Timing is everything in the fashion industry. What's in vogue one month is often out of style the next. Not surprisingly, fashion houses put tremendous pressure on suppliers to deliver the latest fabrics and textiles on time.
     Perhaps nobody knows the demands of the fashion industry more than Marcel Banziger, the namesake and founder of New York-based Marcel Banziger, Inc., a textile supplier to high-end designers like Oscar de la Renta, Halston and Bill Blass.
     "Our customers need fabrics for things like high-end fashion shows. A garment or a sample must meet the deadline. It's critical not to lose an hour," said Banziger.
     But Banziger realized he was losing valuable time in transit due to customs delays caused by brokerage errors and oversights. To make matters worse, the failure to comply with customs regulations could potentially lead to hefty fines - up to 40 percent of the value of the imported merchandise.
     By enlisting the help of UPS®, Banziger discovered he could streamline shipping operations and eliminate importing risks through smart solutions that saved time, controlled costs and even helped improve customer service. Right away, UPS saved his company at least a day in transit by reducing multiple carriers to one. UPS's customs brokerage services also came into play, speeding along the customs process by preclearing U.S.-bound shipments and ensuring seamless same-day clearance. "With UPS, it's all in-house and the brokerage operations are much more qualified, responsive and can get quicker results," said Banziger.
     UPS is also instrumental in helping Marcel Banziger stay on budget. Ever since UPS helped streamline his supply chain, there have been significant cost savings and increased efficiencies. Also, there are no surprises in cost because static charges are known up front, making it easier for the small, ten-person company to plan ahead and manage cash flow more efficiently.

For more information about UPS, visit UPS.com® or call 1-800-Pick-UPS®