How do pre-orders work?
House of Graeme is a small, independent label. Rather than mass-producing large quantities of clothing before we know what customers want, we use pre-orders to help determine which designs move forward.
Each design has its own pre-order campaign and two important milestones:
- 10 pre-orders — Development begins. Once a design receives at least 10 pre-orders, we can begin actively developing that piece with our manufacturing partner. This stage may include finalizing fabric, construction details, trims, sizing, fit, samples, and production specifications.
- Full production goal — The first manufacturing run is funded. Each design also has its own larger funding goal based on what it will cost to produce the required first run. This goal varies by garment depending on materials, construction, and manufacturing minimums.
Your pre-order reserves your piece and helps move the design through both stages.
Why does each design have its own goal?
Different garments require very different levels of investment. A merino knit top, for example, does not cost the same to develop and manufacture as a fully lined wool coat with custom hardware and tailoring.
Each product therefore has its own funding goal based on the estimated cost of producing its first run. Manufacturing partners also have minimum production requirements, which may be much larger than the number of pre-orders needed to begin development. Because those requirements can vary by garment, fabric, and production method, each design is considered individually.
What happens when a design reaches 10 pre-orders?
Reaching 10 pre-orders means there is enough customer interest for us to begin the development process with our manufacturing partner. This is when the design starts moving from concept toward a production-ready garment.
Depending on the piece, this may include:
- sourcing or finalizing fabric
- creating and reviewing samples
- adjusting fit and petite proportions
- selecting trims and hardware
- refining construction details
- approving the final production specifications
Reaching 10 pre-orders does not necessarily mean the full manufacturing run has been funded yet. Pre-orders remain open while the design works toward its full production goal.
What happens when the full production goal is reached?
Once enough pre-orders have been received to fund the required manufacturing run, the design can move forward into full production. Because manufacturing requirements vary, the funding goal may be different for every piece.
We will clearly communicate when a design has entered development and when its full production run has been confirmed.
Will I receive updates while my piece is being made?
Yes. Once a design enters development, we plan to keep its backers updated as it moves through the making process. Updates may include milestones such as fabric selection, sampling, fit revisions, final approvals, production, finishing, and shipping.
We believe part of supporting an independent label should be getting to see how your garment comes to life.
How long will my pre-order take?
Pre-orders take longer than ready-to-ship clothing because the garment still needs to move through development and manufacturing. There are two stages to keep in mind:
Development: Once a design reaches its initial 10-order milestone, development begins. The length of this stage may vary depending on sampling, fabric availability, fit revisions, and other production details.
Manufacturing and shipping: Once the final design is approved and the full production run is funded, manufacturing begins. From the start of manufacturing, we currently estimate approximately 8–10 weeks for production and shipment, unless otherwise stated on the individual product page.
Because small-batch manufacturing can occasionally involve delays, we will keep customers updated if the estimated timeline changes. The most current timing for each garment will always be listed on its product page.
When does the shipping estimate begin?
The estimated production and shipping window begins once the design has:
- completed development,
- reached its full production funding goal, and
- been approved to enter manufacturing.
It does not begin on the day the original pre-order is placed. This distinction is important because early backers may wait longer while the design moves through development and reaches its production goal.
What if a design does not reach its full production goal?
If a design ultimately cannot move into production, customers who pre-ordered that piece will receive a full refund. If your order contains multiple designs, one item may move forward even if another does not, since each design has its own individual production campaign.
Am I charged when I place my pre-order?
Yes. Payment is collected when your pre-order is placed. This reserves your piece and helps fund the development and manufacturing required for the first run. If the design ultimately cannot move into production, your payment for that item will be refunded in full.
Can I cancel a pre-order?
Cancellation requests may be considered before your piece enters production. Once manufacturing has begun, cancellations may no longer be possible because materials and production have already been committed for the run. After your garment arrives, eligible items may be returned according to our Return Policy.
Are the product images photographs of finished garments?
Some of the images shown during our first launch are designer renders rather than photographs of finished production garments. They are intended to communicate the silhouette, proportions, color, materials, and design details of each piece.
Because the garments are still moving through development, small details such as fabric tone, texture, hardware, or finishing may change as the final production version is refined. Any significant design changes will be communicated before production.
Why pre-order instead of keeping a large inventory?
Pre-orders allow us to make pieces people genuinely want rather than producing large quantities in advance. For a small independent label, this means less excess inventory and waste, while allowing more of our resources to go toward thoughtful materials, construction, tailoring, and details.
It is a slower way of making clothing, but one that better fits our goal of creating pieces intended to be worn, kept, and eventually passed on.
Still have a question?
We'd be happy to help. Email us at hello@houseofgraeme.com.