KNOWLEDGE BASE — BUYER FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything buyers ask before a first order — MOQ, customization, production, payment and shipping. Need a short sourcing summary? Read the buyer questions page. Ready to ask for pricing? Copy the sourcing brief template. Can't find your answer? Ask us directly; we reply within 24 hours.
MOQ & ordering
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Custom OEM/ODM production starts at 100 pieces per color per style. In-stock wholesale styles can be ordered from 2 pieces.
Can I mix sizes within the MOQ?
Yes — the 100 pieces can be split across a size curve such as S–XL or XL–5XL at no extra cost.
Can I order a test batch before custom production?
Yes. Most brands order 2–50 pieces of stock styles first, validate sell-through, then move winners into 100-piece branded runs.
Can I mix different styles in one order?
For in-stock wholesale orders, you can mix any number of styles with a minimum of 2 pieces per style. For custom orders, each style/color must meet the 100-piece MOQ.
Do you have a catalog I can order from?
Yes, we have a digital catalog of in-stock styles available for immediate wholesale. Contact our team to receive the latest PDF or visit our Alibaba store.
What happens if I want to reorder?
Reorders are faster as we already have your patterns and tech packs. Reorder MOQs are the same, but sampling time is eliminated.
Is there a setup fee for new styles?
We charge a nominal sampling and pattern-making fee for new designs. This fee is typically credited back to your bulk order once the MOQ is met.
Can I order samples before placing a bulk order?
Yes, we highly recommend sampling. Counter samples take 7–12 days and allow you to verify fabric, fit, and construction before bulk production.
Customization
Can you manufacture from a reference photo only?
Yes. Our ODM service develops patterns from a sketch or photo, including fabric sourcing. A counter sample is produced in 7–12 days for approval.
What customization options are available?
We offer full private labeling: custom neck labels, hangtags, embroidery, screen printing, heat transfers, and custom-branded packaging.
Do you provide pattern making services?
Yes, our in-house pattern makers can create professional blocks from physical samples, sketches, or technical drawings.
Can I add my own labels and tags?
Absolutely. We can manufacture your branded woven labels and hangtags and attach them to your garments during the production process.
What file format do you need for logo printing?
Vector files (AI, EPS, or PDF) are best for high-quality printing and embroidery digitizing.
Can you match Pantone colors?
Yes, we can match specific Pantone colors for fabric dyeing (MOQ applies) or find the closest available market match for smaller runs.
Do you offer size grading services?
Yes, we provide standard size grading (XS–XXL) and specialized plus-size grading (XL–5XL) using dedicated curve-graded blocks.
Can I customize the packaging?
Yes, we offer custom-printed poly bags, branded tissue paper, and custom shipping boxes to help your brand stand out.
What is the difference between screen printing and embroidery?
Screen printing is ideal for large, vibrant graphics on thinner fabrics, while embroidery provides a premium, durable, and textured look for logos.
What branding options are included?
Logo print or embroidery, woven neck labels, printed care labels, hangtags and branded poly bags — all available from the 100-piece MOQ.
Do you protect exclusive designs?
Yes. We sign NDAs on request and do not resell customer-exclusive designs or prints.
Pricing & payment
How do you price custom orders?
Pricing is based on fabric type, construction complexity, branding requirements, and total quantity. We provide a detailed quote within 24 hours.
What payment methods do you accept?
T/T bank transfer, Alibaba Trade Assurance, PayPal and Wise. Standard terms: 30% deposit, 70% before shipment.
Do you offer payment protection?
Yes, we recommend Alibaba Trade Assurance for first-time buyers, which protects your payment until you receive and approve the goods.
What is the deposit requirement?
We require a 30% deposit to start production, with the remaining 70% balance due after final inspection and before shipping.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Our quotes are transparent and include the unit price and sampling costs. You only pay the quoted price plus shipping and local import duties.
Do prices include shipping?
Most quotes are FOB Xiamen or EXW. We can also provide DDP quotes which include all shipping costs and import duties.
Production & quality
How long does production take?
Sampling 7–12 days; bulk production 20–35 days; air express to US/EU adds 5–8 days.
How is quality controlled?
Three checkpoints: incoming fabric inspection, inline sewing QC, and final AQL 2.5 inspection with a photographed report.
