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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about international sourcing, shipping, orders, and working with Global Stitchers.

 
 
 
Sourcing & Suppliers
Orders & MOQs
Production & Shipping Timelines
Payment & Pricing
Quality & Compliance
Shipping & Logistics
Getting Started

Sourcing & Suppliers

Questions about finding and working with manufacturers

How do you verify manufacturers before adding them to your network?
Our verification process includes business registration verification, facility capability assessment, certification review (such as WRAP, BSCI, OEKO-TEX), reference checks, and evaluation of export history. We focus on confirming legitimate business operations, production capabilities, and compliance with relevant industry standards. Learn more about our factory verification process.
We specialize in textile and apparel sourcing, including basic knitwear (t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts), woven apparel (shirts, blouses), bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts), outerwear and jackets, workwear and uniforms, athletic and activewear, and home textiles. Our manufacturer network spans multiple product categories and production capabilities.
Our manufacturer network includes facilities across major textile-producing regions including Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, and other countries. We match buyers with manufacturers based on product requirements, compliance needs, and sourcing preferences.
Yes, we can coordinate custom product development including tech pack refinement, sample development, and production setup. This process involves identifying manufacturers with relevant development capabilities, coordinating sample iterations, and managing the approval process.
Initial manufacturer matching typically takes 3-7 business days depending on product specifications and requirements. The complete matching process, including verification and capability assessment, may take 2-4 weeks. Sample development adds additional time based on product complexity.

 

If an initial manufacturer match doesn’t meet your requirements, we work to understand the gaps and identify alternative options. Our goal is finding the right fit, not just any fit. We maintain ongoing communication throughout the matching process to address concerns early and adjust our search criteria as needed.
 

Orders & MOQs

Questions about order quantities and requirements

What are typical minimum order quantities (MOQs)?
Our minimum order quantity starts at 2,000 pieces per style/color across all product categories. MOQs may be higher for products requiring custom fabric development—typically 3,000-5,000+ pieces. Learn more in our MOQ & pricing guide.
The 2,000-piece minimum ensures you get access to production-ready factories with competitive FOB pricing, consistent quality, and reliable delivery. Orders below this threshold typically result in significantly higher per-unit costs and limited factory options. This allows us to match you with private label clothing manufacturers who can deliver professional-grade results.
Generally, larger order quantities result in better per-unit pricing due to production efficiencies. Orders at or near MOQ minimums typically command higher unit prices than larger volume orders. We provide transparent pricing information during the quotation process so you can evaluate the cost-volume relationship for your specific products.
Many manufacturers are open to trial orders, though these are typically at or above their standard MOQs and may carry premium pricing. Trial orders allow you to evaluate quality, communication, and reliability before scaling up. See how it works for details on the process.
For established supplier relationships, reordering is typically straightforward. We coordinate reorder requirements, confirm capacity and pricing, and manage the production process. Maintaining consistent specifications and reasonable lead times generally results in smoother reorder processes.
 

Production & Shipping Timelines

Questions about how long things take

What is the typical timeline from order to delivery?
Total timeline is approximately 120 days from order placement to delivery. This includes sample development, production, and shipping. Simple reorders with established suppliers may be faster; complex custom products or new supplier relationships may take longer. See our detailed process guide for step-by-step timelines.
Initial samples typically take 2-4 weeks to produce and ship. The complete sample approval process, including revisions, often takes 4-8 weeks total. Factors affecting timeline include product complexity, fabric availability, and the number of revision rounds required. We recommend building adequate sample time into your planning, especially for new products.
Key factors include: order size and complexity, manufacturer capacity and current workload, fabric and trim availability, seasonal demand peaks, quality control requirements, and any customization or special processes. We work with manufacturers to establish realistic timelines and monitor progress against milestones.
Ocean freight typically takes 15-45 days depending on origin and destination ports. Air freight takes 3-7 days but costs significantly more. Rail options exist for some routes. Learn more about shipping options in our logistics guide. Ground transport within the U.S. adds 1-5 days depending on destination.
We monitor production milestones and communicate proactively when delays occur. When issues arise, we work with manufacturers to understand causes, assess impacts, and explore mitigation options such as expedited shipping, partial shipments, or production adjustments. Transparent communication about delays helps you manage downstream planning.
Yes, several factors create seasonal impacts: Chinese New Year (January/February) significantly affects production in China and can impact global supply chains. Peak shipping seasons (August-October) can cause port congestion and capacity constraints. Holiday factory closures vary by country and should be factored into planning. We help you plan around these seasonal considerations.
 

