Hong Kong Leather Goods & Bags - Product Features (tdctrade.com)

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FASHION has finally caught up with what was once regarded as the least fashionable of modern professions. The computer nerd is now hip, thanks to jazzy computer designs and swanky accessories. Not least among these updated fashion statements are the latest in portable computer bags, which combine the latest fabrics with various colours and styles to offer street-smart chic.

Living up to its name, Arts Hand-Bag Mfr produces a range of polyester, nylon and cotton backpacks that double as hand-carrying cases for portable computers.

The TB-2882 bag has padded shoulder straps that can be tucked away in a back pocket for when the bag converts to hand carrying. Smaller pockets on the front of the bag have facing three-quarter-length zippers that open up to reveal computer disk holders and pen holders, plus a mesh pocket for documents.

The main pocket provides ample room for a standard portable computer and opens flat to provide unimpeded access to the contents. Additional disk pockets, document holder and name-card holder are neatly arranged on one face of the interior. The TB-2882 sells for US$7 FOB Hong Kong, based on an order of 1,500 pieces.

The minimum order is 1,000 pieces, depending on materials used and colours required. Delivery takes about 60 days after order confirmation.

Arts Hand-Bag has been in business since 1983. It also makes camera and video bags, phone cases and travel bags for its major markets in the US, Europe and Japan.

The design of model TW1448 from Tai Wing Luggage Ltd owes more to the practicality of shopping trolleys than to high street fashion. This upright model combines a telescopic handle with a fold-down suitcase-style grip. It has plenty of exterior padding to guard against bumps and scrapes, and each of its pockets has a padlock loop for added security.

"We have been in business since 1965 and have been making our computer bags for the last five years," says merchandiser Irene Li. "We base our designs on our customers' feedback. They often send us their own modifications to existing designs on the market."

Tai Wing produces about 50,000 of these durable nylon/polyester cases each month for its main markets in Australia, France, Canada and Germany. The minimum order is 500 pieces per item, with delivery in 45-60 days.

Equally trendy is the BG/3313 nylon three-way computer bag from Bright Years Industrial Ltd. This novel style, of which 80,000 are produced per month, has three detachable compartments. It provides ample room for a standard portable computer, documents and accompanying peripherals.

The smaller double front pockets detach and fold into half the size of the other two sections and, although too small for a computer, can hold disks, wires, mobile phone, stationery and smaller travel items. The main section has securing hook-and-loop straps and three stitched small disk pockets opposite a zip pocket that runs the length of the interior.

The rear compartment, which is also detachable, can hold A3-size documents and completes the total versatility of this product.

"We produce it in yellow, blue, red and black, but will also make it in any other colour required as long as it meets the minimum order requirement of 500 pieces," says merchandiser Helen Yu. "We have five styles of computer bag and customers can even send us their own designs which we will make. The FOB price is negotiable." Delivery takes up to 60 days after receipt of L/C or deposit.

Bright Years has been in business since 1984 and employs about 350 workers at its 40,000-square-foot factory in Dongguan, mainland China.

A more traditional style is GEM Fastival Ltd's standard black bag, which can be made in leather or PVC. The company has updated the traditional doctor's bag by adding a practical telescopic trolley handle and wheels. A top-mounted fold-down suitcase handle makes for easy carrying.

The bag's interior has more than enough space to carry a standard portable computer. The suspended main pocket inside acts as an added safety feature to protect the hardware from bumps and knocks on the road. Hook-and-loop straps add another level of fastening in the interior. The bulk of the bag is dedicated to other storage space for documents and computer peripherals.

"These bags are very popular because people travel a lot on business and when they carry their computers, they want something that offers comfort and ease," says sales executive Joy Ho. "We produce 70,000 per month and our minimum order is 1,000 pieces."

Established in 1984, GEM Fastival produces handbags, leather goods and luggage for its major markets in Europe and the Middle East. Delivery is usually within 45 days of order confirmation.

