and document preparation, it&#;s time to choose the shipment method. Following are the ways to ship from China. A comprehensive guide is provided separately to understand these methods in detail.
If your product weighs less than 200kg, choose the international express delivery.
The price is determined according to the size and weight of the product. You can choose from various international express such as UPS, DHL, etc.
Airfreight is the best option to consider if your order weighs more than 500 kg. You have to manage the custom import process because the delivery will be from airport to airport.
Ocean freight is the most suitable option for bulk orders of more than 100 kg weight. You can choose either LCL (Less than Container Load) shipment in which your goods share space with others&#; items in the container.
Or you can choose FCL (Full Container Load) shipment in which the whole container belongs to your goods.
Read about the difference between FCL and LCL here.
Ocean freight is cheaper than air freight. You can choose either LCL or FCL shipment method according to your need.
Chapter 3: Where to Find a China Shoes Factory?
The shoe business is growing day by day as the fashion industry blooms. Footwear is considered the second most important category in the fashion industry after clothing.
The rapidly growing shoe industry is relying on China Shoes factory to fulfill their demands.
If you have no idea where to find these shoe manufacturers in China, no problem! I have listed the major cities of China where you can find reliable shoe manufacturers.
1. Guangdong Shoe ManufacturerDongguan city of China which is located in Guangdong province is known for being the house of Chinese shoe manufacturers.
About 65% of the total shoes produced in China are produced by the factories in this area.
The area consists of more than shoe factories that offer their services.
Dongguan city organized an annual shoe fair which is attended by more than 15,000 visitors and business people from all over the world. What makes shoe manufacturers stand out in this area is the finesse and craftsmanship that can be seen in their shoes. People from all over the globe prefer to come here in person and look for manufacturers.
Moreover, the variety and types of shoes that the manufacturers provide is very diverse. On top of that, most of the them provide full customization.
2. Sichuan Shoe ManufacturerChengdu city of Sichuan province in China is also famous for shoe factories. The main product of the manufacturers in this area is women&#;s shoes.
You can get any kind of women&#;s footwear in Chengdu ranging from ladies&#; shoes, diamonds, slippers, straps, to flat sandals.
Manufacturers of Chengdu provide make shoes of all sizes, colors, and materials. You won&#;t be disappointed to choose manufacturers from this area.
3. Zhejiang Shoe ManufacturerThe city of Wenzhou in the Chinese province Zhejiang is located on the west side of China. It is a city with very less population that has more than shoe factories.
4. Fujian Shoe ManufacturerThe suppliers from this area mainly supply to the domestic market of China. The manufacturers of Wenzhou mainly deal in women&#;s footwear.
The Chinese city Quanzhou located in the Fujian province is the hub of the Chinese shoe market.
The shoe factories in this area are equipped with the latest technology and manufacturing equipment. The manufacturers of Quanzhou are known for their rapid delivery of bulk orders.
The headquarters are many notable shoe brands are also located in this city which includes Anta, Ekre, 361, X-step, and many more.
That is why Quanzhou is called the shoe capital of China.
Chapter 4: 6 Top Leading Shoe Manufacturers in China
China&#;s growing shoe manufacturing industry is not only the centre of attention of local buyers but also the global merchants.
The demand for Chinese shoes is increasing day by day. Many notable Chinese shoe brands are targeting the global market for their products.
If you are confused because there are many options to choose from, here is a list of 6 leading shoe manufacturing brands in China.
1. Red Dragonfly Shoe ManufacturingOne of the leading China shoes factory is Red Dragonfly Footwear Co. Ltd. It was incorporated in and has grown by leaps and bounds till today. Not only does the company manufacturer many different leather apparels, but it also does a lot for the economy. The company has invested in many rural banks, financial institutions and commercial banks.
Even though they make leather luggage, clothes, belts and shoes, they are best known for their shoes. Their expertise likes in adult shoes for instance women and men and also children&#;s shoes.
Zhejiang Red Dragonfly Footwear Co.,Ltd. is engaged in the R&D, manufacturing, and marketing of apparel, footwear, leather products, and accessories. The Company also invested in commercial banks, rural banks, and other financial institutions. The Company was incorporated in and is headquartered in Wenzhou China.
2. Daphne International Holdings LimitedAnother big name in the shoe industry of China is Daphne International Holdings Limited which is located in Hong Kong. Daphne international being one of the largest shoe manufacturers, consist of different company segments for better operation.
