Introduction: Taking Your Idea from Design to Delivery

Turning a great idea for custom sportswear into a finished product can seem complex, especially when ordering in bulk. This guide is here to change that. Whether you’re a sports team manager, a new apparel brand owner, or a corporate event planner, we’ve created this simple, step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire process, from initial design to final delivery. Following these steps will ensure your bulk order is smooth, efficient, and results in a product you’ll be proud of.

Step 1: Clarify Your Vision & Prepare Your Tech Pack

Before a manufacturer can give you an accurate quote, the most important thing is to have a clear vision for your product. In the apparel industry, we formalize this vision in a document called a “Tech Pack.”

What is a Tech Pack and Why is it Essential?

Think of a Tech Pack as the detailed blueprint for your custom apparel. It’s a comprehensive document that tells the manufacturer exactly what to create, leaving no room for error. A complete Tech Pack not only ensures accuracy but also speeds up the quotation process significantly.

At a minimum, your Tech Pack should include:

• Design Mockups: Simple drawings or graphics showing the front, back, and sides of the garment.
• Fabric & Material Choice: The type of fabric you want (you can learn more in our guide to choosing the right sportswear fabric).
• Color Codes: Specific color codes, like those from the official Pantone Matching System, for each part of the design to ensure perfect color matching.
• Logo & Graphic Placement: Precise measurements showing where logos and other graphics should be placed.
• Size Charts & Grading: A full list of required sizes (S, M, L, XL, etc.) with corresponding measurements.

Key Information to Include in Your Initial Inquiry

Once your Tech Pack is ready, you have everything you need for an effective first contact. When you reach out to us, please include these three key items:

1. Your completed Tech Pack.
2. The total quantity you need, with a breakdown by size.
3. Your desired delivery date or timeline.

Step 2: The Inquiry and Quotation Process

With your detailed information in hand, the manufacturer can provide you with a price quotation.

Submitting Your Inquiry

Simply send an email with the information from Step 1 to the manufacturer. An organized inquiry shows you are a serious buyer and helps the sales team respond quickly and accurately.

Understanding Your Price Quotation

Your quote will typically provide a per-unit price. This price is influenced by several factors like Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), fabric, customization complexity, and order volume (in most cases, the price per unit goes down as your total order quantity goes up).

Step 3: Sampling – Bringing Your Design to Life

Once you agree to the quotation, the next critical phase is sampling. Never skip this step.

The Importance of a Pre-Production Sample

The sample is a physical prototype of your product. This is your chance to see, feel, and test your design in real life before committing to the full production run. It ensures that what you envisioned is what gets made.

What to Check For: Quality, Sizing, and Colors

When you receive your sample, carefully inspect it for fit and sizing, stitching quality, and color/print accuracy.

The Sample Approval Process

If the sample is perfect, you give your formal approval. If there are minor issues, you provide feedback for adjustments. Once you approve the final sample, the factory has the green light to start mass production.

Step 4: Placing the Bulk Order and Production

With the sample approved, it’s time to start the main production run.

Finalizing Quantities and Sizes

This is your last chance to confirm the final numbers for your size breakdown before the fabric is cut.

How the Payment Process Works

Standard practice for bulk orders is a down payment to cover the cost of raw materials. Typically, a manufacturer will ask for a 40-50% advance deposit to begin production, with the remaining balance due before shipping.

What Happens During Production

Your order will now go through several stages on the production floor, including fabric cutting, printing or embroidery, sewing the panels together, and finishing touches like adding labels and tags.

Step 5: Quality Control and Final Delivery

The final step is ensuring every piece meets your standards and getting the product to your doorstep.

Our Commitment to Quality Assurance

Throughout the production process, and especially at the end, every garment is inspected for defects. This quality control (QC) process ensures the final product matches the approved sample.

Understanding Shipping and Logistics

Once production is complete and the final payment is made, your order is prepared for shipping. As an exporter, we handle all the logistics, whether it’s by air or sea freight, coordinating with freight forwarders to ensure a smooth transit and providing you with all the necessary tracking and documentation.

Conclusion: Your Partner in Custom Apparel

While ordering in bulk involves many steps, the process is straightforward when you work with an experienced and communicative manufacturing partner. From clarifying your vision in a Tech Pack to approving a final sample and overseeing production, each step is designed to ensure you get the exact product you want.

Contact our team at SIMARA ENTERPRISES for a free, no-obligation quote today!