INVENTIVE use of polyester and nylon by Hong Kong manufacturers has brought a new dimension to their lines of cosmetic bags during recent years. Nylon mesh, matched with PVC or cotton, is one of the latest innovations, and according to exporters is popular with markets in the US and Europe.

Fairdeal Mfg Co Ltd is one such company. Its range of cosmetic bags in silver nylon mesh with patent PVC lining shows what happens when tried and tested styles are combined with new materials. "This is one of our latest lines, and already we are seeing very good results across a variety of markets," says research and development manager Simon Cheung.

The price range for the nylon mesh-style bags, which come in a variety of sizes, is US$0.72-1.20 FOB Hong Kong. According to Cheung, Fairdeal is happy to e-mail photographs of the cosmetic bags to customers upon request.

"Our company has over 30 years' experience in the production of bags, and we have a strong production line. In addition to our standard range, we are also pleased to operate on an OEM basis. The production and delivery of our sample products is speedy," says Cheung.

Fairdeal works with customers in Europe, the US and Canada. It requires a minimum order of 2,000 pieces per model, and delivery takes 45-60 days after order confirmation.

Another company producing wire mesh-style cosmetic bags is Hing Lee Handbag Mfe Ltd. Its range, comprising models 1418, 1598, 2261 and 2550, features a variety of bag styles, all with clear PVC lining and mesh-style exterior with flower motif. According to marketing executive Jimmy Fok, the PVC lining adds "a practical as well as fashionable angle to the range". FOB Hong Kong prices for the above styles range from US$0.62 to US$0.98 each.

The company, which has an office in Hong Kong and a 3,000-square-metre factory in Shenzhen, mainland China, has been manufacturing bags since 1980. "We have become very experienced in designing bags in a variety of materials. In addition, we work with our customers to produce their own designs and styles also," says Fok.

Hing Lee requires a minimum order of 2,000 pieces and guarantees delivery within 4-6 weeks of order confirmation.

Two-tone nylon -- shimmering blue one minute, and burgundy the next -- is one of this year's funkiest materials from Wiebo And Co. Models 7512RE in a traditional cosmetic bag style, and 7994/2 in a neat hold-all style, are proving popular in Wiebo's European markets, especially in the UK. However, according to manager Peter Siu, the most successful design on a year-round basis is the simply styled cosmetic mirror purse in 100% cotton, which sells for about HK$5 per piece FOB Hong Kong.

"We like to keep up with the trends in Europe, and have our own in-house designers who come up with new styles. In addition, we also manufacture to buyers' designs," says Siu. Wiebo supplies a number of major chain stores in the UK and Germany.

One hundred dozen is the minimum order, for delivery 50 days after receipt of an L/C.

"This year's fashion colours are pastel shades, particularly pale blues and pinks," reveals Steven Poon, marketing manager of Baby Hippo Int'l Ltd. The company has been manufacturing bags, including cosmetic bags, since 1974. Despite a slight dip in the market over the past few years, both the UK and German markets are strengthening once again, according to Poon. Baby Hippo also exports to customers in the US, South America and Japan.

Its range of cosmetic bags includes a variety of both plain and novelty design bags made from nylon, cotton, polyester, non-PVC PEVA and PVC. The "Hearts" range includes 13 different bag styles featuring a single or double red heart motif, while the "Feather" collection is made up of cosmetic bags with coloured feather detailing. FOB Hong Kong price ranges for the Hearts and Feather collections are US$0.75-1.20 and US$0.80-1.20 per piece, respectively.

Poon says the company, which produces up to 500,000 pieces per month at its 300-worker factory in Shenzhen, on the mainland, places strong emphasis on quality control. "Because our company is well established and has a reputation to maintain, we employ staff to monitor the quality of our products and service at all times -- from production to shipment," says Poon.

The minimum order is 10,000-20,000 pieces per model and US$10,000 per invoice order. Delivery takes 60 days after order confirmation.