It is a business group that is catering to all 3 financial classes with its 3 stores. Even though all 3 stores provide the same goods, it targets different markets. For instance, Daphne targets the mid to upper income class. Secondly, Shoebox caters to the lower middle income class.
3. Zhejiang Aokang Shoes Co ltdThe company operates worldwide, mainly offering its services in Asia, China, Europe, and North America.
ZheJian Aokang Shoes has been in the manufacturing business since . Over the years, it has become one of the leading names in leather shoes business in China. They don&#;t only manufacture shoes, but are also responsible for development, design, distribution and retail of some major shoe brands.
With 3 huge production facilities, 4,000 marketing networks and 2 research centers, they can easily tend to huge clients too. Thus, making scalability possible.
They are mainly known for their comfortable and high-quality shoes. They sell their products under the brand names Kanglong, Meirie, Aokang, Redess, and Valleverd. The company also produces high-quality pedometers.
4. Camel Apparel LimitedCamel Apparel Ltd is a leading shoe brand in China with its headquarters located in Guangzhou, Guang Dong. Their brand &#;Camel&#; is quite popular inside and outside China.
Their shoe brand is also one of the best-selling e-commerce shoe brands in China. They mainly manufacture, design, and distribute high-quality outdoor shoes, casual shoes, and leather shoes.
5. Belle International Holdings LimitedOne of the oldest shoes retailers and manufacturers in China, Belle International Holdings Limited was established in in Hong Kong. Till today, it captures a 22% domestic market share in China. This goes on to show what market name is has created. In , it has almost 3,828 outlets all over China.
Moreover, it is already working with huge brands like Adidas, Bata, Reebok, Vans etc.
Therefore, as far as quality and expertise are concerned, international buyers should not worry. As they already have vast experience in international dealings.
6. Spider KingSpider King located in Wenzhou, Zhejiang is known for its upscale shoes. It is one of the leading shoe manufacturers in China with a wide range of products in casual shoes, stylish footwear, high heels, leather shoes, and mixed footwear.
Spider King operates through its more than manufacturers and distributors who together make the diverse network globally.
Spider King is also one of the few shoe companies that hold IS international quality system certification for their products.
Chapter 5: Wholesale Shoe Manufacturing Units in China
China is home to the largest manufacturing units in the shoe industry. If you are starting your new shoe business, or planning to grow your current one, you will need a wholesale supplier to provide you with products in bulk.
Chinese wholesale manufacturers are the best for you as they provide the best quality at low rates. Here is the list of best wholesale Chinese shoe manufacturing units that you can consider for your business.
A relatively new company established in , Zhongyu Footware markets andproducts a wide range of shoes globally. For instance, sports shoes, casual shoes, water shoes, sandals and surprisingly even LED Shoes.
What makes it top our list today is the quality and price that they are offering. Even with years of experience, they don&#;t rip off the clients by keeping a hefty price. Using the finest quality raw materials, they are providing high class shoes to the customers.
2. Jinjiang Shike Shoes and Clothing Co., LtdEstablished in , they are working tirelessly to provide high quality shoes to the masses. They specialize in manufacturing high-quality athletic apparel and foot ware.
3. OLICOM ShoesApart from this, they also product hiking and casual shoes with many distinctive designs.
OLICOM Shoes is also one of the famous manufacturing units in China. It was established in and continues to produce high-quality footwear such as casual shoes, fancy shoes, sports shoes, hiking shoes, and running shoes.
Besides, they also manufacture flippers, slippers, flip flops, and skateboard shoes.
Their popularity as a leading b2b e-commerce platform is increasing day by day. OLICOM shoes is a leading shoe brand with a yearly turnover rate of 10 million USD.
You can easily reach out to them on Alibaba, tradekey, and global sources.
4. Xiamen Biyate TradingYou will get efficient and thoughtful service from Gofar.
Xiamen Biyate Trading is a manufacturing factory in China that was established in . It is headquartered in Fujian Region.
They are known for their wide range of unique and elegant footwear which include sandals, rain boots, clogs, umbrella shoes, canvas shoes, slippers, and many more.
They are available for their customers at Alibaba.com. Reach out to them only if you want to order in bulk because their MOQ is high which is between 500 to pairs per order.
This quantity is not beginner-friendly.
5. AMC ShoesAMC shoes is also a famous manufacturing unit in China with more than 16 years of experience in the industry.
The AMC shoes are known for their OEM and ODM customization. They are the best option if you want to customize your order.
