Practical Insights for Sourcing & Cross-Border Trade
Concise, decision-ready insights on working with manufacturers in China and shipping to Europe and Russia — with a focus on operational clarity, quality risk reduction, and predictable lead times.
Years Experience
Projects Completed
Markets Served
How We Evaluate Factories Before Placing Production Orders
A checklist-style overview: documentation, capacity, processes, and red flags to watch for when selecting manufacturers.
What We Check
- Documentation: Business license, export records, certifications (WRAP, BSCI, ISO)
- Capacity: Production lines, equipment, workforce stability, peak season handling
- Processes: Material sourcing, quality control systems, waste management
- Track record: Client references, order history, claim resolution patterns
Red Flags
- Unwilling to provide factory address or audit access
- Quotes significantly below market without clear cost breakdown
- No clear quality control process or inspection protocol
- Vague lead times without detailed production schedule
📦 Coming Soon
We're preparing a detailed factory evaluation checklist with scoring matrix and decision framework. Sign up below to receive it when published.
Quality Control Stages That Prevent Expensive Surprises
Pre-production, during production, final inspection — what each stage actually protects and how to structure your QC plan.
Pre-Production (PPI)
Verify materials, samples, and specifications before bulk production begins.
- Fabric & trim confirmation
- Color approval
- Sample vs. bulk alignment
- Tech pack compliance
During Production (DUPRO)
Catch issues early when corrections are still cost-effective.
- Workmanship checks (25-50%)
- Measurement spot-checks
- Construction review
- Defect trend analysis
Final Inspection (FRI)
Pre-shipment verification that goods meet agreed quality standards.
- AQL sampling (2.5 standard)
- Packing & labeling
- Functionality tests
- Carton marking verification
📦 Coming Soon
Detailed QC checklist with inspection protocols, defect classification, and acceptable quality limits (AQL) tables. Sign up to receive it when ready.
Lead Times in China: What Is Realistic, and What Is Risky
A pragmatic view on production and shipping timelines, common bottlenecks, and how to de-risk your delivery schedule.
Realistic Production Timelines
Material sourcing & pre-production sample
Sample approval & adjustments
Bulk production (30-45 days typical)
Shipping & customs (varies by route)
Common Delay Causes
- Material delays: Custom colors, specialty fabrics, import trims
- Peak season: CNY (Jan-Feb), Q4 (Oct-Dec) factory congestion
- Spec changes: Mid-production revisions require line resets
- Quality issues: Failed inspections, rework, replacement units
💡 Pro tip: Add 15-20% buffer to quoted lead times for unforeseen delays
📦 Coming Soon
Full timeline calculator with category-specific production windows and shipping options. Sign up to receive it when published.
Creating Tech Packs That Reduce Back-and-Forth with Factories
Essential components of a production-ready tech pack and how clear documentation prevents costly miscommunication.
Technical Drawings
- Flat sketches (front/back/detail)
- Construction callouts
- Seam specifications
- Trim placements
Measurements
- Point of measure (POM) charts
- Tolerance ranges (±1cm typical)
- Grading rules per size
- Fit specifications
Materials (BOM)
- Fabric specifications
- Color references (Pantone)
- Trims & accessories
- Packaging requirements
📦 Coming Soon
Tech pack template with annotated examples for apparel, accessories, and home textiles. Sign up to receive it when ready.
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Operational Focus
Written from real sourcing workflows, not generic theory
Practical Templates
Checklists, QC plans, tech pack essentials you can use
Direct Relevance
Aligned to your product type and market (EU/RU)
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