QUALITY leather goods manufacturing remains a forte of Hong Kong companies. They offer small leather items in all price points, using materials ranging from Italian lambskin and Brazilian cowhide to split and bonded leather.

J & L Leather Int'l Ltd presents a zip-up purse which holds six cards and one billfold, and has two compartments. It sells for US$2.80 FOB Hong Kong. A triple-fold wallet with a zip-up billfold is also priced at US$2.80. A small zipped purse with one window, two card slots, a billfold and flap-fastener is US$2.50.

Director Dania Pang thinks flexibility is important: "Our company concentrates on quality, but in some markets price can be more important. We always try to recognise what our clients want from us and attempt to provide it."

Formed in 1985, J & L makes classic leather wallets and purses, and PU and PVC fashion wallets and purses. Minimum order is 3,000 pieces, with a minimum of 300 pieces per item. Delivery takes 40-45 days. The company exports to Europe, Japan, the US and Australia, and sources leather from Italy, nappa leather from South Korea and split leather from Taiwan. It employs 250 workers at its factory in Panyu, mainland China.

A range in silky leather comes from Ka Shing Leatherware Co Ltd. Model Z1628, a comprehensive wallet with zippers, flaps and transparent passport holder pull-out sells for US$7.80 FOB Hong Kong; fully accessorised purse Z1629, with a brass-fastened coin purse, costs US$7.30; model Z1630 men's wallet with a gusseted coin pocket and numerous card slots is US$5.50; and Z1631 zipped women's wallet with tab-closing compartment is priced at US$6.70.

Founded in 1992, Ka Shing makes 80,000 pieces of wallets per month, using microfibre, leather and PVC. Minimum order is 1,000 pieces per style, for delivery in 60 days. The company's products -- made from cowhide from Brazil or Italy, and microfibre and PVC from the mainland -- are exported to Italy, Australia and Singapore. Production takes place at a 400-worker factory in Dongguan, on the mainland.

Marketing manager Angel Ng says that competition rules. "The reality of this market is that price comes first. Having said that, you do what you can to maximise quality and service the customer's requirements, but price is the driver," says Ng.

Twenty-year-old Sun Lai Leather Fty Ltd manufactures handbags, purses, wallets and backpacks. Model UTP-738, a card-holding billfold wallet with stud-closing coin purse, sells for US$2.40 each FOB Hong Kong. A zipped heart-shaped bag in red leather with red plush interior and a little hand strap is priced at US$1.60.

"Price is so important, but customer service -- and here I'm thinking of design -- is also very, very important. We have a big fashion input into our range, and we also actively seek clients' design input," says sales and marketing spokesperson Jennifer Chan.

Minimum order is 500 pieces per style, for delivery 30-45 days from receipt of a 30% deposit. Main markets are in Europe and Asia. Sun Lai uses leather, PVC and polyester from South Korea and Taiwan and employs about 200 workers on the mainland.

All-black Italian lambskin products from Kuang Ming Leather Goods Mfg (Holdings) Ltd are priced between US$1.50 and US$5 each FOB Hong Kong. Included are men's and women's wallets and purses with a variety of features, as well as key-holders.

The company was founded in 1987 and makes hard leather cases, soft bags and small leather goods, as well as PVC stationery and other gift items. Director Karson Lo has strong and pragmatic views on today's market: "We give the customer what he wants, and these days that is price -- that's number one -- and then quality. Good customer service means getting these things right."

Delivery takes 45 days, to markets in Europe and the US. Kuang Ming uses nappa, split cowhide, bonded leather and PVC at its factory in Dongguan, on the mainland.

BRIGHT hues of a variety of colours are sure to be hot in spring/summer 2000, say Hong Kong's summer bag manufacturers. Shapes, however, vary from the unstructured to the rigid, from small hand-carried items to large shopping bags. Materials range from PVC and leather to natural products such as raffia, corn husk and paper straw that are popular with environmentally conscious customers.

