by The Purnaa Team
Many sewn and knit product entrepreneurs underestimate the time it will take to get their products manufactured. When developing a custom product market research, design, sampling, sustainable sourcing, and ethical sewing production all take time if you want to get it right. If you rush through these steps without care for the details you will likely end up with a product that you don't love.
Before you start, it's important to have a clear understanding of the process and the normal timelines. We work with a lot of customers that need a very specific custom design. Below we share our average timeline for all the steps from product specification through sampling and production. While it can differ between manufacturers and can vary somewhat based on the product complexity, this will give you a general idea and help you start planning for your successful and smooth production run.
Production Timeline
Step 1: Submit Product Specifications (1 week - 1 Month)
Whether these are photos or a tech pack, your manufacturer will collect details on your design to understand what steps and components are necessary to construct your product. The more clearly you can define your product, the faster we can get to work! To create a tech pack, check out this link for a comprehensive guide!
Step 2 : Developing the Product (1 month - 4 months)
During this step, we make a pattern, make test samples, and final samples and source your materials. Lead times can fluctuate based on the complexity of the design and where the sample materials are coming from, some materials must be imported and have a longer lead time.
The most important part of sampling is to confirm that what we make is exactly what you want. But at Purnaa, we also use this time to explore with clients the most efficient ways to make their products, developing strategies that can save time and money in production. Once a final sample is completed, some customers request salesman samples to use in their sales efforts before confirming production quantities.
Step 3: Prepare All Materials (1 week - 3 months)
With sampling complete, the materials for the production run will be ordered from the suppliers. Depending on the material supplier's lead times and types of shipping, it can take up to 3 months or more to receive all the materials.
Step 4: Production (3 weeks - 3 months)
Once all the materials arrive, production is ready to begin. The fabric will be cut, graded for size, printed, and sewn. Production times obviously vary widely depending on the quantity ordered and type of product.
Step 5: Production Finishes ( 2 weeks - 1 month)
The last item rolls off the line and will be packed for shipping. We usually facilitate exporting for our customers, but it is the customer's responsibility to clear the goods through customs and pay any import duties in their country. Because Purnaa is located in Nepal, our clients are able to benefit from special trade preferences given by the USA and the EU. You can read more about American trade preferences here.
Step 6 - You Receive and Process Your Amazing Merchandise
All your hard work has paid off, you now have your product in hand, ready to wow your customers!
At Purnaa, we see that our success is linked to the success of the brands we serve and the people we employ. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through our manufacturing process, presenting strategic options at each step, establishing efficiency in production, and ensuring that both you and your customers will be delighted with the products you receive. As a member of the WFTO and the Freedom Business Alliance, your production run will also contribute to creating fresh starts and fulfilled lives among marginalized communities in Nepal.
To explore if Purnaa is a good fit for your production needs, inquire here.
OTHER FAQ’s
How long does sampling take?
Sampling is a creative and problem-solving process that takes about 30-90 days from when we receive your tech pack.
If you have produced the design before or are using common materials you can expect a shorter sampling period. If you are still “tweaking” your design or want materials that need to be sourced then a longer sampling time is required.
Ok. Let’s say I have my sampling process finished. Then how long will it be from the time I submit my Purchase Order and down-payment until my products are delivered?
It takes about 90-150 days depending on order size.
From the day we receive your purchase order it usually takes about 60 days to receive the production materials. Then production, packing, and shipping can take between 30-90 days
What if I have a larger order? Will that affect my delivery times?
Ordering large quantities may take more time in production BUT… Large orders are a great way to reduce your per piece cost! Most manufacturers, including Purnaa, can ship large orders in batches to allow you a head start on processing and selling.
Are there seasons when manufacturers have more free time and my designs are more likely to be accepted for manufacturing?
Yes!
As you might expect, the ramp us to Christmas is the busiest season. When you inquire, ask about our current production bookings and sampling queue and there may be times when orders can be processed more quickly.
What else should I think about for my production?
Sales traction. Are your products selling well or do you need to build up demand for your items?
We see that it often takes 6+ months for brands to develop a customer base and generate excitement around a new product. For this reason, we would suggest new companies get their products delivered with plenty of time to build some traction before the Christmas season. Products arriving in October is usually too late. However, if yours is not a new product and you already have a strong customer base familiar with your items, you will have more flexibility in delivery times.