We source and run production for consumer brands.

With over 75 years of experience, we leverage existing manufacturer relationships to match you with the right factory, then manage sampling, production, and QC — so you can ship reliably without building an internal sourcing team.

Existing manufacturer relationships Sampling → production → QC Execution, not introductions Fit-based sourcing

What we handle

Operator-led execution across sourcing, production management, and quality control.
Factory sourcing & vetting Match capabilities to your category, constraints, and cost/quality targets.
Sampling & product development Iterate quickly, lock specs, prepare packaging and production-ready documentation.
Production management & QC Milestones, checkpoints, and accountability—so product ships on spec and on time.
Ongoing supplier oversight Maintain reliability and quality across repeat orders and new product lines.

We prioritize manufacturers we already know and expand the network when a product calls for a specific capability.

Categories

Example product areas we source and manage.

Apparel (cut & sew)

Patterning support and size-spec execution for production-ready runs.

Examples: tees, hoodies, joggers, jackets, uniforms, workwear.

Accessories

Materials, trims/hardware coordination, packaging, and consistency control.

Examples: hats, belts, bags, wallets, small leather goods, straps.

Packaging

Dielines, proofing, print finishes, and carton consistency across runs.

Examples: boxes, mailers, inserts, labels, hang tags, cartons.

Hard goods

Production coordination, QC plans, line checks, and reorder readiness.

Examples: drinkware, home items, organizers, kitchen tools, small plastics/metal.

Kitting & assembly

Multi-item coordination with clear pack-outs and repeatable processes.

Examples: bundles, subscription kits, inserts, influencer kits, promos.

Promotional & branded goods

Repeatable swag programs with tight spec control and vendor consistency.

Examples: branded merch, event kits, corporate swag, gifting programs.

Printed goods

Proof management and print production that stays consistent over time.

Examples: manuals, stickers, cards, inserts, booklets, sleeve wraps.

Beauty / personal care (ops)

Packaging + production coordination; compliance depends on category.

Examples: labels, cartons, kitting, secondary packaging, pack-outs.

Retail-ready prep

Prep for 3PL or retail requirements so product lands ready to ship/sell.

Examples: barcodes, carton marking, case packs, retailer checklists.

How it works

A predictable process with clear outputs at each step.
1
Define requirements We capture specs, constraints, target costs, packaging needs, timeline, and risk areas (MOQ, quality bar, compliance).
Output: requirements brief + constraints checklist + initial timeline.
2
Match & vet We identify the best-fit manufacturers (preferably existing relationships), validate capabilities, and pressure-test lead time and QC readiness.
Output: shortlist with rationale, risks, and recommended supplier.
3
Quote & plan We confirm commercial details (MOQ, lead time, packaging, payment terms), then lay out a milestones plan for sampling and production.
Output: quote comparison + milestone plan + “go / no-go” decision points.
4
Sampling loop We run samples, track feedback, refine specs, and lock a production-ready spec pack (including packaging if needed).
Output: approved sample + final spec pack (production-ready).
5
Production execution We manage timelines and communication, resolve issues early, and keep production moving to the agreed milestones.
Output: weekly status updates + escalation handling + timeline enforcement.
6
QC + release We set quality checkpoints (pre / in-line / final), coordinate inspections if needed, and sign off before shipment.
Output: QC plan + checkpoint results + shipment release signoff.
7
Ship & repeat We lock the reorder process (lead times, tolerances, packaging) so future runs become predictable.
Output: reorder playbook + supplier performance notes.

Where we source

Fit-based sourcing based on capability, reliability, and your constraints.

We source based on the needs of the product — not a single location. The right factory depends on category, materials, target cost, minimum order quantities, timeline, and the quality bar you need to hit. We prioritize manufacturers we already have relationships with, and expand the network when your product requires a niche capability.

Capability match

We shortlist factories that have proven experience in your category and the equipment/materials to execute it.

