FAQs
Getting Started
What is AFINGO?
AFINGO is the Ultimate Designer Resource. We empower the fashion community by supporting entrepreneurs and the businesses that serve them through online tools, expert content and live industry events.
What does AFINGO do?
AFINGO believes that industry knowledge and the right relationships are the cornerstones of successful businesses. We provide seasoned advice, real world experience and vetted connections along the product development lifecycle to help guide designers toward success. We’re lifting the curtain on fashion and opening up the channels to education, communication and connection.
Who can join?
Industry contractors and apparel/accessories designers – AFINGO.com is built for you. For fashion enthusiasts, we encourage you to join and take advantage or our industry-leading editorial content. To take advantage of all AFINGO has to offer, learn more about Match.
Do I need to pay to use the site?
No. Membership is free.
For Designers
With membership, you’ll gain access to AFINGO Match as well as select expert content. For greater access to content and tools, and to receive tickets to attend AFINGO events.
For Contractors
For a limited time, contractors that register for the AFINGO Contractor Network enjoy free membership, providing access to new customers, worldwide, in an instant. Sign up for an account to begin connecting to new business opportunities today.
How do I register?
For Designers
To become a member, register to create an account and let the platform guide you through the steps to activate your membership.
For Contractors
To become a member, register to create an account and let the platform guide you through the steps to activate your membership.
Why is completing registration important?
Your user experience is important to us. Completing your AFINGO registration allows us to tailor your experience to connect you with the right content, tools and resources. By completing Step 2 of the registration process, you will gain access to our Get It Made articles, videos, photos and more. To get the most out of your membership, take advantage of our production tools by completing all steps in the registration process.
If you are an industry contractor, you will need to complete the registration process to receive new business requests from designers.
My Studio
What is My Studio?
The Studio is where designers can access our suite of production tools to help manage projects and stay organized. In your Studio, you can update your information, create new styles, message your team of contractors and more. We will continue to update your Studio so check back often for new features.
Who can see My Experience?
Your Experience can not be viewed by other members or by the general public. Only contractors you request to connect with can see your Experience. The information you provide about your business is essential to helping you connect and communicate with contractors. For this reason, you must complete your Experience to unlock Match.
How can I update My Experience?
Update your Experience in your Studio by clicking “Answer” for questions you have left unanswered or by clicking “Edit” for questions you’ve already answered but would like to change. The clearer you are with your responses, the better your chances are of connecting to the right contractors. As a standard, always provide pricing in USD.
Why is it important to keep My Experience updated?
When you request to connect with a contractor using the Match tool, the information you provide in your Experience is communicated through the Request for Match (RFM). Contractors review the RFM to determine whether they can meet your production requirements and whether the job is right for them. Keeping your Experience updated ensures that contractors see the most current and accurate information about you and your projects.
What are Projects?
Projects are like folders, they help you organize images and information about your products. They can be seasons, collections, lines, styles, or even fabric groups. A project can be anything you need to source or produce.
Who can see my Styles?
Your Styles can not be viewed by other AFINGO members or by the general public. Only contractors you request to connect with can see your Styles. The information you provide about your products is essential to helping you connect and communicate with contractors. For this reason, you must create at least one Style to unlock Match.
How do I manage my Styles?
In your Studio, click on Projects in the Studio menu. On the Projects page, you can add new Styles and update existing Styles. You must complete the category, fabric, color and quantity fields, provide a description of your product, specify whether you have sketches, patterns or samples, and upload at least one image in order to create a Style to unlock Match.
What images should I upload?
Upload images of your sketches, patterns or samples to give contractors a better idea of what you are looking to source or produce. Contractors view these images when you Request for Match (RFM). Choose quality images that clearly represent your product. Only images under 100KB can be uploaded.
Why is it important to keep my Styles updated?
When you request to connect with a contractor using the Match tool, the information you provide when you create a Style is communicated through the Request for Match (RFM). Contractors review the RFM to determine whether they can meet your production requirements and whether the job is right for them. Keeping your Styles updated ensures that contractors see the most current and accurate information about you and your projects.
