From enquiry to shipment
Custom Apparel Buying Guide
A practical checklist for MOQ, samples, quotation scope, approvals, quality records, packing and freight.
First published:
Content reviewed:
Update: owner-confirmed catalogue examples and buyer guidance have been added where relevant; exact specifications remain project-specific.
A reliable order begins with a written product specification and quantity matrix. SenLin confirms MOQ 100+ for standard styles with logo and mixed sizes, custom production from 300–500+ by style, stock samples in 3–4 days, custom samples in 3–7 days, standard production in 15 working days and custom production in 20–25 working days.
Choose the right starting route
Periods start only after the required approvals and commercial conditions are met. Holidays, material availability and special processes can change the schedule.
| Route | Confirmed starting point | What still needs a quote |
|---|---|---|
| Standard style | MOQ 100+, logo and mixed sizes; about 15 working days production | Stock, colours, decoration, packing and freight |
| Custom development | Usually 300–500+ by style; about 20–25 working days production | Fabric, pattern, revisions, testing and commercial scope |
| Sampling | Stock 3–4 days; custom 3–7 days | Fees, courier, revisions and approval date |
What a complete quotation should identify
- Style, fabric, GSM, colour, size range and quantity matrix.
- Decoration, labels, packaging and carton requirements.
- Sampling scope, revision assumptions and approval milestones.
- Inspection method, tolerances and any test requirements.
- Incoterm, freight method, shipment destination and excluded charges.
- Payment milestones, validity and change-control process.
Keep an approval trail
Use versioned tech packs, artwork and comments. Identify who can approve colour, fit, decoration and packaging, then keep the accepted sample and written record together.
Changes after approval can affect cost, minimums and time. Ask for the impact in writing before confirming the change.
Request the right catalogue
Tell us the product category or catalogue style you are sourcing. Our team can provide the relevant catalogue and discuss materials, colours, stock, customisation and timing for your project.
Agree sample costs and revisions
Sample, logo, label, packaging, pattern-making and testing costs are quoted for your requirements. Before each revision, agree the changes, number of rounds, timing and fees. Confirm the courier, who pays shipping and any sample-fee credit separately.
Protect the agreed scope
Confirm quotation validity, currency, payment milestones and trade terms in writing. Confidentiality, ownership and permitted use of artwork and patterns, and any file handover are agreed for the project.
Questions buyers ask
Answers to use before quotation.
What is your minimum order quantity?
Standard ready-stock styles start from MOQ 100+ with logo customization and mixed sizes. Fully custom styles usually start from 300–500+ by style, subject to the design and process.
How long does an order take?
Standard production is about 15 working days; custom production is about 20–25 working days after approvals and commercial conditions are met. Transit time is separate.
What should I send first?
Send the product type, quantity by colour and size, material or reference, logo artwork, destination and target date. A tech pack helps but is not required for the first feasibility review.
Review & evidence
What this guide is based on.
MOQ, sample and production baselines are owner-confirmed; prices, payment, freight and the schedule start date remain quotation-specific.
Last reviewed: October 10, 2026
Colour and size quantity worksheet
Blank planning template, not an approved specification or inspection record. Fill in each row, then print or save a copy before leaving this page.
| Product | Colour | Size | Quantity (pieces) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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