FAQ
Questions brands ask us.
Minimum orders, sampling, materials, compliance and shipping — the answers sourcing teams need before a first order with MKS.
Orders & pricing
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our MOQ starts at 50 pieces per style, which makes MKS a practical partner for startups and small brands testing a first collection as well as established labels running repeat orders of several thousand units.
How much does it cost to manufacture a leather bag?
It depends on the leather grade, size, construction, hardware, finishing and quantity. Send us your design or a reference product and your target quantity, and we reply within 24 hours with material options and a clear per-piece price, with no hidden costs.
Can I start a brand with a small first order?
Yes. With a 50-piece MOQ per style you can launch with one or two styles, test them with customers and reorder what sells. Keeping the first collection tight, with shared leathers and hardware across styles, also keeps costs down.
Sampling & production
How long does sampling and production take?
Prototypes are typically ready in 5–7 days once the design and materials are confirmed. Bulk production takes 4–8 weeks depending on quantity and finish, and orders ship FOB Kolkata.
Can you help if I don't have a tech pack?
Yes. A sketch, photos of a reference product or a description of what you want is enough to start. Our pattern makers develop the pattern, suggest materials and construction, and refine the prototype with you until it is approved.
What is the difference between private label and white label?
Private label means we develop a product to your own design and specification. White label means you start from one of our existing styles and add your branding, colours and hardware. We do both, and white label is usually the faster route to market.
Can you put our brand name and packaging on the products?
Yes. Everything we make for partners is private label — debossed or embossed logos, custom hardware, woven or printed labels, hangtags, dust bags and branded packaging are all produced to your spec.
How do you control quality?
Every piece goes through three-station quality control before packing: structural integrity, cosmetic inspection and hardware function. Production is supervised by line leads with at least seven years in the role, and every bulk order is checked against the approved sample.
Materials
What leathers do you work with?
Full grain, smooth, vegetable-tanned and embossed leathers, plus our upcycled Shanti Leather made from cutting-room offcuts. Leather comes from OEKO-TEX, LWG and GRS certified suppliers, and every hide is graded by hand before it reaches the workshop.
Do you make non-leather products?
Yes. We make bags in cotton canvas and jute, often with leather trims, plus scarves, stoles and shawls in silk, cotton, linen, modal, bamboo, wool and kantha, and homeware in kantha textiles and sheesham wood.
Can you print our own designs on scarves?
Yes. We produce custom prints and colourways by hand block printing, screen printing and hand painting, as well as dyed, ombré, colour-block and woven designs. Colour and print strike-offs are approved before bulk production.
Ethics & compliance
Are you a certified ethical manufacturer?
Yes. MKS has practised Fair Trade since 1994, and our workshop is Sedex audited. Artisans are paid above market rate, everyone employed is over 18, and leather comes from OEKO-TEX, LWG and GRS certified suppliers.
Is MKS a women-led business?
Yes. MKS was founded in 1994 by Mithu Dam and is a second-generation, women-led business. Our mission has always been regular, dignified employment for artisans, especially women, paid above market rate.
How do you ensure there is no child or forced labour?
Everyone employed by MKS is over 18, and we have zero tolerance for child labour, forced labour or any form of coerced work, in our workshop and our supply chain. Our Sedex ethical audit covers labour standards, health and safety, environment and business ethics.
Shipping & working together
Which countries do you export to?
We make for brands and retailers across Europe, North America and beyond, including long-term partners in the USA, UK, Germany and Italy. Orders ship FOB Kolkata.
How quickly do you reply, and who will I talk to?
We reply to enquiries within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. You work directly with our team in Kolkata, from first brief through sampling to shipment.
Can I visit the workshop?
Yes. You are welcome to visit us in Kolkata, or we can schedule a live video walkthrough of the workshop if you can't travel.
Which brands have you made for?
Long-term partners include SERRV International (since 1998), Ten Thousand Villages (since 2004), Fair Anita (since 2016) and MadeFree (since 2019), along with fair-trade importers and independent brands across Europe and North America.
Tell us what you're making.
Share a sketch, tech pack or reference product. We reply within 24 hours with materials, pricing and a sampling timeline.