What fabrics do you use for activewear?
We use premium nylon/spandex and polyester/spandex blends, including high-density "nude feel" fabrics and compression materials.
Are your fabrics squat-proof?
Yes, we specifically select high-opacity fabrics and conduct stretch/opacity tests to ensure all activewear is 100% squat-proof.
Do you provide fabric composition certificates?
Yes, we can provide official fabric composition and weight certificates from our partner mills for bulk orders.
Can I visit the factory?
Yes! You are welcome to visit our facility in Xiamen. Please contact us to arrange a tour or a live video factory walkthrough.
Do you have any certifications?
Our factory operations follow international quality standards, and we source OEKO-TEX certified fabrics for sustainability-conscious brands.
What is your defect rate?
We maintain a strict AQL 2.5 standard, ensuring a defect rate well below industry averages. Every piece is inspected before packing.
How do you handle defective items?
In the rare case of a defect, we offer a credit, refund, or replacement in your next shipment. Quality is our top priority.
What size standards do you use?
Garments are graded to US and EU size charts; plus-size styles use dedicated curve blocks for XL–5XL.
Shipping & logistics
Which countries do you ship to?
We ship to over 30 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe and the Middle East.
Do you offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping?
Yes, we provide DDP services for most major markets, handling all customs clearance and duties so goods arrive directly at your door.
How do you calculate shipping costs?
Shipping is calculated based on total weight, volume, and destination. We provide quotes from DHL, FedEx, and UPS to find the best rate.
Can you help with customs clearance?
Yes, we provide all required export documentation. If you choose our DDP shipping option, we handle the entire import process for you.
Do you provide FBA prep services for Amazon sellers?
Yes, we offer full Amazon FBA prep including GS1 barcode labeling, individual polybagging, and compliance with Amazon carton requirements.
What is the lead time for air vs sea freight?
Air express takes 5–8 days. Sea freight takes 25–45 days but is much more economical for shipments over 500kg.
How do you ship to the US and Europe?
DHL, FedEx and UPS air express for orders under ~300kg; sea freight (LCL/FCL) with door-to-door service for larger volumes.
Who handles customs and duties?
We ship DAP by default (you handle import duties) and can quote DDP door-to-door including duties for US and most EU countries.
Communication
What languages do you communicate in?
Our international sales team is fluent in English. We can also provide support in other languages through professional translation.
Who will be my point of contact?
You will have a dedicated account manager who oversees your project from initial sampling through to final delivery.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours on business days, often much faster during China business hours.
Do you have a WhatsApp for quick questions?
Yes, you can message us anytime at +86 177 5065 9112 for quick answers and production updates.
Can I get a dedicated account manager?
Yes, every client is assigned a specialized project manager to ensure consistent communication and high-quality results.
General inquiries
Do you offer dropshipping services?
No, we are a manufacturing factory focused on bulk production and wholesale. We do not provide individual order fulfillment (dropshipping).
How do I start a quote?
Simply send us a reference photo, tech pack, or style number through our contact form or WhatsApp. We'll provide a quote within 24 hours.
What is the difference between OEM and ODM clothing manufacturing?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means we produce garments based on your own design, tech pack, or sample. ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) means you choose from our existing designs and customize colors, fabrics, and branding. Both options are available at Shanlinyang with MOQ from 100 pieces.
How do I know if my clothing manufacturer is reliable?
Look for factories that offer Trade Assurance or verified payment protection, provide factory audit reports, send production photos and videos, have reviews from multiple buyers, and are willing to let you visit the factory. Shanlinyang offers all of these.
Can I visit the Shanlinyang factory in Xiamen?
Yes, we welcome factory visits. Our facility is located in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. Please contact us in advance to schedule your visit and we'll arrange a full factory tour.
What happens if my order has defects?
We follow AQL 2.5 inspection standards with three quality checkpoints. If defective items are found after delivery that passed our QC, we offer replacement production or credit toward your next order. We document all QC inspections with photos and videos.
Do you offer DDP shipping (Delivered Duty Paid)?
Yes, we offer DDP shipping to the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia. DDP means we handle all customs clearance, import duties, and delivery to your door. Contact us for DDP pricing on your order.