From Inquiry to Shipment: What We Do in 35 Days
Working with a new factory is scariest when you don't know what happens next. This article lays out every stage, who's responsible, and how long each takes.
When brands switch factories, what worries them most often isn't price — it's whether the process is clear.
Who handles what, how long it takes, when samples arrive, when goods ship. If these aren't clear, customers won't commit.
Three stages, nine steps, about 35 days
From sample approval to shipment, the standard cycle is about 35 days. Any step that stalls affects the whole lead time — so we try to spell out the timing of each step upfront.
Stage 1: Inquiry & quotation (Day 1–5)
① Submit requirements (you)
Send a tech pack, a reference sample, or just an idea plus a target price. It doesn't need to be complete — send what you have and we'll help fill the gaps.
② Feasibility check (both)
We check against our production line whether the fabric, weight, process, MOQ, and certifications are achievable. If something can't be done, we'll tell you directly.
③ Quotation & terms (us)
Unit price, MOQ, and lead time, all in writing.
2. Gauge (GG): the sweater's true "density"
Gauge is how many needles a knitting machine has per inch. The lower the number, the thicker the needles and the chunkier the knit; the higher the number, the finer the needles and the lighter the garment.
For example, 7GG is medium gauge and 12GG is fine gauge. The same style in 7GG often weighs nearly twice as much as in 12GG.
So when you tell a factory "lighter" or "heavier," you're really talking about gauge.
Stage 3: Production, QC & Delivery (Day 18–35)
⑦ Bulk production & inline inspection (us)
Cutting, sewing, finishing, and packing, with inspection at every stage.
⑧ Final inspection & shipping (us)
AQL check, packing list, then dispatch by air or sea as agreed.
⑨ Delivery & reorder (both)
Goods received, feedback logged, and the approved spec kept on file for easy reorders.
(Full process flow chart)
What you probably want to know
① What's the MOQ?
It varies by category, starting from 50 pieces/sets. Here are our recommended MOQs by category:
| Category | Recommended MOQ |
| Cashmere & Merino sweaters (pcs) | 50 |
| Bamboo knit pullovers / heavyweight knits (pcs) | 100 |
| Cooling weighted blankets / bedding sets (sets) | 50 |
| Sleepwear / loungewear (sets) | 50 |
| Bamboo-cotton basic tees (pcs) | 50 |
| Seamless underwear (pcs) | 300 |
| Socks (pairs) | 1,000 |
Note: These are recommended MOQs. Quantities slightly below these levels can often be arranged — please contact us directly.
② Does sampling cost money?
Yes. Sampling is charged separately for the following reasons:
- Sample fabric must be sourced separately. Bulk fabric is ordered in full batches, while a sample requires only a few meters, so it cannot be taken from the bulk order.
- Samples are largely made by hand rather than run on a production line.
- As a result, sampling has a different cost structure from bulk production and cannot be priced at the bulk unit rate.
We will quote the sampling cost first and proceed only after your confirmation. For specific costs, please contact us.
③ Can the lead time be faster?
Most stages can be compressed, depending on style complexity and current scheduling. We can discuss it before you place the order.
④ Can we do a factory audit?
Yes. We welcome customer factory audits and can arrange production line visits.
Ready to start? Send us your tech pack or reference sample, and we'll reply within 24 hours.
Post time: Nov-07-2026
