One of the most common sources of buyer anxiety is simply not knowing what happens between sending an inquiry and receiving a shipment. Here’s the transparent, stage-by-stage timeline.
Stage 1: Inquiry & Requirement Analysis (Days 1–3)
You share your product requirement — tech pack, target price, quantity, and timeline. Your sourcing partner reviews feasibility and confirms which certified factory in their network is the right fit for your specific product type.
Stage 2: Product Development & Sampling (Days 4–20)
Initial samples are developed against your specification. This typically takes one to three rounds — first sample, buyer feedback, revised sample — until fit, fabric, and construction are approved. This is the single most variable stage in the whole timeline; rushing it is the most common cause of bulk-production problems later.
Stage 3: Factory Allocation & Production Planning (Days 21–25)
With samples approved, your order is formally allocated to the factory, fabric and trims are booked, and a detailed production schedule is set with clear milestones.
Stage 4: Bulk Production & Quality Control (Days 26–70, varies by order size)
Production runs in stages with in-line inspection throughout — not a single check at the end. Shrinkage, measurements, and construction are monitored continuously, especially for knitwear.
Stage 5: Final Inspection & Shipment (Days 71–120)
A final AQL-standard inspection covers the completed order before packing. Shipping documentation is prepared, and the order moves under your agreed shipment terms (FOB, CIF, or Ex-Works).
Total Timeline
Most orders complete in 45–120 days from confirmed sample approval to shipment, depending on product complexity, fabric sourcing lead time, and order volume — confirmed exactly during the planning stage, not left as a vague estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the timeline to extend beyond the estimate?
The most common causes are slow sample approval turnaround on the buyer’s side, late fabric/trim decisions, or last-minute specification changes after production has started.
Can the timeline be compressed for urgent orders?
Sometimes, within limits — talk to your sourcing partner early about your real deadline so they can plan factory allocation and fabric booking accordingly, rather than trying to compress an already-running order.