AMC Shoes caters to some of the prestigious clients of the industry that includes, Michael Kors, Aldo, Guess, Zara, and Bebe.
The major highlight of their service is high quality and fine detailing which makes them superior among many other manufacturing units in the Chinese shoe industry.
If you are still unable to find the China shoes factory that you want to go for, try contacting our sourcing representative. She will be more than happy to help you out in making the choice easier. Moreover, the consultation is totally free!
Chapter 6: 5 Best Websites to Find China Wholesale Shoe Suppliers Online
Struggling to expand your inventory with quality footwear due to the inability to physically visit China for wholesale purchases? We understand the frustration of being limited by geographical constraints when it comes to sourcing products. However, there&#;s no need to worry.
We&#;re here to present a viable solution: leveraging the power of online platforms to connect you with reliable Chinese wholesale shoe suppliers. Despite the distance, these platforms bridge the gap, allowing you to access a diverse range of stylish shoes at wholesale rates, right from your own location.
We&#;ll explore the top five websites specifically designed to link buyers with Chinese wholesale shoe suppliers. So let&#;s explore them one by one and understand what they have to offer you!
1. Alibaba
Alibaba is a well-known website that retailers and wholesale customers love for its vast selection of shoes and other wholesale items. It&#;s like a mega-store where you can find everything from shoes to laces.
Based in Hangzhou, China, Alibaba connects you with suppliers from all over the country. You&#;ll need to sign up for an account to place orders, but you can browse without one. Above all, you don&#;t need a wholesaler license to sign up.
Once you&#;re on the Alibaba homepage, click &#;Categories&#; and then &#;Shoes & Accessories&#; to start your search. You can filter your search by gender, size, style, and color. Prices may vary depending on the style and supplier; some suppliers even offer discounts on wholesale purchases.
2. AliExpress
At AliExpress, you&#;ll discover a variety of shoes at discounted prices. To start browsing, click the &#;Luggage, Bags & Shoes&#; tab from the &#;Categories&#; menu. From there, you can narrow down your search by price, shipping options, and shoe type. You can also use the search bar to find specific items like &#;running shoes&#; or &#;casual sneakers.&#;
AliExpress offers a 24/7 help center and a buyer protection plan so you can shop confidently. The platform also features a convenient app that can be downloaded on smartphones and other mobile devices.
You&#;ll find various shoe suppliers offering great deals. You can also negotiate price and quantity restrictions with suppliers to make your purchases more flexible.
3. Global Sources
Global Sources is a platform that connects retailers with suppliers worldwide, including Hong Kong. While its main focus is trade shows, it also offers excellent connections through its website for those who can&#;t attend in person.
When you visit their website, press the &#;Fashion Accessories & Footwear&#; tab to find various footwear options. Some items may require large minimum orders, but some resellers may agree to send samples or accept smaller orders.
Although Global Sources doesn&#;t offer a guarantee, it has a dispute center in case your order isn&#;t completed as per your satisfaction. One reason Global Sources is well-regarded in the industry is that it carefully vets its suppliers and ensures that buyers receive quality items from reputable sellers.
4. Made-In-China.com
Made-in-China connects international buyers with Chinese suppliers. The site offers many options for purchasing shoes for wholesale traders and retailers looking to find shoes in bulk. Made-in-China also provides a convenient shopping app for busy individuals who are always on the go. New users can learn how to use the site with the &#;New User Guide.&#;
You can easily find the variety of shoes you want by using the drop-down menu or typing in specific keywords in the search field. You can even use the &#;Min. Order&#; filter to find shoes with the minimum order quantity you want.
5. DHgate
DHGate, based in Beijing, connects buyers with suppliers worldwide. It primarily offers products from small or medium-sized Chinese factories. To shop for shoes, click the &#;Shoes & Accessories&#; link or use the search bar.
DHGate offers discounts on certain shoe items if a buyer shops through their app. You can also get coupons and discounts by signing up for their list. Moreover, many sellers provide free shipping, and each item has ratings from other customers.
DHgate is an excellent site for individuals seeking single quantities of shoes without buying in bulk, but retailers can also find good deals for resale. However, they must utilize the rating system to choose the best suppliers and products.
Chapter 7: Key Points to Consider while Buying Wholesale Shoes from China
China has thousands of wholesale shoe manufacturers. Among so many options finding the right one that suits your business best is a difficult task.
Thus keep in mind the following points while buying from the Chinese shoe market.