Where can I check my connection Requests?
In your Studio, click on Requests in the the Studio menu. On the Requests page, you will find the contractors you have requested to connect with. To help you remember your request, view the Request for Match (RFM) by clicking on “View RFM.” After a week, if a contractor has not responded you will have the ability to rescind your request. Remember - foreign contractors may take longer to respond due to differences in time zone.
How do I know if a contractor has accepted my Request?
You will be notified via email when a contractor accepts your request to connect. In your Studio, the new connection will appear in your Alerts on your Studio Dashboard, as well as on your Contractors page from the Studio menu.
Who can I message with?
Messages can be sent between you and contractors you have connected with. Only your contractors are able to send you messages.
How do I check my messages?
You will be notified via email when you have a new message from a contractor. New messages appear in your Alerts on your Studio Dashboard and are saved to your Messages page from the Studio menu. On the Messages page, you can check and respond to new messages from your contractors.
Where can I find information about the contractors I connect with?
In your Studio, click on Contractors in the Studio menu. On the Contractors page, you will find the contractors you have connected with. To view contractor Company Details, including photos and contact information, click on the contractor’s name.
How do I bookmark articles?
When reading an article, simply click the “Bookmark” button above or below the article. Once you click “Bookmark,” the article will be automatically saved to your Bookmarks in your Studio. You can choose to tag an article with a Style for reference. For example, if you’re producing a denim line and you come across a great denim article, you can tag the article with the name of your Style and then sort your bookmarks by Style to find the article at a later time.
My Office
What is My Office?
The Office is where contractors can get access to new business opportunities and AFINGO's production tools to help stay organized. In your Office, you can check new connection requests from potential customers, update your company information, upload images of your facility and more. We will continue to update your Office so check back often for new features.
Who can see my Company Details?
Your Company Details can not be viewed by other members or by the general public. Only designers who are interested in engaging your company’s services can see your Company Details. The information you provide about your business is essential to helping you connect and communicate with potential customers. For this reason, you must complete your Company Details to unlock Match.
How can I update my Company Details?
Update your Company Details in your Office by clicking “Answer” for questions you have left unanswered or by clicking “Edit” for questions you’ve already answered but would like to change. The clearer you are with your responses, the better your chances are of connecting with the right customers. If a question asks you for an answer that includes a measurement, be sure to include it. Measurements can be specified as “yards,” “per roll,” “sq. feet,” “days,” “weeks,” or even “units.” As a standard, always provide pricing in USD. If you are not comfortable disclosing information, please respond with “please inquire” to encourage potential customers to contact you for more information.
Why is it important to keep my Company Details updated?
If you meet a designer’s production requirements, you will be included in their search results when they use the Match tool to find contractors for their project. When they select your company in their search results, your Company Details will be provided to them. Designers review this information to determine whether your company is right for their project. Keeping your Company Details updated ensures that designers see the most current and accurate information about your company’s services.
What images should I upload?
Upload images of your facility to provide designers with a visual aid to accompany your business description. Designers view these images when they search for contractors using the Match tool. Choose quality images that are clear, brightly lit, and that best represent your facility. Only images under 100KB can be uploaded.
Where can I check requests from customers who are looking to
connect with me?
You will be notified via email when you have a new request from a potential customer. In your Office, new requests will appear in your Alerts on the Office Dashboard and are saved to your Requests page from the Office menu. On the Requests page, you will find the designers who have requested to connect with you. To view information about designers and their products, view their Requests for Match (RFM) by clicking on “View RFM.” From this view, you will be able to click “Accept” to accept the request, or “Deny” to deny the request. Please provide a reason when denying a Match request.
Why is it important for me to reply promptly to requests?
After seven days, a designer will have the ability to rescind their request. Therefore, responding quickly to RFMs increases your chances of starting a successful business relationship. Once rescinded, you will no longer be able to connect with this designer for this particular RFM. For this reason, we encourage all contractors to respond quickly to all requests.
