How AFIL Works: From Tech Pack to Delivery
Apollo Fashion International Limited (AFIL) takes private label leather footwear, jackets, bags and belts from a brand's brief or tech pack through material selection, sampling, approvals, bulk production, inspection and shipping, all in its own factories in Noida, India.
- Since 1994 manufacturing leather products
- Two own factories in Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Private label and OEM, from sketch to store
The seven stages of an AFIL project
- Brief and tech pack. AFIL reviews feasibility and gives indicative costing.
- Material and finish selection. AFIL proposes leathers, finishes, linings and hardware, and sends swatches.
- Sampling. A prototype (proto) checks design, a fit sample checks sizing, and salesman samples support your selling.
- Approvals. The signed-off pre-production sample becomes the quality standard.
- Bulk production. Cutting, stitching, assembly and finishing in Noida.
- In-line and final inspection. Checks during production and on finished goods.
- Packing, shipping and documentation. Packed to your specification and shipped with export documents.
| Stage | What happens | What you provide | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Brief | Feasibility review and indicative costing | Sketch or tech pack, quantities, target price, delivery window | Shared with your quote |
| 2. Materials | Leather, finish, lining and hardware proposals; swatches | Colour standards, material preferences, approvals | Shared with your quote |
| 3. Sampling | Proto, fit and salesman samples; revisions per round | Written comments on each sample; fit feedback | Shared with your quote |
| 4. Approvals | Pre-production sample sealed as the quality standard | Signed approval, purchase order, branding and packaging artwork | Depends on your review time |
| 5. Bulk production | Cutting, stitching, assembly, finishing | Answers to any open questions | Shared with your quote |
| 6. Inspection | In-line checks and final inspection against the approved sample | AQL level; third-party inspector details if used | Shared with your quote |
| 7. Shipping | Packing, labelling, export documents, handover to carrier | Shipping terms, forwarder details, destination labelling rules | Shared with your quote |
For footwear, AFIL develops sample collections about 12 months ahead of season, and quick production and re-assortment is possible for a season starting in about 4 months. For a deeper look at each step, read leather product development from tech pack to bulk.
What to include in your brief
A clear brief means an accurate quote and fewer sample rounds. Send a tech pack if you have one; if not, AFIL can start from a sketch. Include:
- Product type, sketches or reference photos, and key measurements
- Quantity per style and per colour, and your size range
- Preferred leather grade and finish (for example, full-grain pull-up or top-grain nappa)
- Hardware, lining and trim preferences
- Branding: logo files, label types and placement
- Packaging and retailer labelling requirements
- Target price, destination market and launch or in-store date
How AFIL sets minimum order quantities
AFIL sets MOQ per style. Three things drive it: leather (tanneries dye and finish in batches, so a custom colour needs a minimum run), components (custom hardware and branded packaging have their own supplier minimums) and set-up (each style needs patterns and line set-up).
Stock colours, standard hardware and fewer colourways keep MOQ lower. For more detail, see the leather goods MOQ guide.
Quality control, explained simply
AFIL checks quality at every stage, from material selection to final finish. Incoming leather is checked for grain, colour, thickness and defects before cutting. Work is inspected in-line, so problems such as uneven stitching are fixed while the order is still on the floor.
The final inspection uses AQL, short for Acceptance Quality Limit. Instead of checking every piece, the inspector checks a random sample whose size depends on the order quantity. Defects are graded as critical, major or minor, and the lot passes only if defects stay within the agreed limits. A lower AQL number means a stricter inspection.
Communication and time zones
AFIL works from Noida, India, on India Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30). That is 4.5 to 5.5 hours ahead of the UK and 9.5 to 13.5 hours ahead of the US, so UK buyers share part of the working day and US buyers can send comments in the evening and find answers by morning.
Contact details and the enquiry form are on the contact page, and key company details are on AFIL company facts.
How we work: FAQs
Do I need a tech pack to start with AFIL?
No, AFIL can start from a sketch, reference photos or a sample. AFIL's team builds the patterns and first prototype from your references. A complete tech pack is still recommended before bulk so every detail is agreed in writing.
How many sample rounds does a project usually need?
Most projects move through a prototype, a fit sample and a pre-production sample. Simple repeat constructions can need fewer rounds, while new designs or custom materials can need more. Clear written comments on each round keep the count down.
What is a salesman sample?
A salesman sample is a finished sample in final materials that a brand uses for sales meetings, line reviews, photography or trade shows. It looks like the production product but is made before bulk. AFIL makes salesman samples after the design and fit are approved.
What does AFIL inspect during production?
AFIL checks incoming leather and components, inspects work in-line during cutting, stitching and finishing, and runs a final inspection on finished goods. Every check is made against the approved sample and your specification. This catches problems early, when they are cheaper and faster to fix.
Can I send my own inspector to AFIL?
Yes, many brands book an independent third-party pre-shipment inspection. Tell AFIL the agency and your AQL level when you place the order so the inspection date fits the production plan. This is a good practice for any first order with a new manufacturer.
What documents come with an AFIL shipment?
AFIL prepares the export documents needed to ship, such as the commercial invoice and packing list. Buyers in the UK should also ask for proof of origin so qualifying goods can claim zero duty under the India–UK CETA. Your freight forwarder or customs broker will confirm the full set for your market.
Ready to start a project?
Send AFIL your brief or tech pack, and get a feasibility check, material suggestions and a sampling plan.
Prefer to start with private label basics? Visit private label leather manufacturing at AFIL.