1. The Status of the MarketAlways check the status of the market before placing an order with a supplier. Market research helps you determine market rates and you can have a better idea of which shoe product is in demand.
Try to find a gap between demand and supply and hit that target point to kick off your business.
You can either visit the manufacturers yourself or you can research online by checking out the websites of the best-selling shoe brands of China. This will help you to know which products are worth investing in.
Another thing you need to be clear about is your target market. Even though it seems very lucrative, but it is not possible to cater to the entire shoe market in one go. Initially, you should select a specific target market. Once you get the hang of stuff, create a demand for your products in the market and start gaining profits, you can expand your product line. Thus, expanding your target market.
2. Product Specification, Quality, and InspectionAlways convey exact product specifications so you can get what you ordered. Many buyers think that specifications are only required when buying customized products.
However, this is just a misconception because there is a need to specify product details in any kind of order.
Make sure to specify the quality of the product you want because many manufacturing units in China do not follow quality control guidelines because they largely operate as OEM suppliers.
Thus give the supplier a list of the following mentioned specifications even if you are buying factory-designed shoes.
Providing a specifications list ensures that the supplier only provides you with the products that fulfil your criteria.
3. MOQ RequirementsEach Chinese manufacturer has their own Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) Requirements. For some it is pairs per order, for others, it can be pairs.
MOQ per size may be different ranging from 400 to 500 pairs per size. Here is the MOQ breakdown used by most of the manufacturers.
This MOQ is usually not affordable for small and new businesses, hence such buyers often resort to manufacturers with low MOQ in the range of 50 to 100.
So always check whether manufacturers&#; MOQ requirements are in line with your business or not.
4. Inquiry-based WholesaleSometimes, a higher MOQ might also mean better and more customization options. Therefore, check and look into it beforehand.
Before placing an order always inquire about the sellers on various platforms. Customer reviews are an easy option to judge the supplier&#;s authenticity.
Hence always check the review section that whether former clients of the supplier are happy or complaining. You can then decide about the next step.
Another way to find a high-quality supplier is by getting recommendations from B2B directories and marketplaces.
These platforms are very helpful in your research about suppliers or shoe brands. Some of these platforms include Alibaba.com, Made in China, HKTDC, and India Mart, etc.
5. Transportation and PaymentYou can choose between international express, air freight, ocean freight, or railway freight depending upon the size of your order.
For wholesale bulk orders, sea freight is the most suitable option. You can also hire sourcing agents for error-free shipment.
The suppliers who only ship locally accept payment only in RMB/Yuan for which you need to exchange currency first.
However, most of the wholesale manufacturers accept US dollars through globally used payment methods, as they target the clients globally.
Chapter 8: Frequently Asked Questions China Shoes Factory
1. How is the Buyer Protected While Importing Shoes?There are a lot of ways to protect buyers. In the digital world, e-commerce websites such as Alibaba, Global sources, Manta, eWorldTrade, made in China, etc., are very useful for buyers to find reliable suppliers without getting scammed.
Not only do they make it easy for buyers to place an order but also make sure that the buyer&#;s rights are protected.
They put together safety mechanisms and ban people with any suspicious activity from their platforms. Platforms like Alibaba go one step ahead and display verification tags on suppliers&#; profiles as proof of authenticity.
2. What is the Cheapest Shoe Brand in China?You can learn about the cheapest shoe brand in China through online directories or simply by searching on Google. You can also get cheap price quotations from your supplier if you do a successful negotiation. Or you can hire sourcing agents to do the job for you.
While looking for suppliers, don&#;t go looking for specific shoe brands. You need to look for a China shoes factory or a manufacturer.
3. How Does long it take to ship Shoes from China?The shipment time varies because of various factors such as shipment method, delivery location, and the supplier. Usually, it takes around 1 to 3 months depending upon the mode of shipment you chose which can be air, ocean, or railway freight. Choosing which one suits you better depends on multiple factors.
You can track location through Google maps by asking your supplier to provide you with the shipment location.
4. Which Payment method is effective for Buying wholesale shoes from China?If the supplier accepts international payment methods, then go for them as they are authentic and easy for you. They include:
And if the supplier doesn&#;t accept US dollars, then you have to change the currency to Chinese RMB and transfer via WeChat, Alipay, or to the Company&#;s bank account.
You can take the service of a middleman who will exchange the currency for you and pay the bills.
5. What type of Shoes is available in China?China has a vast shoe market where all kinds and styles of shoes are available. Each manufacture has its specialty, thus each of them makes different types of shoes depending upon their specialty.
