Direct to Source is a fashion consulting agency founded by Tim Austin, a professional of over 25 years rag trade-specific experience. (Factory X Group, Myer, Witchery).

Specialising in the Design, Product Development, Ethical Sourcing, Manufacturing, Branding, Sales, Marketing, Shipping and Logistical areas of the fashion business, Tim utilises his intimate knowledge of the industry, and extensive network of contacts, to deliver greater efficiency across all aspects of his clients businesses.

Through a focussed and collaborative approach, Direct to Source has consulted to a number of Australian fashions biggest names. We individually tailor systems and manufacturing alliances unique to each specific case, identifying new opportunities and providing simple strategies for an immediate and positive impact.

Tim’s intimate knowledge of the rag trade and extensive network of global contacts will make a difference to anyone that is navigating the ever-evolving fashion industry.

PAST PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

PAST PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

FACTORY X GROUP - Gorman, Alannah Hill, Jack London, Dangerfield, Revival, Princess Highway, L’urv, Autonomy

PROJECTS

PRICE NEGOTIATION
Re-negotiated prices on confirmed PO’s to improve margin by 2.5%
20 mil OTB
2.5% margin = 500k saving (one season)

GENERAL EXPENSES REVIEW
Reviewed company expenses and re-negotiated with key suppliers / contractors saving the company approx. $300k in the 1st year

SUPPLY CHAIN REVIEW
Reviewed Supplier by Category & introduced new Suppliers to fill the gaps
OTB plan based on Supplier performance
Re-negotiated commercial terms with Suppliers
Created new Supplier Agreements

DESIGN / PRODUCTION
Improved timeline management & communication to ensure seamless workflow between Design & Production teams across the business

FREIGHT / SHIPPING / LOGISTICS
Re-negotiated rates with Courier companies / 20% saving
Re-negotiated rates / terms with Freight Forwarders / 8% saving
Reduced AIR freight by 70%
Consolidation of SEA freight
Direct to Store shipments from China saving time & cost

CONCESSION BUSINESS
David Jones - Alannah Hill / Jack London
Myer - Dangerfield / Princess Highway
Negotiate commercial terms with concession managers at DJ’s / MYER
Grow performing stores, Close non-performing stores to meet business objectives

MAXIMUM AGENCIES – Asilio, Immoni, Mahhon, AKA

PROJECTS

SUPPLIER REVIEW
Reviewed Supplier base and introduced new Suppliers to the business – Knitwear, Woven, Knit, Denim

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Sourcing of products to price point to realise sales opportunities in the Domestic & International Markets

STOCK CONSOLIDATION / FREIGHT FORWARDING
Introduced new Freight Forwarder
Renegotiated terms with existing Freight Forwarder
Set up stock consolidation across all Suppliers
Set up 3PL logistics in HK to service Australia & International customers

CRITICAL PATH & TIMELINE MANAGEMENT
Reengineered the CP
Improve timeline management reducing AIR freight delivering significant cost saving to the business

BUSINESS COSTS REVIEW
Review of running costs of the business and set up budgets
Implement cost reduction plan to improve profitability

REVIEW OF CONTRACTS WITH MAJOR RETAILERS & INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS
Review of Commercial contracts to ensure best outcomes for the business

SUPPLIER AGREEMENTS
Set up Supplier agreements re-negotiating commercial terms including; favourable trading terms, efficiencies in freight forwarding, penalty clauses, IP security etc…

GDW GROUP – Ziggy Denim, 2 Blocks South, Neon Blonde, Private Label

BUSINESS REVIEW AND RESTRUCTURE

SALES
Full review & restructure of;
Wholesale Brand Sales
Wholesale Private Label
International Distributers

EXPENSES
Reduced overhead expenses;
Closed stores
Ceased working with 2 non-performing distributors in USA
Re-negotiated all commercial terms across the business

MARKETING
Invested in this area appointing new marketing manager to focus on Social & collaborate with Major retail partners
Targeted approach to marketing grew Database; FB, Insta & improved Brand profile

STAFF RESTRUCTURE
Retrenched staff & employed new staff with better skill base, reducing staff costs and improved productivity

PRODUCT REVIEW
Product Category Review to determine opportunities
Reviewed Brand profile, sales, margin, price architecture against cost of business.
Focussed on growing private label and core denim business (Ziggy)

SUPPLY CHAIN
Analysis of Supplier performance – quality, delivery, price
Re-negotiated commercial terms with all Suppliers
Introduced new Suppliers
Set up Supplier Agreements

BUDGETING
Strict management of all budgeting - Sales, OTB, General overheads in challenging environment

Achievements: Achieved Sales Growth 20%, reduced expenses 60%, improved bottom line profit 600k in 1st year.