Where can I find information about the customers I connect with?
In your Office, click on Customers in the Office menu. On the Customers page, you will find the designers you have connected with. To view designer details, including contact information, click on the designer’s name.
What are Projects?
Projects are like folders, they help designers organize images and information about their products. They can be seasons, collections, lines, styles, or even fabric groups. A project can be anything a designer is looking to source or produce. As a contractor, projects are like open orders. They help you organize your new business by keeping track of what is being sourced or produced.
Who can I message with?
Messages can be sent between you and designers you have connected with. Only your customers are able to send you messages.
How do I check my messages?
You will be notified via email when you have a new message from a customer. New messages appear in your Alerts on your Office Dashboard and are saved to your Messages page from the Office menu. On the Messages page, you can check and respond to new messages from your customers.
How do I bookmark articles?
When reading an article, simply click the “Bookmark” button above or below the article. Once you click “Bookmark,” the article will be automatically saved to your Bookmarks in your Office.
Match
What is AFINGO Match?
Match is an advanced search tool that connects designers with the team of industry-leading professionals to help them Get It Made.
What are the benefits of using Match?
Match helps designers find reliable contractors. AFINGO contractors are pre-screened and approved by our team of regional Business Development Representatives.
For contractors, Match makes bringing in new business as simple as checking your email. Contractors can grow their customer base by simply reviewing their Requests for Match (RFMs) and choosing the designers they want to work with. A notification is sent to your email account whenever there is a new RFM.
For designers and contractors, Match saves time and money. Getting over the initial hurdle of finding and making the right connection takes time. Match helps designers and contractors cut down on valuable time spent trying to determine qualifications and requirements by presenting business and product details in a standardized way.
For more about the benefits of Match, please read a post from our Founder on The Value of Match
What is an RFM?
An RFM is a Request for Match, or a connection request sent from a designer to a contractor. The RFM represents a designer’s interest in engaging a contractor’s services. It provides a simple and standardized way of communicating information regarding a specific project to contractors.
How do I create an RFM?
Only designers can create RFMs using the Match tool. An RFM is a Request for Match, or a connection request sent from a designer to a contractor. Using the Match tool, a designer can search for contractors, select a contractor from the Match search results, specify the Styles they would like to share with that contractor, and preview the RFM before sending. The RFM is generated from a designer’s Experience and from the product details they provide when creating Styles.
How is a Match made?
A Match is made when a designer and contractor connect. A Match represents a two-way interest in a project or the readiness of both sides to get things started.
Step 1: Match Search
In Step 1 of the Match process, using the Match tool, designers have the ability to search for contractors based on their production requirements.
Step 2: Select Match
Choosing a contractor from the Match search results allows designers to view contractor details and photos in Step 2 before confirming their selection by clicking “Select Contractor.”
Step 3: Select Styles
In Step 3, designers can choose the Styles they want to source or produce and create a Request for Match (RFM).
Step 4: Review RFM
Before committing to the request, designers can preview the RFM that is shared with contractors upon request. From this view, a designer can decide to change the information on the RFM by clicking “Edit.” Once a designer is satisfied with the information provided in their RFM, they can click “Request Match” to send the RFM.
Step 5: Request Match
Once the RFM has been sent, a confirmation message will appear at the top of the RFM to confirm delivery. Only when a connection is made is a Match credit is spent. Therefore, Match credits are not spent when 1) a contractor does not respond or 2) when the project is denied because it is not right for them.
Match for Designers
How do I unlock Match?
The process of unlocking Match helps prepare you to speak with contractors. The questions we ask are standard ones that a contractor will ask you in order to determine if your project is right for them. To unlock Match, you must 1) complete your Experience, 2) create a Style and 3) upload at least one image (under 100KB).
