Before you commit to production, clarify:

• MOQ — Minimum order quantity for this specific product and any variations (sizes, colors).
• Lead times — How long for sampling and for production from confirmed order to delivery.
• Fabric sourcing — Who sources materials; whether you can specify fabrics or certifications (e.g. organic, GOTS).
• Sampling — Cost and timeline for prototypes; whether sampling is required before production.
• Payment terms — Deposit, milestones, and payment on delivery or shipment.
• Quality control — What QC they do in-house; whether you can arrange third-party inspection if needed.
• Documentation — Certificates of conformity, test reports, or other paperwork you need for your market.

Having this clear in writing reduces misunderstandings and helps you compare suppliers fairly.

Quality control and inspection

Quality control (QC) helps catch defects before goods leave the factory and reduce risk at delivery.

In-house QC — Many manufacturers do in-house checks during and after production (e.g. measurement, visual inspection, spot checks). Ask what they check, at which stages, and whether they provide inspection reports.

Third-party inspection — For larger orders or higher risk, you may want an independent inspection company to check a sample of goods before shipment. Not all factories are used to this; confirm they allow it and at which stage (pre-shipment is common).

What to agree — Define pass/fail criteria (e.g. measurement tolerances, defect limits), who pays for re-inspection if failed, and what documentation you need (inspection report, photos, test certificates). Agreeing this upfront reduces disputes and ensures you receive goods that meet your standards.

Certifications and compliance

Depending on your product and market, you may need specific certifications or compliance documentation.

Common certifications — In apparel and textiles, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX are often required for organic or low-chemical claims. For toys, CE marking and EN 71 apply in the EU. For food and cosmetics, other regulatory and safety standards apply.

Who holds them — Certifications may be held by the manufacturer, the fabric or material supplier, or both. Ask which certificates the factory holds and whether they can support chain-of-custody for certified materials (e.g. GOTS).

What to prepare — Clarify which certifications or test reports you need for your market (e.g. for retailers or import). Get written confirmation that the supplier can provide the required documentation and lead time for obtaining it. This avoids last-minute gaps before shipment or listing.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the smallest number of units a manufacturer will produce for a single order. MOQs exist because setting up production has fixed costs—pattern making, sampling, and machine setup—that factories need to cover.

Why MOQ matters

• Startups and small brands often need lower MOQs (e.g. 50–200 pieces) to test the market or launch a first collection.
• Larger brands may order in the hundreds or thousands and can often negotiate better unit prices.
• MOQs vary by product type (e.g. simple t-shirts vs. complex outerwear), fabric, and finishes (embroidery, printing, washing).

Typical ranges

• Basic apparel (t-shirts, simple tops): many European manufacturers offer MOQs from 50 to 300 pieces.
• Knitwear and jersey: often 100–500 pieces depending on complexity.
• Outerwear and technical pieces: MOQs can be higher (200–500+) due to construction and materials.

Always confirm MOQ directly with each supplier—they depend on the specific product and your requirements.

Lead times: what to expect

Lead time is the period from when you confirm an order (and often pay a deposit) to when the goods are ready for shipment or collection.

What affects lead time

• Product complexity — Simple basics (e.g. plain t-shirts) are faster than complex outerwear or items with multiple components.
• Fabric and trims — If materials are in stock, production can start sooner. Custom or imported fabrics add weeks.
• Volume — Larger orders often take longer; small runs can sometimes be slotted in more quickly.
• Factory capacity — Peak seasons and full order books extend lead times. Ask for a realistic date, not just “as soon as possible.”
• Sampling — If you haven’t approved a sample yet, add 1–3 weeks (or more) for sampling and revisions before production starts.

Typical ranges (Europe)

• Basic apparel (t-shirts, simple tops): often 4–8 weeks from confirmed order to delivery.
• Knitwear and jersey: 6–10 weeks depending on complexity and yarn availability.
• Outerwear and tailored pieces: 8–14 weeks or more.
• With sampling first: add 2–4 weeks to the above.

These are guidelines. Always get a written timeline from your supplier and build in buffer for delays. European manufacturers often quote from order confirmation; clarify whether the date is for production completion or shipment.

When comparing suppliers on this page, focus on these practical criteria:

MOQ and volume

• Does their minimum order quantity fit your planned volume?
• If you expect to scale, ask whether they can grow with you or if you’d need to switch suppliers later.

Lead times

• Get clear timelines for sampling and for production.
• European manufacturers often quote 4–12 weeks for production after order confirmation; confirm exact dates before committing.

Capabilities and specializations

• Match their strengths to your product: knitwear, cut-and-sew, embroidery, printing, sustainable materials, etc.
• Ask what they produce most often—factories that specialize in your category usually deliver better consistency.

Communication and sampling

• Responsive communication and a clear sampling process reduce risk.
• If possible, order a sample before committing to production to check quality and fit.

Certifications and compliance

• If you need specific certifications (e.g. GOTS, OEKO-TEX), confirm they hold them and can support your documentation.

Comparing a shortlist of 2–3 suppliers on these points usually surfaces the best fit for your brand and product.