Find answers to frequently asked questions about international sourcing, shipping, orders, and working with Global Stitchers.
Questions about finding and working with manufacturers
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. The depth of verification varies based on the manufacturer's profile and intended buyer requirements.
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 rather than focusing on any single country.
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. Development timelines vary based on product complexity and revision requirements.
Initial manufacturer identification 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. We provide timeline estimates specific to your project during initial consultation.
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.
Questions about order quantities and requirements
MOQs vary significantly by product type, manufacturer, and customization requirements. Basic items like solid-color t-shirts may have MOQs starting around 500-1,000 pieces per style/color. More complex products, custom fabrics, or specialized items often require higher minimums of 2,000-5,000+ pieces. We work to identify manufacturers whose MOQs align with your volume requirements.
We can identify manufacturers more willing to work with smaller volumes, though this often involves trade-offs in pricing or lead time. Some options include consolidating orders across colors or styles, working with manufacturers focused on smaller buyers, or considering ready-made inventory options from our U.S. warehouse partners for immediate needs.
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. We can help structure trial order arrangements that protect your interests while giving manufacturers reasonable assurance of future business potential.
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. We track order history to support efficient repeat ordering.
Questions about how long things take
Total timeline varies based on product complexity, order size, and shipping method. A typical order might include: sample development (2-6 weeks), production (4-12 weeks), and shipping (2-6 weeks for ocean freight, 1-2 weeks for air). Simple reorders with established suppliers may be faster; complex custom products or new supplier relationships may take longer. We provide project-specific timeline estimates during planning.
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.
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. We help evaluate shipping options based on your timeline requirements, budget, and order characteristics. 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.
Questions about costs and payment terms
The $204 one-time manufacturer application fee supports our comprehensive verification process, including identity verification, export capability screening, compliance assessment, capacity validation, and profile setup. This fee ensures we maintain a network of serious, export-ready manufacturers and protects buyers from unqualified or non-serious submissions. It is not a commission, recurring subscription, or guarantee of orders.
The $204 application and processing fee is non-refundable as it covers the cost of verification, document review, and administrative processing that begins immediately upon submission. However, if your application is declined, you will receive detailed feedback on why and guidance on how to potentially reapply in the future if circumstances change.
No, the $204 fee is a one-time application and processing fee. There are no recurring subscription charges, monthly fees, or ongoing platform costs for manufacturers in our network. Once approved and active, you remain in the network without additional membership fees.
No. The fee covers verification and onboarding—it does not guarantee order placement, priority listing, or buyer introductions. Approval into our network is merit-based, depending on your capabilities, compliance status, and alignment with buyer needs. Manufacturers are matched with buyers based on product fit, capacity, and requirements—not payment.
No. U.S. buyers do not pay any signup, registration, or platform access fees. Our services for buyers are structured around specific sourcing projects and buying house engagements. Fee structures for buyer services are discussed transparently during consultation based on the scope of services required.
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. We help facilitate payment term negotiations that balance buyer and seller interests.
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. Fees are discussed transparently during initial consultation, and we provide clear documentation of all costs before engagement.
Total landed cost includes: product cost (FOB or other Incoterm basis), international freight, customs duties and fees, customs broker fees, domestic transportation, inspection costs if applicable, and any applicable service fees. We help you understand total cost structure during the quotation process so you can make informed decisions.
U.S. customs duties are based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification of your products. Rates vary by product type, construction, and fiber content—textile duties can range from 0% to 30%+ depending on classification. Country of origin may also affect duty rates through trade agreements or additional tariffs. We provide guidance on tariff classification and duty estimation.
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. We can discuss appropriate payment structures based on your specific situation and help coordinate payment processes.
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. We help facilitate realistic pricing discussions and work to find arrangements that work for both parties.
Questions about quality control and standards
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). Inspection scope and frequency depend on order requirements, product risk level, and buyer preferences. We work with third-party inspection services when needed.
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. We help identify applicable certifications for your specific requirements and verify manufacturer credentials.
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. Clear quality specifications upfront help minimize disputes and establish expectations for resolution.
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). Children's products have additional requirements. We provide guidance on labeling requirements, though buyers should verify requirements specific to their products with appropriate authorities.
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. We can help identify manufacturers meeting specific compliance standards and coordinate audit processes when needed.
Questions about getting products delivered
Common terms include FOB (Free on Board), where risk transfers when goods are loaded onto the vessel, and CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight), where seller arranges shipping to destination port. Other terms like DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) are used in specific situations. We help clarify Incoterm implications so both parties understand their responsibilities.
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 relationships with suppliers of 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, though resolution timelines depend on carrier and insurance processes.
Questions about working with us
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, discuss your requirements, and explain how we can help. There's no obligation—this conversation helps us both determine if there's a good fit.
We work with buyers across various order sizes, from initial trial orders to large-volume ongoing programs. While manufacturer MOQs apply to individual orders, we can often find solutions for different buyer scales. Our initial consultation helps determine the best approach for your specific volume and requirements.
Initial consultation and requirement documentation typically takes 1-2 weeks. From there, supplier identification and matching can begin immediately. The timeline to first production depends on your specific products, supplier selection process, and sample development requirements—typically 2-4 months for new product sourcing.
We work with businesses of various sizes, from growing brands to established corporations. The key factors are legitimate business operations, realistic volume expectations, and appropriate budget for your sourcing goals. During consultation, we discuss whether our services align with your current business stage and requirements.
Helpful information includes: product specifications or examples, target pricing expectations, anticipated order volumes, timeline requirements, any specific compliance or certification needs, and your distribution channels. The more detail you can provide, the more effectively we can match you with appropriate manufacturers.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Our team is here to help with any questions about your sourcing needs.
