Who We Are:
The APB is an organization of professionals dedicated to the structural health, and well-being of women. Our goal is to educate and custom design bras to support today’s active women, enhancing both their image, activities and health. Our members have received certification from a recognized school specializing in bra design, engineering and construction.

Our Mission Statement:
To educate women about the importance of breast health and proper support that should be provided by a comfortable, well-fitted bra and providing quality custom bra services to meet the diverse needs of women of all ages.

• How did she get her training? Professional bra-makers have attended a specialized design school, and learned about fit and construction from a recognized source.
  
  
• How much experience does she have with the type of bra you need?
  
  
• Does she belong to a professional organization like Association of Professional Bra-makers? Is she accountable to her peers as well as to her customers?
  
  
• Does she give written estimates? A written quote is a confirmation of your verbal agreement regarding fabrics, styling, price and delivery date. Like all custom-made goods, custom bras should cost more than a similar off-the-rack garment. It takes a very high level of skill and a great deal of labour to create a well-fitting and supportive bra that suits both your body and your taste. In general, prices are commensurate with the skill, experience, and reputation of the bra-maker. She may charge by the hour or by the job. Tell her your price range; she may be able to suggest styles and techniques that are within your budget. Remember that fine quality custom bras are made to last for a long time, even with everyday wear.
  
  
• Does she display any sales tax or business licenses that are required in your area? Never deal with anyone who is working "on the side," " under the table," or "off the books." That person is not a professional!
  
  
• What is her payment policy? Does she accept cash only, cheques or credit cards? Most professionals ask for a 50% deposit with the order and final payment before the order is released to you. She may ask for progress payments if the order is over an extended period of time.
  
  
• Look at her samples. Do they show the kind of quality you are expecting?
  
  
• Is her workplace clean and organized? Does she have a private fitting area?
  
  
• Are you comfortable with her? This is a very intimate connection you are establishing and your personal comfort is of the utmost importance.
  

What are Your Responsibilities as a Client?

• ·Be on time for your appointments; call early if you need to reschedule for any reason.
  
  
• ·Notify in advance if you have any allergies such as a latex allergy or special needs.
  
  
• ·Be considerate and do not wear perfume or strong scents to your meetings
  
  
• ·If you are happy with her services, tell your friends, family and colleagues about her, then write a quick thank-you note to her!
  

What the Industry Terms Mean

• Professional Bra-maker: A person who makes foundation garments: bras, bustiers, swimwear and lingerie. He or she has attended a specialized design school, is certified and is a member of the Professional Bra-makers Association.
  
  
• Custom Bra-maker: A person who makes the same garments as the professional but who is not certified.
  
  
• Bra Designer: A person who designs garments for the bra-making industry. He or she may or may not construct the garments themselves.
  
  
• Bra Fitter: A person who works in retail. She can fit the client into any ready to wear garment that the retailer sells. She may or may not have specialized training and is limited to what the retailer stocks.
  
  

APB Membership Types

• Professional Member: Any member who has successfully completed a relevant certification program. This person also holds all required business licenses.
  
  
• Associate Member: Anyone connected to the bra-making industry that has an interest in bra making from a professional point of view. This may include breast cancer support groups, breast feeding support groups, women’s groups, physicians and allied health professionals.
  
  
• Honorary Member: Anyone who by their support of the APB deserves special recognition for their efforts on our behalf.

Having A Custom Foundation Garment Made

• Initial Consultation: Time to get to know your bra-maker and to discuss your needs and what her or his services include. If there is a fee for this appointment it may be refunded with the order of your first bra or actually included in the overall price.

• Garment Materials: Usually all materials are provided by the bra-maker. When swim wear materials are required you may arrange a shopping trip to the retailer with your bra-maker. He or she will assist in choosing suitable material for the garment.

• Delivery Time: Two to four weeks for garment completion is standard. This will vary with each bra-maker, complexity of the style and the time of year

What The Bra-maker Hopes To Get From The Client

• Appointments: Please schedule them and please be on time. Please call well in advance of any appointment that you need to re-schedule.

• Special Needs: Please inform your bra-maker of any allergies or special needs that you have such as a latex allergy and/or the need for mastectomy prostheses inserts.

• Perfumes: Many people have allergies to perfumes and strong scents. Because the bra-maker works on an intimate level with each client it would be appreciated that clients refrain from wearing perfumes for appointments.

• Referrals: Bra-makers build their business by referrals. If you are happy with her or his services, please pass on their name. A quick short thank you note is always greatly appreciated.

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Last Updated: Saturday, April 26, 2008 (19:15:50)
Fri, Jul 30, 2010, 07:28:19 am