Forever Leather Goods Mfy Ltd's handbags for next spring/summer include a range of PVC mesh items in a variety of rigid shapes in bright shades. "Our bags are handicraft items involving hand-weaving," says export manager Philip Li. "Not many manufacturers can make this kind of bag, especially for the Japanese market. The Japanese are keen on this type of handbag, but they need high quality."

Japan is Forever Leather's major market. "The peak delivery time is January-May, for Mother's Day, which is in May, and summer, so they plan the orders the previous October," says Li. The company also exports to South Korea, where the preference is for very similar but slightly more classic styles.

Li says that next summer's key colours will be bright shades of pink, grey, camel and beige, with chocolate trim for items such as handles. "Last year we were looking at leather and PVC, but this year it is PVC with some textile material," he says.

Forever Leather's bags are all made on an OEM basis, produced mainly for importers that supply department stores. The company develops its own ideas, which customers then adapt to fit their own market needs.

Typical prices range from US$7.50 to US$10.40 per piece FOB Hong Kong. Forever Leather's factory in Shenzhen, mainland China, produces 20,000 pieces per month. The minimum order is 300 pieces per item and 600 pieces per shipment, for delivery in 45-60 days.

Lap Sun Straw Products Mfy Ltd also makes hand-woven handbags. "Most of our products are made of natural materials, so they are very environmentally friendly," says managing director Chan Hung Fai. "Corn husk is the most popular. We do woven and crocheted designs, usually with flowers embroidered on them."

Lap Sun makes to customers' designs but also comes up with its own collection every season, which customers can then adapt to their own needs, says Chan. Among the brands it supplies are Next and Mexx. "Hot colours for next spring/summer include orange, fuchsia and yellow." He adds, however, that the company's naturally coloured bags are always popular -- and for this season's items, the colour comes in the form of bright linings.

Typical prices range from US$1.55 for a small paper straw bag to US$3.20 for a corn husk shopping bag, FOB Hong Kong. The minimum order value is US$4,000, with delivery in 75-90 days. "Our major market is the US, along with western Europe, including the UK," says Chan.

Wo Fung Leather Ware Mfy Co Ltd comes up with 20-30 new models every month, says marketing manager Carrier Lee. "We offer reasonable prices, good quality and punctual delivery."

It calls its woven leather bags "magic" because of the ability of the designs to create a range of different effects. Among the current designs are bags that use different types of leather woven together, such as models that combine snake skin strips on one diagonal with cowhide on the other diagonal. In addition, Wo Fung can also do matching leather accessories, such as key-chains, tissue boxes and wallets.

Prices are available on request, and delivery lead time is 45-60 days. Products come under the company's brand name, Omdi, but customers' designs are also welcomed.

Pang Wong, proprietor of ROC Enterprise Co, says it is very important that the company listens to its customers: "We are very willing to change and improve things."

This season's woven bags include raffia, wheat straw, paper crochet and rush weaving bags. The natural colours contrast with the rich shades of the linings, including pink and dark blue, though the blue/white check has a "countryside" feel to it. "Luckily for the environment, handicraft and natural bags are fashionable now, and will continue for the next few years," says Wong.

"We offer very reasonable prices with small minimum quantities of 300 pieces per style and US$10,000 per order," says Wong. Prices are available on request. Delivery takes 40-50 days.

Crocheted bags are a speciality of Fashion Concept Mfg Ltd, whose major markets are the US, Canada, Japan and Europe. "We find that styles and colours in these markets are very similar," says managing director Frankie Cheung. Materials include cotton, polyester and nylon.

Colour trends point to the use of black, beige, off-white, light pink and light blue, says Cheung. The bags are mainly rectangular and come with long shoulder straps in the same crocheted material. One design feature is the use of tone-on-tone ribbons woven into the crochet pattern.

Typical prices range from US$2.90 to US$4.30 each FOB Hong Kong. Monthly production runs to 100,000 pieces. Fashion Concept requires a minimum order of 2,000 pieces, for delivery in 60 days.

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