Riri zipper - where to buy, how much to invest

[teresamwong]

I have a very small business making handbags and totes. About half of my products require a zipper. I want to make the investment to use Riri zippers exculsively (had bad luck with other brands and cheaper zippers). So my questions are 1. Where do you recommend I purchase the zippers, pulls, etc? I have looked at the Buckle Guy and they seem to be a good option - just want to make sure I find the best source. I have only used finished zippers to this point, but willing to purhcase yardage and tools, etc. 2. Any recommendations on how much to invest? I have made hardware investments in the $200 - $300 for other products (mostly from China). I would need some zippers in the smaller size and some in the #8 size... so its hard to know how many yards to buy in order to get a discount. 

These are pretty open ended questions... but I am open to any suggestions or feedback.

Thanks, Teresa

 

[Roq]

I can't help you with Riri. I use YKK and have not had a failure. Rub the zipper with paraffin wax to lubricate it. YKK by the yard, sliders, stops etc are available from http://supremezipperindustries.goodbarry.com/

[teresamwong]

Thanks Roq. I have not seen this site/business. I have used YKK as well and they are okay. I really appreciate the reply and info.

Teresa

[Halitech]

To get an idea, look at how many bags you make in a 6 month period and see how many use zippers. Then figure out how many need each type of zipper. Add all the bags together that use each one and order double if you see production increasing in the next year

[teresamwong]

Excellent suggestion. Thsi is a good idea to try to predict production. Thank you so much.

[jgs121]

Thank you teresamwong for asking the question and Roq for your answer. I came to the forum today with questions about zippers. Gotta love the search tool!