Reliability first

We prioritize partners who consistently hit timelines, communicate clearly, and maintain quality across runs.

Quality control design

We build a QC plan around your risk: tolerances, checkpoints, inspection strategy, and rework thresholds.

Cost + MOQ reality

We align suppliers to your cost target and MOQ constraints, and flag tradeoffs early (price vs. speed vs. quality).

Timeline discipline

We choose vendors who can actually hit your ship date—and we enforce milestone-based execution.

Compliance (as needed)

If testing or documentation is required, we coordinate the plan and vendors needed to keep you compliant.

Start product intake

2–3 minutes. We’ll respond with next steps.

Share the basics so we can route you to the right process and manufacturers.

After you submit, you’ll be redirected to book a 30-minute call.

Discuss your product

Quick call to confirm fit and next steps. If we’re not the right partner, we’ll tell you fast.

Services & pricing

Starting at pricing. Final scope depends on SKUs, iterations, and timeline.

Discovery & factory shortlist

Starting at $2,000
Typically 5–10 business days. Best for new products or when you’re stuck.
  • Requirements brief (targets, constraints, timelines, risks)
  • Capability match + shortlist of best-fit factories
  • MOQ/lead time/QC risk flags + recommended path
  • Sampling plan and decision checkpoints
What you receive: requirements brief, shortlist + comparison notes, risks & tradeoffs summary, recommended supplier path, and a proposed sampling/production timeline.
Includes 1 product line / 1 category. Multi-category or urgent timelines quoted separately.

Sampling sprint

Starting at $4,000
Typically 2–6 weeks depending on iteration count and responsiveness.
  • Sample requests + factory communication
  • Spec refinement + production-ready spec pack
  • Packaging coordination (dielines / proofs as needed)
  • Go / no-go recommendation for production
What you receive: tracking of sample iterations, a final spec pack, packaging checklist, and a production-ready “next steps” plan with lead times and decision points.
Includes up to 2 sample iterations for 1 SKU. More SKUs/iterations billed separately.

Production management & QC

Starting at $2,500/mo
Active oversight during production runs. Best for launches and repeat orders.
  • Milestone schedule + weekly status updates
  • Issue resolution and timeline enforcement
  • QC plan + checkpoints (pre / in-line / final)
  • Reorder readiness + supplier performance notes
What you receive: milestone schedule, weekly status reporting, QC plan/checkpoint documentation, issue log + resolutions, and a repeat-order process you can reuse.
Includes 1 active production run. Multiple factories/runs quoted separately.

End-to-end launch partner

Starting at $7,500
One operator owning the full path from match → sample → produce → release.
  • Discovery + shortlist + sampling sprint
  • Production execution + QC checkpoints
  • Packaging/pack-out prep and readiness for 3PL/retail
  • Launch timeline management + escalation handling
What you receive: a single integrated plan, production-ready spec pack, launch milestone schedule, QC plan/checkpoints, and a post-launch reorder playbook.
Includes 1 SKU / 1 factory path to first production run. Multi-SKU launches quoted separately.
Fees-only clarification: Pricing above is for a26’s services only. It does not include materials, samples, tooling/molds, production costs, packaging costs, freight, duties/taxes, third-party inspections, lab testing, or other pass-through expenses. Those are quoted separately based on the product and factory.

FAQ

Short answers.
Are you a manufacturer?

No. We’re an operator layer that manages sourcing and production using manufacturers we already know and trust.

What does “starting at” mean?

It’s the minimum fee for that service. Final pricing depends on SKUs, iterations, timeline, and complexity.

Do you mark up production costs?

By default, no. Our fees are for execution. Production, freight, and other pass-throughs are quoted separately.

How fast can we get to production?

It depends on category, materials, MOQ, and sample iterations. If you already have specs and a clear target, we can move faster—otherwise we’ll build the plan and timeline during discovery.

Can you work with our existing factory?

Yes. If you already have a supplier, we can step in to run sampling/production management, tighten QC, and make reorders predictable.