First orders fail on planning more often than on production. MOQ, sampling rounds and lead times are connected, and a calendar that ignores one of them creates pressure on the other two. KARSAN TEKSTİL works with brands placing first orders as well as repeat programs, and the same rules apply: decide early, approve clearly and plan backwards from the delivery date.
Key takeaways
- MOQ is set by fabric, colour and construction, not by a single factory rule.
- Sampling is the long pole in a first order — start it before the season.
- Approvals should be consolidated to avoid extra rounds.
- Plan backwards from the delivery date, including shipping and customs.
Understanding MOQ
Minimum order quantity exists because fabric and setup have fixed costs. A basic jersey style in one colour can run at a lower minimum than a garment-dyed program with three colours and a custom print. Seamless styles have their own machine minimums, and woven styles are affected by fabric minimums per colour.
The practical approach is to share the full range you want to produce, not one style at a time. A manufacturer can then group fabrics and colours to reach a workable minimum.
Sampling timeline
A first proto, a fit sample and a pre-production sample are the usual sequence. Each round needs feedback, correction and, sometimes, a new fabric or trim. Two to four weeks is a realistic range for sampling, depending on complexity and how quickly approvals come back.
The most common delay is not sewing — it is waiting for a lab dip, a label artwork or a decision on a measurement. Setting a single approval contact on the brand side keeps the process moving.
Lead time and shipping
Bulk lead time starts after pre-production approval, not after the first enquiry. Fabric booking, trims and line capacity all affect the start date. Shipping to Europe is short, but customs and inland delivery still need to be built into the calendar.
A realistic plan works backwards: delivery date, minus shipping and customs, minus bulk production, minus pre-production approval, minus sampling. If the result is already in the past, the delivery date needs to move.
Working with a new manufacturer
Start with a clear brief and a reference sample. Ask how fabric is sourced, who approves quality and what happens if a bulk test fails. A manufacturer that answers these questions directly is easier to plan with than one that only quotes a price.
FAQ
What is MOQ and why does it vary?
MOQ is the minimum order quantity a factory can produce economically. It varies with fabric minimums, colour count, construction complexity and machine setup. A basic jersey style and a custom jacquard have very different minimums.
How long does a first apparel order take?
Sampling usually takes two to four weeks depending on fit rounds and fabric. Bulk typically follows after approvals, with the exact lead time confirmed per style. Planning backwards from the delivery date is the safest approach.
Can I reduce sampling time?
Yes. Provide a complete tech pack, approve lab dips early and consolidate feedback into one round. Clear decisions shorten the critical path more than rushing the factory.
Plan your first order
Send your brief through the quote form, review recent styles or read about our production.