You can get a vast variety of kid&#;s shoes, sports shoes, canvas shoes, leather, court shoes, high heels, wedding shoes, and flats. You can get them in any colour, size, and material as per your wish.
6. Is there an Import duty on the shoes from China?Yes, there is an import duty on shoes from China. Different countries have different customs and taxation policies so it depends upon the delivery destination.
You need to figure out the customs rules of your country. Shipping agents can help you in this process.
If you are a first-timer, I recommend taking the services of reliable shipping agents so you can receive your products without worrying about import duties and customs clearance.
ConclusionChina is a leading marketplace in the shoe manufacturing industry with thousands of shoe factories distributed across the whole country.
The global footwear market is growing day by day and is expected to reach $530.3 billion US dollars by .
If you want to take advantage of the rapidly flourishing shoe industry, now is time to take action. Buy from Chinese manufacturers who provide good quality products at reasonable rates.
You can choose from the wide variety of elegant products of these companies or order your customized product.
You receive your order within time, thanks to the diverse shipment network of Chinese companies.
Other Useful Resources:
If you told me years ago that one day I would be infatuated with a Chinese man who goes by the name Flame Panda, I likely would&#;ve said you were severely misguided (and asked if the Panda was ok).
Yet here I am today, marveling at Peng/Flame Panda&#;s top-tier footwear from the other side of the world. Much like the master bootmaker&#;s eponymous black-and-white bear, the Asian bootmaking scene is also ablaze.
From China and Indonesia spring names like Flame Panda, Santalum, and Onderhoud, just a few of dozens that are becoming wildly popular&#;and deservedly so&#;stateside and in Europe.
The combination of impressive quality control, welting often done by hand, top-tier materials in many cases, and limitless options for customization&#;often at prices around half of equivalent Western brands&#;makes for a footwear frenzy neither our bank accounts nor spouses could have been prepared for. So there&#;s nothing more to do than simply order some ready-made leather Cadillacs&#;right?
Well, maybe. Communicating with and ordering from these brands across the globe can sometimes be a bumpy road, presenting challenges and hiccups along the way. With that in mind, here are five general guidelines which will help you procure the booty without also getting stress-induced ulcers.
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The ordering process with Indonesian and Chinese makers occasionally has the reputation of being a hassle: somewhere between confusing and tedious, depending who you ask. But it&#;s important to understand that any lack of seamlessness is borne of the very factors that make these boots so great.
Just imagine for a second that you were the master bootmaker/owner of an Indonesian brand, who trains and oversees a small workshop of craftspeople, makes some of the boots yourself, sources all the leather and components, definitely handles marketing, possibly handles photography, oversees quality control, and fields Instagram or DMs from dozens if not hundreds of customers per day, in a language you didn&#;t grow up speaking? Starting to get it now?
So here&#;s what you do: instead of immediately barraging the maker&#;s DM with questions the second your newfound excitement blasts off, do your research.
That research will streamline the communication process, meaning you don&#;t waste time asking unnecessary questions. Asking questions you could have easily answered on your own by poking around a bit will only prolong your order process, and might even make you seem high-maintenance as a customer.
Because of this, it&#;s best to answer simple questions yourself by studying readily accessible resources. Ask the footwear community on the Stitchdown Premium Discord, Instagram, the GYW subreddit, YouTube, and other forums. Study the crap out of the maker&#;s website (if they have one). DEFINITELY become a student of the maker&#;s Instagram profile, leaving no stone unturned. There are hidden informational gems in their posts, stories, and bios.
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Familiarize yourself with what terminology they use (&#;woodsman heel&#; vs. &#;curved heel&#;), which leathers they source, what their schedule is comprised of (time zone difference, weekends, life events, holidays such as Chinese New Year or Ramadan), their sizing nomenclature (EU vs. US vs. UK), how they accept orders (lottery vs. ready made vs. MTO), which communication method works best for them, which payment methods they will request, last characteristics, patterns, hardware and sole options etc.
Not only will all of this work benefit your order process (and let&#;s be honest, it&#;s completely fun to do), but once you do contact the maker, they&#;ll immediately realize you are serious and responsible. You aren&#;t a needy customer consumeristically leeching their precious time. You&#;re an informed, friendly, and reciprocal person. And the time on both ends, including yours, will be cut way down! If you have to wait a couple days or even a week for a response, and you have 15 questions, that&#;s a long time. If you ask fewer&#;they&#;ll start making your boots much sooner.
