Fashion-design services provider 27th Point, based in Murphy, TX, is launching a new business engagement program it reports is designed to help start-up and mid-size manufacturers in the home and fashion industry. 27th Point customers will now have the option to pay a relatively low upfront payment, and will also be able to license designs for footwear, handbags, bedding, and so forth, on a royalty basis.

The new program is termed as 'Pay after Grow' (SM), and builds on an already existing program that allows customers to buy designs outright.

"The economy is still uncertain, and for a start-up manufacturer to purchase designs outright can be a significant upfront investment. Our new 'Pay after Grow' program will enable our customers to launch relatively more designs with a significantly lower upfront investment," said Amrita Osahan, founder and chief designer at 27th Point.

'Pay after Grow' will include trend and color forecasting from the major markets of the world (including Japan) as part of the design services. "Doing extensive market research customized to each 27th Point customer requirements and coming up with design concepts that have a very high probability of success is a key strategic advantage that 27th Point provides to its customers. In contrast to just hiring a freelancer to 'sketch something,' we truly tie our success to the success of our customers," said Osahan.