DOUGAL by ARABELLA RAMSAY

PROJECTS

SOURCING
Improve sourcing of Fabric including digital printing, embroidery suitable for Dougal products

PRODUCTION
Review Suppliers and introduce new Suppliers who could manage small production units.

PRICE NEGOTIATION
Negotiating with factory to meet margin requirements

SALES
Set Sales targets and strategy to achieve them via on-line, wholesale, pop-up shops

BUSINESS MENTORING
Run weekly meetings to make sure business runs smoothly
Planning & Budget review
Problem solving

Direct to Source is a fashion consulting agency founded by Tim Austin, a professional of over 25 years rag trade-specific experience. (Factory X Group, Myer, Witchery).

Specialising in the Design, Product Development, Ethical Sourcing, Manufacturing, Branding, Sales, Marketing, Shipping and Logistical areas of the fashion business, Tim utilises his intimate knowledge of the industry, and extensive network of contacts, to deliver greater efficiency across all aspects of his clients businesses.

Through a focussed and collaborative approach, Direct to Source has consulted to a number of Australian fashions biggest names, individually tailoring systems unique to each specific case, identifying new opportunities and providing simple strategies for an immediate, positive impact.

Tim’s intimate knowledge of the rag trade and extensive network of global contacts will make a difference to anyone that is navigating the ever-evolving fashion industry.

PAST PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

ECO-TOTE OFFERS BRANDS A RANGE OF SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING BAGS THAT ARE KIND TO OUR PLANET WITHOUT COMPROMISING STYLE.

We create beautiful retail bags from sustainable fabrics and ethical manufacturing. Either use our stylish in-house range with your own printed logo design or get a fully customised product for the ultimate retail offering. ECO-TOTE bags are essential in the replacement of plastic and paper bags, in turn creating a responsible opportunity for business and brands alike.

Find out more

See our range

FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS

Our factories are passionate about sustainability, conscience without compromise. Only working with our own manufacturing facilities audited by Fair Work Certification Standards, to ensure that strict restrictions of the welfare of employees is met. Employees receive a guaranteed minimum wage, social services, time off for farm harvesting and a clean, safe & healthy environment to work in.

The 10 principles of Fair Work conditions we are committed to are as outlined by the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation):

Creating Opportunities for Disadvantaged Producers
Transparency and Accountability
Fair Trade Practices
Fair Payment
No Child Labour, No Forced Labour
No Discrimination, Gender Equity, Freedom of Association
Good Working Conditions
Capacity Building
Promote Fair Trade
Respect for the Environment

The foundation of a good fashion business is its ability to execute great Product. Product must deliver on core values; it must look great, fit properly, be made to high quality standards and feel good when wearing. We operate in an extremely competitive industry and customers have high expectations. Great product is critical to being successful in this business.

Successful Fashion business’ must have a committed sales focus and scalable distribution channels to achieve sales growth. Business’ must be vigilant on expenses, manage stock levels and sell through whilst fiercely protecting finished margin. These are basic fundamentals every business must continually monitor and manage well to have a healthy and profitable business.

RAW MATERIALS

VIRGIN POLYESTER

(used in 60% of garment manufacture)

Harmful Chemicals
Carcinogenic
Water pollutant
Harmful to eco-systems

COTTON

Uses millions of tons insecticides / pesticides globally
Harms environment and farmers
Water intensive crop
15% of cutting fabric discarded in landfill

rPet

(recycled polyester)

Made from discarded plastic bottles
Uses less water than virgin polyester to make

Recycled cotton

Made from off cuts diverted from landfill
Saves 20,000 litres of water per Kg of cotton

Hemp

Requires no pesticides or chemicals
Improves soil health as it grows
Uses very little water Organic Cotton
Uses 88% less water & 62% less energy
Uses no toxic chemicals in farming

Direct To Source has established relationships with a wide network of quality offshore suppliers. We can connect you directly with manufacturers in the following key categories:

Knitwear
Organic Cotton Jersey / Fleece
Cut and Sew Knit
Denim
Light Woven
Heavy Woven

Whether your business is looking to expand into new categories or cross reference existing suppliers, we can help determine the best production solutions for your business. Based on your MOQ & sourcing requirements we can align your production needs with the best Manufacturers.