In short: do the work. This is foundational to the rest of the order.
A major hindrance to any order is the customer not knowing what they want. And to be clear, I get it: The customization options are overwhelming! It&#;s hard to visualize which thread will look good with which leather! You may not be sure what terms like &#;crust&#; or &#;aniline&#; or &#;combo-tanned&#; mean! Which is fine!
You may feel like you need to get talking to the maker immediately to reserve your place in line. But in reality, your order will actually be more expedient if you refrain from heavy communication until you know mostly what you want. Once again, this may call for loads of research; there is no cheating, no shortcut, no substitute for putting in the hours it takes to decide on build specs. However, I guarantee you, put in the hours of consideration and studying and decisions, and you will be happy you did.
Studying the maker&#;s IG page and/or website will make you aware of what they&#;re capable of, which should help you know what you might prefer in your special pair. Sending them pictures of their past projects or photoshopping an image to specify your customizations is always extremely helpful; a wise person once said that a picture is worth 1,580 words. Or something like that.
After all, as helpful as these makers are, as skilled as they are at offering stylistic input, ultimately it&#;s your job and not theirs to know what you will enjoy in your footwear. This is not to say that you shouldn&#;t ask questions! Questions are great! There&#;s no problem with asking for some clarifications here and there; they will likely be happy to oblige.
Just know that if you&#;re bogged down in the details, they will be even more so. The more uncertain questions you fire their way, the more likely it is that confusion seeps in, which may cause your order to come out incorrectly.
To summarize! If you know what you want before contacting the maker, the transaction will be smoother and they&#;ll be more eager to work with you to create something great.
This is a tough one, and definitely requires conversation. Since the maker is unable to physically inspect and measure your feet, your goal is to grant them the next best thing.
Sizing comps from popular lasts are always helpful, but trusting only them might not do the trick. If you can offer them detailed information about your foot characteristics and dimensions, perhaps even asking their suggestion on lasts that might work well for you foot type, you will end up with a boot that fits as good as it looks.
Double-check your Brannock size; know the length, width, and arch length. Know your US size, your EU size, and your UK size. Measure both your feet: length, ball width, instep circumference and height, waist and ball circumference, ankle circumference. Send pictures of your feet from different angles so that they can see unique aspects: instep, arch height, bunions, footprint shape, toe spread, heel volume. Familiarize yourself with your measurements in both centimeters and inches beforehand so that you can easily communicate with any measuring system. Consider whether your feet need after-market inserts, orthotics, or thick socks which the maker should compensate for.
The more confident the maker is that they understand your feet, the more likely they will be able to get you not just a passable fit, but an excellent fit. And if you like what you receive, you probably won&#;t have to go through the whole thing on the next pair.
Keep in mind that, even though many of these makers are quite adept with the English language, there still exists a language and culture barrier. Avoid your own cultural terms and idioms if you think they may not translate across cultures well. Communicate concisely whenever possible&#;simply and clearly. Try to use terminology you&#;ve seen them use on their Instagram or website. For instance, you will notice from his Instagram that Peng (Flame Panda) often calls a logger/woodsman heel a &#;curved heel&#;. Even though he could probably figure out what you mean by &#;logger heel&#; or &#;woodsman heel&#;, it helps to just call it what he calls it if you can.
Lastly, emojis are your friend, as many of them transcend language&#;everyone understands a happy face or praying hands. The goal is not using minimal words as if we are robots or unintelligent (it is good and right to have a genuine conversation; I&#;ve had many with these makers and I absolutely love them); just don&#;t convolute the meaning of your message unnecessarily.
This, in a lot of ways, really is the biggest one. The craftsmen who make your boots are people in the most meaningful way&#;you should 100% read Almost Vintage Style&#;s interview with Peng to really feel that. Be very kind, respectful, and pleasant. Asian cultures tend to be very reciprocal in nature relative to the typical Western demeanor. No matter what happens, even if by some accidental circumstance your order is wrong, remember that you are dealing with people, and people are intrinsically more valuable than objects (even Color 4 shell).
The wonderful people in the niche footwear community are deeply connected, no matter where they live on the globe. We&#;re all friends, or should be. If we can remember that and live by it, we will be able to work through anything. And you&#;ll probably be much happier with your boots.
David runs The Vintage Future, an enthusiast YouTube channel where he tries to offer a deeper-than-normal dive into heritage apparel with the mantra of &#;let your boots take you to a place more important than the boots themselves.&#;
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