Question 1

How do I start a licensing program?

Accepted Answer

Book a licensing call. We'll ask about your IP, program goals, target categories, and any existing partner relationships. From there we scope the program, recommend a structure, and outline a timeline. Most programs move from initial call to signed agreement in 2–4 weeks.

Question 2

What types of IP do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Brand IP, entertainment IP, sports IP, athlete NIL, and institutional IP. If you own or control the rights to a name, image, logo, or creative property and want to put it on product, we can build a program around it.

Question 3

Do you work with licensors, licensees, or both?

Accepted Answer

Both. We work with IP owners who want to license their brand into merchandise, and with licensees who need manufacturing and fulfillment infrastructure to operate a licensed program. We also work directly with athletes, agents, and collectives on NIL programs.

Question 4

What's the minimum program size?

Accepted Answer

We don't publish a hard minimum. Program fit depends on category, volume, and structure — not just size. Tell us about your program on a licensing call and we'll be direct about whether it's a fit.

Question 5

How long does it take to launch a program?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the program type. A NIL storefront with existing product can go live in 4–6 weeks. A full licensing program with product development, sampling, and retail packaging typically takes 6–12 months from agreement to first delivery. We'll give you a specific timeline on your call.

Question 6

How long does product development take?

Accepted Answer

Creative direction and tech packs: 2–4 weeks. Sampling: 4–8 weeks depending on category and factory location. Revisions: 1–3 rounds, 1–2 weeks per round. Retail-ready packaging: concurrent with sampling. Total development timeline is typically 10–16 weeks from brief to production-ready approval.

Question 7

How far in advance do seasonal drops need to be planned?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a 16–20 week lead time for seasonal drops — from creative brief to delivery. That accounts for development, sampling, production, and shipping. Programs with established tech packs and approved colorways can move faster on repeat drops.

Question 8

How quickly can you replenish inventory?

Accepted Answer

Our standard replenishment cycle is 30 days for established SKUs with approved specs. First-time production of a new SKU takes longer — typically 8–12 weeks including sampling. We set replenishment triggers based on sell-through data so you don't wait until you're out of stock.

Question 9

How does the approval process work?

Accepted Answer

Every product goes through a documented approval process: creative direction approval, tech pack approval, proto sample approval, pre-production sample approval. Each stage requires sign-off before moving forward. Nothing goes to production without a clean approval record.

Question 10

Who controls brand standards?

Accepted Answer

You do. We develop against your approved brand standards — colorways, graphic treatments, typography, and product positioning. Our job is to execute to your standards, not interpret them. If you don't have documented brand standards, we can help you develop them as part of the creative direction phase.

Question 11

What happens if a sample doesn't meet brand standards?

Accepted Answer

We revise. Revision cycles are structured and documented — each round is tracked against the approved tech pack so changes are clear. We don't move to production on an unapproved sample.

Question 12

Can licensors audit production?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our facilities operate under WRAP and STPS certification, which includes audit readiness. Licensor audit rights are typically addressed in the licensing agreement. We maintain documentation to support audits.

Question 13

What royalty structures do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Three primary structures: royalty (percentage of net sales), profit share (split on net program profit after agreed costs), and minimum guarantee (floor payment plus royalty above the MG threshold). Most programs use one primary structure — some combine elements. We'll recommend the right fit on your call.

Question 14

How are royalties calculated?

Accepted Answer

Royalty is calculated on net sales — gross sales minus returns, allowances, and agreed deductions. The rate and deduction structure are agreed upfront and documented in the licensing agreement. Every settlement includes a per-SKU breakdown so the math is traceable.

Question 15

How often are royalties paid?

Accepted Answer

Monthly or quarterly — agreed at program setup. The cadence is locked in and doesn't change mid-program. Reports and payments arrive on the agreed schedule.

Question 16

What is a minimum guarantee and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A minimum guarantee (MG) is a guaranteed payment to the licensor regardless of sales performance. The licensee pays the MG upfront or on a defined schedule. Once the MG is recouped through royalties, the royalty rate applies to sales above the threshold. MGs are typically used for high-value IP or exclusive category deals.

Question 17

What does royalty reporting include?

Accepted Answer

Per-SKU sales, returns, and royalty calculations. DTC and wholesale channels reported separately. Inventory levels and sell-through rates. All data structured for licensor review and, where applicable, NIL disclosure requirements.

Question 18

Do you offer exclusive licensing arrangements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Exclusivity can be structured by category, territory, channel, or some combination. Exclusive arrangements typically involve a minimum guarantee to protect the licensor's floor. We'll structure what makes sense for both sides.

Question 19

What territories do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We have production and fulfillment infrastructure in North America, Europe, and Asia. US domestic programs are our primary focus, but we can structure international programs — particularly for brands entering the US market or US brands expanding internationally.

Question 20

Can a program cover multiple product categories?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multi-category programs are common — apparel, headwear, and accessories are frequently combined. Each category may have different royalty rates or production timelines, which we document separately within the same program structure.

Question 21

What are typical deal term lengths?

Accepted Answer

Most programs run 1–3 years with renewal options. Term length depends on program scope, exclusivity, and MG structure. We'll recommend a term that makes sense for the investment both sides are making.

Question 22

How do NIL programs work?

Accepted Answer

We build a branded DTC storefront for the athlete or talent, develop a product collection, manage drops and replenishment, and handle fulfillment and customer service. Royalty reporting is structured for NIL disclosure requirements. The athlete or their agent approves product and receives settlement on the agreed cadence.

Question 23

How do you handle NIL compliance?

Accepted Answer

NIL compliance requirements vary by governing body (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA) and are subject to change. We build workflows to current requirements and adapt as rules evolve. We're not a legal compliance service — we recommend working with qualified legal counsel for your specific situation. Our role is to build the operational workflows that support compliance.

Question 24

Can you run programs for multiple athletes simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We've run collective programs for 8+ athletes simultaneously — each with their own storefront and branding — on shared infrastructure. Royalty reporting and settlement are handled individually per athlete.

Question 25

Do athletes need an existing following to launch a program?

Accepted Answer

No minimum following is required. Program viability depends on the athlete's brand, category fit, and program goals — not just social metrics. We'll be direct on your call about whether a program makes sense.

Question 26

What's the difference between retail and DTC programs?

Accepted Answer

DTC (direct-to-consumer) programs sell through a branded storefront directly to end customers. Retail programs sell through wholesale to retail buyers — department stores, specialty chains, mass market. Many programs run both channels simultaneously. The infrastructure, packaging requirements, and fulfillment workflows differ between channels.

Question 27

What does retail placement require?

Accepted Answer

Retail buyers require: approved vendor status (which our certifications support), retail-ready packaging (hangtags, UPC, carton marking), EDI compliance for larger accounts, routing guide adherence, and on-time delivery performance. We build to these requirements from the product development phase.

Question 28

Can a program start DTC and add retail later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is a common path. DTC programs generate sell-through data that supports retail buyer conversations. If you build to retail packaging standards from the start — which we recommend — adding retail is a distribution decision, not a product redevelopment project.

Question 29

How does fulfillment work for each channel?

Accepted Answer

DTC fulfillment is pick-pack-ship from our domestic locations with customer service integration. Retail fulfillment follows the buyer's routing guide — carton-level shipments to distribution centers or direct-to-store, depending on the account. Both channels run through the same reporting system.

Questionsanswered.

Getting Started

Timelines

Approvals & Brand Standards

Royalties & Financials

Exclusivity & Deal Terms

NIL Programs

Retail vs. DTC

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