Sourcing delays are usually calendar problems, not production problems. Enter the date the goods must be in your warehouse and this planner works backwards through sampling, pre-production approval, bulk production and freight, so you can see the latest date you can place the PO.
Build the reverse plan
Lead times used in the plan
- Lab dip: 3–7 days (new colour) — approved under D65 light.
- Fit sample: 7–10 days for standard underwear, 10–14 days for sleepwear and sport bras.
- Pre-production sample: 10–14 days after fit approval, including labels and packaging.
- Bulk production: 30–45 days after PPS approval (repeat styles 30–40 days).
- Sea freight: 30–35 days port-to-port to EU/UK; air 5–8 days; express 1–3 days.
- Chinese New Year: factories close for 2–3 weeks; the planner flags targets that fall in that window.
Planning rules of thumb: a repeat order runs roughly 60–75 days from PO to your warehouse; a new style with new fabric takes 75–95 days. The single largest avoidable delay is an unapproved lab dip — approve colour before you approve the fit sample.
· Xiamen Unitex Trade Co., Ltd. — OEM & ODM underwear sourcing partner
Unitex Underwear (Xiamen Unitex Trade Co., Ltd.) — OEM/ODM underwear sourcing and supply-chain partner in Xiamen, China; in the trade since 2009, incorporated in 2013.