Custom Manufacturing & Ordering Process
From Your Product Idea to Final Delivery
Elandmake provides OEM and ODM manufacturing for bags, luggage, pet travel products and related accessories. You can start with a complete tech pack, a physical reference sample, a sketch, a product photo or link, or simply a product idea. This guide explains what you need to provide, what we confirm at each stage and when each lead time begins.
Key Terms at a Glance
| Item | Standard arrangement |
|---|---|
| Standard MOQ | 300 pieces per style and colorway; product-specific exceptions are confirmed in the quotation |
| Quotation validity | Normally 15 days |
| Standard sampling | 3–7 days after requirements, files, materials, logo process and sample payment are confirmed |
| Light-customization production | 15–30 days for light customization or 20–45 days for heavy customization after all production-start conditions are met |
| Heavy-customization production | 20–45 days for major structural changes, new tooling or full product development |
| Standard payment | 30% deposit and 70% balance before shipment |
| Complex-development payment | Normally 50% deposit and 50% balance before shipment |
| Trade terms | EXW, FOB and CIF; other logistics arrangements are confirmed for the project |
One SKU means one style, one color and one configuration. If the same design is ordered in three colors, those colors are normally treated as three SKUs, each subject to its confirmed MOQ. Mixed-color or special programs depend on material, dyeing, hardware, packaging and production requirements.
Before You Request a Quote
Send as much of the following information as you have:
- Product photo, drawing, tech pack, reference link or physical sample
- Product dimensions, structure and intended use
- Outer material, lining, padding and support requirements
- Color or Pantone references
- Zipper, webbing, buckle and hardware requirements
- Logo position, size and application method
- Quantity for each style, color and configuration
- Packaging, hangtag, label and carton requirements
- Target market and any compliance or testing requirements
- Target delivery date and delivery address or destination port
- Your target price, if you have one
Vector logo files in AI, PDF, EPS or SVG format are preferred. If only a JPG or PNG is available, we will first confirm whether vector redrawing is required and whether a design charge applies.
Step 1: Inquiry and Project Brief
Share your available materials and describe what you want the product to do. We record the product scope, quantity by SKU, target market, delivery objective and any non-negotiable requirements.
If your brief is incomplete, that does not prevent an initial discussion. Photos, competitor links and sketches can be enough for us to identify the missing decisions.
Step 2: Feasibility and Requirement Review
Our team reviews the construction, materials, logo process, packaging and expected quantity. We assess whether the product fits our equipment and workmanship, whether paper patterns or tooling are needed, whether special materials or custom colors must be sourced and whether third-party testing should be planned.
If the original concept creates a structural, cost or mass-production risk, we propose alternatives before sample work begins.
Step 3: Initial Estimate and Formal Quotation
When only a photo, link or early concept is available, we may provide an initial estimate. It is a planning reference, not a final transaction price.
The final quotation is prepared after the size, materials, construction, logo, quantity by SKU, hardware, packaging, quality requirements and trade terms are confirmed. A formal quotation normally states:
- Product specifications and unit price
- MOQ and quantity by SKU
- Sample, tooling, mold and setup charges where applicable
- Packaging requirements and costs
- Sample and production lead times
- Payment and trade terms
- Shipping options
- Quotation validity, normally 15 days
Because material, labor, exchange-rate and freight costs can change, an expired quotation may need to be reconfirmed.
Step 4: Sample Fees and Development Charges
Sample fees and applicable development charges are paid before sample development starts. Depending on the project, separate charges may apply for hardware molds, logo plates, zipper-pull molds, printing or embroidery setup, special materials, custom packaging, vector artwork, third-party testing or inspection.
Sampling is not advertised as free. Sample fees can be deducted from the bulk-order payment after order confirmation. The applicable amount and freight are confirmed in the quotation. Tooling, setup, testing and third-party inspection fees are not automatically included in that deduction.
Step 5: Sample Development
After requirements, files, materials, logo process and payment are confirmed, standard sampling generally takes 3–7 days. Special materials, custom hardware, new tooling and complex structures are scheduled case by case.
Development may include pattern making, material sourcing, logo-process testing, cutting, printing or embroidery, sewing, assembly, hardware installation, cleaning and internal inspection. We can share photos or video before dispatch.
For a deeper look at this stage, read our custom bag sampling process guide.
Step 6: Sample Shipment, Review and Revision
International sample freight is normally paid by the customer. You may provide a DHL, FedEx or UPS account, or ask us to arrange shipping and include the cost on the sample invoice. Destination import duties, customs charges and local fees remain the customer's responsibility.
Review the sample for dimensions, materials, color, construction, function, logo, hardware, workmanship and packaging. Send one consolidated revision list whenever possible.
