Process Guide
Apparel Lead Times Explained From Sample To Delivery
A realistic timeline for a custom apparel order, with the stages buyers usually underestimate.
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Sampling: 4 to 7 working days, more than once
A sample is produced in 4 to 7 working days once the sample payment clears, and a full development sample on a new pattern is quoted at 30 days. Budget for more than one round - a second and third sample is normal, not a warning sign.
Production: 40 to 60 days
Bulk production runs 40 to 60 days depending on quantity, fabric availability and decoration. Fabric lead time is the variable that moves this most, which is why fabric is confirmed before cutting.
Shipping: 12 days by air, 30 days by sea
Air freight takes about 12 days and sea freight about 30 days door to door. For ready-to-ship items the picture is different: those ship 5 to 15 days after payment is confirmed.
Working backwards from a launch date
For a seasonal launch, count back roughly five months: one month of sampling, two months of production, one month of sea freight and a month of slack. Missing the slack is what turns a sea shipment into an air shipment.
Styles Mentioned In This Guide
Quick Answers
Can Hengtuo produce the products discussed here?
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Put This Into Practice
Send us the style you are planning and we will apply the checks in this guide to your actual order.