The Direct To Source business model is transparent and cost effective. We understand the importance of quality, price, delivery and only work with ethically compliant factories. We work best with companies that have strong internal design & production capabilities and offer support to your teams through the manufacturing process.

The foundation of a good fashion business is its ability to execute great Product. Product must deliver on core values; it must look great, fit properly, be made to high quality standards and feel good when wearing. We operate in an extremely competitive industry and customers have high expectations. Great product is critical to being successful in this business.

Successful Fashion business’ must have a committed sales focus and scalable distribution channels to achieve sales growth. Business’ must be vigilant on expenses, manage stock levels and sell through whilst fiercely protecting finished margin. These are basic fundamentals every business must continually monitor and manage well to have a healthy and profitable business.

“We have engaged Direct to Source to work on a variety of Projects for the company over the last 5-6 years. Tim’s industry experience combined with his negotiation skills have delivered outstanding results and we continue working together”

FACTORY X GROUP

“When I started DOUGAL 1 year ago I contacted Tim through his company Direct to Source to help set up the business. Having worked with Tim in my previous business “Arabella Ramsay” I felt comfortable & confident he could help me get the right Suppliers on board and assist with the business side of things whilst I focussed on design and marketing of my brand. Tim’s product knowledge, Supplier contacts and management processes have helped us set up the business for success”

ARABELLA RAMSAY - MANAGING DIRECTOR, DOUGAL

"Transitioning our business model from Sales Agency to Vertical Business with our own Brands, we needed to add new systems & processes to enhance the operations of our business. Direct to Source conducted a thorough review of our Design & Production processes and implemented a number of measures to achieve efficiencies as we expand our brands domestically and Internationally. Tim’s industry knowledge and contacts have been invaluable"

MAX PEGGIE – MANAGING DIRECTOR, MAXIMUM AGENCIES

“We engaged Direct to Source to do a top to bottom review of our business. Through this process, they identified the strengths and weaknesses of the business and suggested a focussed pathway forward to reduce costs and improve profitability. Tim understands the complexities and challenges of the industry and inspired the team to deliver on the company objectives. I am extremely grateful for Tim’s contribution”

PHIL THOMPSON - MANAGING DIRECTOR, GDW GROUP

“We have engaged Direct to Source to work on a variety of Projects for the company over the last 5-6 years. Tim’s industry experience combined with his negotiation skills have delivered outstanding results and we continue working together”

DAVID HEENEY - MANAGING DIRECTOR, FACTORY X GROUP

“When I started DOUGAL 1 year ago I contacted Tim through his company Direct to Source to help set up the business. Having worked with Tim in my previous business “Arabella Ramsay” I felt comfortable & confident he could help me get the right Suppliers on board and assist with the business side of things whilst I focussed on design and marketing of my brand. Tim’s product knowledge, Supplier contacts and management processes have helped us set up the business for success”

ARABELLA RAMSAY - MANAGING DIRECTOR, DOUGAL

"Transitioning our business model from Sales Agency to Vertical Business with our own Brands, we needed to add new systems & processes to enhance the operations of our business. Direct to Source conducted a thorough review of our Design & Production processes and implemented a number of measures to achieve efficiencies as we expand our brands domestically and Internationally. Tim’s industry knowledge and contacts have been invaluable"

MAX PEGGIE – MANAGING DIRECTOR, MAXIMUM AGENCIES

“We engaged Direct to Source to do a top to bottom review of our business. Through this process, they identified the strengths and weaknesses of the business and suggested a focussed pathway forward to reduce costs and improve profitability. Tim understands the complexities and challenges of the industry and inspired the team to deliver on the company objectives. I am extremely grateful for Tim’s contribution”

PHIL THOMPSON - MANAGING DIRECTOR, GDW GROUP