From Sample to Bulk: A Typical OEM Timeline

New buyers often underestimate the time between approving a sample and receiving a container. Here is a realistic timeline for a custom heated jacket style, stage by stage.

Week 1-2: Brief and Quotation

Tech pack review, material sourcing and costing. A complete brief gets you a firm quotation and sampling plan within a week.

Week 2-3: Prototype

First article with your branding, heating layout and battery spec. Express shipping puts it in your hands for evaluation around day 12-15.

Week 3-5: Fit and Function Revisions

Most projects need one revision round — fit adjustments, heat level tuning or pocket placement. Each round takes 5-7 days.

Week 5-6: Pre-Production Sample and Deposit

The approved sample becomes the golden sample for bulk QC. Production slots are confirmed on receipt of the 30% deposit.

Week 6-12: Bulk Production

Material arrival (1-2 weeks), cutting and sewing (3-4 weeks), function testing and final inspection (1 week). Repeat styles compress to 4-5 weeks total.

Week 12-14: Shipping

Sea freight to US West Coast adds roughly 14-18 days door to door; air freight cuts this to 7-10 days at higher cost.

Ready to develop your own heated apparel line? Contact our team for MOQ, sampling options and a production plan.