Complete your Experience
In your Studio Dashboard you will find the questions you need to answer in order to complete your Experience. Update your Experience by clicking “Answer” for questions you have left unanswered or by clicking “Edit” for questions you’ve already answered but would like to change. The clearer you are with your responses, the better your chances are of connecting to the right contractors. As a standard, always provide pricing in USD.
Create a Style
In your Studio, click on Projects from your Studio menu. On the Projects page, you can add new Styles and update existing Styles. You must complete the category, fabric, color and quantity fields, provide a description of your product, specify whether you have sketches, patterns or samples, and upload at least one image in order to create a Style to unlock Match.
The information you provide about yourself and your product(s) is essential to communicating and connecting with contractors. For this reason, we require that all designers complete the above steps to unlock the Match tool.
How do I purchase Match?
If you have not yet purchased or have spent all of your Match credits, from the top navigation, mouse over Tools and click “AFINGO Match” from the navigation drop down menu. This will take you to the Match page, where you can purchase Match credits by clicking “Purchase” At anytime, you can purchase Match credits in My Account on the Purchases tab. Once on the Match Purchase page, please provide payment information and click “Submit.” You will receive an email receipt for your purchase when your payment has been processed. Having trouble purchasing Match? Send us a message at purchases@afingo.com.
How many Matches do I get?
You can purchase three Match credits at a time. These credits can be spent to request to connect with three different contractors of your choice.
What happens after I connect with a new Contractor?
In your Studio, click on Contractors in the Studio menu. On the Contractors page, you will find the contractors you have connected with. To view contractor Company Details, including photos and contact information, click on the contractor’s name. For convenience, use our Messaging tool to communicate directly with new contractors.
What happens when Requests are pending?
Contractors are busy and you can expect to wait longer for foreign contractors to respond due to differences in time zone. However, after a week you will have the ability to rescind your pending request. To do this, go to Requests from your Studio menu and select “Rescind Request.” Once your request has been rescinded, your Match credit will be returned to you and you will have the ability to spend your Match credit to make another request to a different contractor.
What happens when I’ve requested to connect with all Contractors
that meet my production requirements?
If you’re having trouble connecting with the right contractor, try refining your business and product details. Make sure that your Style images clearly represent your product and check Style titles and descriptions for accuracy. Always provide as much information as possible so contractors feel confident that they know what you are looking for in order from them to assess whether they can provide the proper service for you.
When do I spend my Match credits?
Only when a connection is made is a Match credit is spent. Therefore, Match credits are not spent when 1) a contractor does not respond or 2) when the project is denied because it is not right for them.
Do Match credits expire?
No, Match credits do not expire. You can continue to wait for a contractor to respond to your request for as long as you like, or, you can save your Match credits to be spent at a later time.
Match for Contractors
How do I unlock Match?
The process of unlocking Match helps you build a profile on our site that will be shared with designers who are interested in engaging your services. The questions we ask are standard ones that help a designer determine if your company is right for their project. To unlock Match, you must 1) complete your Company Details and 2) upload at least one image of your facility (under 100KB).
Complete your Company details
In your Office Dashboard, you will find the questions you need to answer in order to complete your Company Details. Update your Company Details by clicking “Answer” for questions you have left unanswered or by clicking “Edit” for questions you’ve already answered but would like to change. The clearer you are with your responses, the better your chances are of connecting with the right customers. If a question asks you for an answer that includes a measurement, be sure to include it. Measurements can be specified as “yards,” “per roll,” “sq. feet,” “days,” “weeks,” or even “units.” As a standard, always provide pricing in USD. If you are not comfortable disclosing information, please respond with “please inquire” to encourage potential customers to contact you for more information.
Upload Facility Images
In your Office Dashboard, in the area called Facility Images click on “Add Image.” A pop over will appear that will allow you to select an image, give it a title and a description. Choose quality images that are clear, brightly lit and that best represent your facility. Only images under 100KB can be uploaded. Facility images provide designers with a visual aid to accompany your business description. Designers will view these images when they search for contractors using the Match tool. The better your images are, the more you stand out in search results.