Payment & Pricing

Questions about costs and payment terms

What payment terms are typically used in international sourcing?
Common payment structures include: deposits (typically 30-50%) upon order confirmation with balance before or upon shipment; Letters of Credit (L/C) for larger transactions; and occasionally open account terms for established relationships. Specific terms depend on order size, relationship history, and manufacturer requirements.
Our fee structure depends on the engagement model and services required. We offer project-based pricing for specific sourcing projects and ongoing service arrangements for continuous sourcing relationships. Visit our MOQ & pricing page for details.
Total landed cost includes: product cost (FOB or other Incoterm basis), international freight, customs duties and fees, customs broker fees, domestic transportation, and inspection costs. See our logistics guide for Incoterm explanations.
U.S. customs duties are based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification. Rates vary by product type, construction, and fiber content—textile duties can range from 0% to 30%+. Visit our compliance page for more on import regulations.
Payment methods vary by transaction type and manufacturer. Common methods include wire transfers (T/T), Letters of Credit for larger orders, and occasionally other documented payment methods.
Pricing is influenced by order volume, relationship history, market conditions, and product specifications. While there’s often some flexibility, significant price reductions typically require corresponding changes in volume, specifications, or terms.

Quality & Compliance

Questions about quality control and standards

What quality control processes do you use?
We coordinate quality control at multiple stages: pre-production (sample approval, material verification), in-line (production monitoring, process checks), and pre-shipment (final inspection before goods leave the factory). See our 4-stage inspection framework for details.
Relevant certifications depend on your products and customer requirements. Common certifications include: WRAP or BSCI for social compliance, OEKO-TEX for chemical safety, GOTS for organic products, ISO 9001 for quality management systems. Visit our certifications hub for a complete guide.
Quality issues are documented with photos and detailed descriptions. We work with manufacturers to understand root causes and negotiate appropriate remedies, which may include repairs, replacements, credits, or price adjustments depending on severity and circumstances.
U.S. apparel requires labels indicating: fiber content (per Textile Fiber Products Identification Act), country of origin, manufacturer/importer identification, and care instructions (per Care Labeling Rule). Visit our compliance standards page for detailed guidance.
We encourage working with manufacturers who maintain recognized social compliance certifications or are willing to undergo audits. Requirements vary based on buyer standards, product categories, and retail channel requirements.
 

Shipping & Logistics

Questions about getting products delivered

What Incoterms do you typically work with?
Common terms include FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight). Other terms like DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) are used in specific situations. Read our logistics and Incoterms guide for detailed explanations of each term and their implications.
Customs clearance is typically handled by licensed customs brokers. We can provide guidance and connect you with broker services, but actual entry filing is performed by properly licensed entities. As the importer of record, buyers are ultimately responsible for ensuring proper customs compliance.
We work with warehouse partners in key U.S. locations who can receive, store, and distribute imported goods. We also maintain ready-to-ship inventory for certain product categories. Warehousing arrangements are coordinated based on your specific distribution requirements.
We provide shipment visibility through carrier tracking information and regular status updates. For ocean freight, tracking includes vessel schedules, port arrivals, and customs clearance status. We communicate proactively about any delays or issues that could affect delivery timelines.
Cargo insurance is strongly recommended for international shipments. Claims for transit damage are typically filed against the carrier or insurance provider depending on Incoterm and insurance coverage. We can help coordinate documentation for claims.
 

Getting Started

Questions about working with us

How do I start working with Global Stitchers?
Begin by submitting an inquiry through our Get Started page or contacting us directly. We’ll schedule an initial consultation to understand your sourcing needs. See our how it works guide for the full process.
We work with buyers across various order sizes. While manufacturer MOQs apply to individual orders, we can often find solutions for different buyer scales.
Initial consultation takes 1-2 weeks. From there, manufacturer matching begins immediately. The timeline to first production depends on your products and sample development—typically 2-4 months for new sourcing.
We work with businesses of various sizes. Whether you need private label clothing manufacturers or bulk production partners, the key factors are legitimate business operations and realistic volume expectations.
Helpful information includes: product specifications, target pricing, anticipated volumes, timeline requirements, any compliance or certification needs, and your distribution channels. Submit details on our quote request page.
 

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