If you change the approved design, color, material, size, structure, logo or packaging, a new sample fee and revised schedule may apply. If our sample does not follow the previously confirmed specification because of our production error, we correct and resample it without an additional sample fee.
Step 7: Written Sample Approval
Approve the final sample in writing. The approved sample—sometimes called a golden, sealed or production-reference sample—becomes the benchmark for mass production and final inspection.
The production standard also includes the final specification sheet, logo-position artwork, approved materials and colors, packaging requirements and written revision record. Changes requested after approval require a new cost and schedule review.
Step 8: Proforma Invoice and Deposit
After sample approval, we issue a Proforma Invoice (PI) covering product and SKU details, colors, quantity, unit price, total value, packaging, payment terms, trade terms, production lead time and shipping destination. Review and approve every detail before paying the deposit.
Standard custom orders normally use a 30% deposit and 70% balance before shipment. Highly customized or complex projects normally use a 50% deposit and 50% balance before shipment. The PI or signed contract is the final authority for your order.
Step 9: Material Purchasing and Pre-production Confirmation
After the deposit arrives, we purchase the confirmed fabrics, lining, padding, support materials, zippers, webbing, buckles, hardware, logo components, labels and packaging.
Before mass production, we reconfirm the approved sample, product specification, materials, colors, logo, hardware, packaging, quantity, quality priorities and delivery schedule. This locks the production team to the same written standard.
Step 10: Mass Production and Progress Updates
Light-customization production generally takes 15–30 days for light customization or 20–45 days for heavy customization. Heavy customization—including major structural changes, new tooling or full new-product development—generally takes 20–45 days.
The production clock starts only after the final sample, specifications, materials, colors, logo, packaging, PI, deposit and production files are all confirmed. Large orders, multiple SKUs, special materials, custom hardware, tooling projects and peak-season schedules are confirmed separately.
We provide photo or video updates at useful milestones such as material arrival, cutting, logo application, sewing, assembly, semi-finished inspection, final inspection, packing and shipment. See the underlying factory stages in our bag manufacturing process guide.
Step 11: Quality Control, Testing and Inspection
Quality control combines material checks, first-piece confirmation, in-process inspection, semi-finished and finished-goods checks, packaging inspection and pre-shipment sampling. Depending on the product, checks may cover dimensions, color, logo, stitching, zippers, buckles, hardware, webbing, function and carton quantity.
Product-specific tests may include load, tensile, zipper, seam-strength, buckle, drop or packaging-transport tests. Basic checks can be completed internally. Tests requiring professional equipment, official reports or market-compliance documentation are conducted by an agreed third-party laboratory at the customer's cost.
You may appoint your own inspector, sourcing team, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, TÜV or another inspection company. We provide the goods, space, order documents, approved sample and specification sheet needed for inspection. Our custom bag quality-control guide explains the checkpoints in more detail.
Step 12: Balance Payment and Shipping
After the goods pass our internal inspection or the customer's appointed third-party inspection, the remaining balance is paid. Shipment is arranged after the balance arrives.
We support international express, air, sea and railway transport, Amazon FBA delivery and delivery to a customer-appointed freight forwarder in China. Depending on the agreed trade term and shipping method, we can prepare the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, export-declaration information, carton marks, loading photos and other required shipping documents.
For freight planning, we provide carton quantity, carton dimensions, gross and net weights, total volume, pickup address and expected ship date. Shipping time is separate from the stated production lead time.
After Delivery: Inspection and Support
Inspect the shipment promptly and report visible production, quantity or packaging issues within 7–15 days of receipt. Include the PI or order number, SKU, affected quantity, carton or batch details, clear photos or video and a description of the issue.
If we confirm a production-quality issue, the solution may include replacement products or parts, repair, replenishment or credit on a future order, or another written agreement. Transport damage, improper storage, misuse, unauthorized alteration or an issue inherent in a customer-approved design is evaluated separately.
Order Changes, Cancellation and Compliance
Once the deposit is received and materials have been purchased, costs already incurred—such as materials, labor, tooling, packaging, setup work, completed goods and supplier cancellation charges—cannot be refunded. A change to quantity, color, structure, material, logo or packaging may affect price, lead time, delivery date, material loss and the need for resampling.
Compliance requirements differ by product and target market. Testing standards, laboratories, costs and schedules must be agreed before ordering. No single report should be assumed to cover every product, material, color, structure or country.
Start Your Custom Project
Send us your product photo, drawing, link, reference sample or initial idea together with your estimated quantity and destination. We will review the brief and help you confirm the materials, MOQ, sample cost, quotation scope and development schedule.
Browse common manufacturing questions, request a factory quotation or browse products for a starting point.