The information you provide about your company and services are essential to communicating and connecting with designers. For this reason, we require that all contractors complete the above steps to unlock the Match tool.
What do I do after I unlock Match?
When you have unlocked Match, a message will appear at the top of your Office Dashboard with a button that says “Ready to Match.” Take a few moments to review your information before clicking “Ready to Match.” Once selected, we will be notified and our team of Business Development Representatives will review your account and contact you with next steps.
What happens after I connect with a new Customer?
In your Office, click on Customers in the Office menu. On the Customers page, you will find the designers you have connected with. To view designer details, including contact information, click on the designer’s name. For convenience, use our Messaging tool to communicate directly with new customers.
Do Match requests expire?
Yes. After one week, a designer has the ability to rescind their Match request. Once rescinded, you will no longer be able to connect with this designer for this particular business request. In order to better your chances of a successful transaction, we encourage all contractors to respond promptly to Match requests. You will receive an email notification to alert you of a pending request that is about to expire two days before its expiration. To avoid missing a potential business opportunity, in your Office go to Requests in the Office menu. On the Requests page, you will find the designers who have requested to connect with you. To view information about designers and their products, view their Requests for Match (RFM) by clicking on “View RFM.” From this view, you will be able to click “Accept” to accept the request, or “Deny” to deny the request. Please provide a reason when denying a Match request.
Why is it important for me to reply promptly to requests?
After seven days, a designer has the ability to rescind their request. Therefore, responding quickly to RFMs increases your chances of starting a successful business relationship. Once rescinded, you will no longer be able to connect with this designer for this particular RFM. For this reason, we encourage all contractors to respond quickly to all requests.
Account Settings
How do I update my account information?
Update your account information by clicking on your name in the upper right-hand corner of your Homepage. From the drop-down menu, select My Account from the list of options. Or, from your Studio or Office Dashboard, click My Account from the menu. From My Account, you will be able to update your account information, check past purchases and manage your notifications settings.
How do I reset my password?
In My Account, enter your new password and your current password, then click “Update.” If you have forgotten your password, on the AFINGO homepage, click “Login” and “Forgot Password.” If you are a contractor, make sure you are on the contractor homepage. You will receive an email shortly with instructions on how to reset your password. Choose your password carefully - this is the key to protecting your account and using our Match feature.
How do I delete my profile?
In My Account, click on “Delete Account.” When you are asked to confirm, click “Yes.”
How do I update my notifications?
In your Account, from the Notifications tab, you will be able to specify the email address you would like notifications to be sent to, as well as control which notifications you receive. We strongly recommend that you keep your notifications as they are to ensure that you are alerted of important account activity.
Learn More
What industry terms do I need to know?
AFINGO = the latin root for “fashion.”
AFINGO Fashion Forum (AFF) = an event series that brings together thought leaders in the fashion industry, providing real world connection and engagement.
Average retail price point = the average price at which your line sells in retail outlets.
Contractor = a factory, patternmaker, technical designer, grader, fabric supplier, notions supplier or other fashion industry professional. A member of the team you need to get your product made.
Designer = someone who designs apparel, shoes, accessories or jewelery.
Fabric supplier = a textile manufacturer or wholesaler.
Factory = the domestic or foreign manufacturer of your product.
Grader = the person who makes sets of patterns to scale your produce to fit a range of sizes.
Notion supplier = sells the buttons, zippers and trims to finish your product.
Number of doors = the number of physical retail outlets in which your product is sold.
Number of seasons = how many seasons (see below) you have produced.
Online sales = sale of your designs through your website and/or an online retailer.
Patternmaker = the person that takes your sketch and creates a pattern.
Season = the season you are producing (e.g. fall/winter).
Streetwear = casual sportswear rooted in skate and urban culture.
Target retail price point = the target average price at which you plan to sell your line.
Technical Designer = the person who creates a guide or plan containing the instructions and specifications for the style.