In the dynamic world of fashion, timing is everything. At Plakads Apparel, we understand the critical balance between delivering high-quality products and meeting your deadlines. This guide is designed to help you navigate our various order types and their lead times, enabling you to plan your stock efficiently and effectively.
Our commitment to quality means we never cut corners. Good quality products require meticulous attention to detail, and this process takes time. We always prioritize quality over speed to ensure you receive the best products possible. To accommodate any unforeseen circumstances and maintain a smooth supply chain, we recommend adding a 20% time buffer to our estimated lead times.
To help you plan effectively, we've outlined each type of order with a brief explanation and detailed lead times.
Standard Fabric Orders
Standard fabric orders consist of pre-made fabrics that are readily available in our inventory. These fabrics have been confirmed by our sales team and can be dispatched immediately upon invoice.
Lead Time:
- Availability: Ready when confirmed by our sales team.
- Dispatch Time: 1–2 days after invoice.
- Note: If the fabric is not pre-made, lead times may vary.
Standard Garment Orders
These are our wholesale garments, marked as ready stock on our website and in our brochure. They include a variety of items in multiple sizes and colors, perfect for quick restocking.
Lead Time:
- Availability: Immediate dispatch upon invoice; expect 1–2 days.
- Inventory Levels: Around 200 pieces per size in most items and colors.
- Bulk Orders: Orders up to 1,000–3,000 pieces have the same timeline. Larger orders are considered made-to-order.
DTF Print Orders
Direct-to-Film (DTF) print orders involve printing your custom designs directly onto garments using high-quality digital printing techniques.
Lead Time:
- Design Verification: 1 day to review PNG files and mockups.
- Scheduling: 1 day to schedule the printing in our production program.
- Production: 1 day for fusing and packaging.
- Total Time: 3–4 days.
- Capacity: Up to 500 pieces per day with consistent timelines.
- Stock Availability: If base stock isn't ready, lead times extend to 3–8 days. We will inform you before finalizing the order.
For more details, visit our Printing & Fusing Services.
Made-to-Order Garments
Made-to-order garments are custom-produced items tailored to your specific requirements, ideal for unique designs or special collections.
Lead Time:
- Large Quantities (Above 2,000–3,000 pieces):
- Timeline: Confirmed by our sales team after reviewing our factory schedule.
- Smaller Quantities (Below 1,000 pieces):
- Pattern Development: 2–3 days to finalize the pattern, develop a sample, and obtain approval.
- Production: 2–3 days for cutting and stitching.
Screen Print Orders
Screen printing is a traditional method where ink is applied directly to the garment through a mesh screen, ideal for vibrant and durable designs.
Lead Time:
- Design Conversion: 2–3 days to convert your PNG/Illustrator files into screen print files and get mockup approval.
- Screen Preparation: 5–8 days to create the printing screens.
- Printing: 2–3 days for the actual printing process.
- Capacity: 1,500 pieces per day for most screen print types.
- Complexity: Lead times may increase with more intricate designs.
- Repeat Orders: Faster processing since the screens are already prepared.
Learn more about our Screen Printing Services.
Embroidery
Embroidery adds a premium touch to your garments, perfect for logos and intricate designs that require texture and durability.
Lead Time:
- Design Creation: 5–10 days to create the DST embroidery file and mockup.
- Production: 2–3 days for the embroidery process.
- Capacity: Over 2,000 pieces per day using automatic computerized machines operating in three shifts.
- Repeat Orders: Reduced lead time as the design setup is already complete.
Explore our Embroidery & Appliqué Services.
Acid Wash/Tie-Dye
Acid wash and tie-dye treatments offer unique, trendy looks, adding character and individuality to your apparel.
Lead Time:
- Approved Designs: 3–5 days if samples are already approved.
- New Designs:
- Sample Development: 3–4 days to create and approve a new sample.
- Production: 3–5 days after sample approval.
Discover our Acid Wash & Tie-Dye Services.
Custom Fabrics
Custom fabrics are developed from scratch to meet your specific needs, including unique textures, weights, and compositions.
Lead Time:
- Yarn Sourcing: 5–20 days, depending on the type of yarn. Learn More.
- Knitting/Weaving: 5–10 days to create the fabric. Details Here.
- Dyeing & Washing: 15–25 days for coloring and finishing. Read More.
- Recommendation: Contact our sales team for accurate timelines tailored to your project.
Special Note on Custom Trims
For products like hoodies and joggers that require custom trims, production begins once all components are sourced. Please factor in additional time for sourcing these elements when planning your order.
Dispatch vs. Delivery Timelines
Please note that the lead times provided refer to when goods are ready for dispatch, not when they will be delivered to your location. Delivery times vary based on your shipping provider and destination. For estimated delivery times and shipping charges, please refer to our Shipping Process Guide or consult with your preferred delivery company.
Best Practices for Managing Stock and Lead Times
- Plan Ahead: Incorporate a 20% time buffer into your schedule to accommodate any unexpected delays.
- Early Engagement: Submit your designs and approvals promptly to avoid bottlenecks.
- Stay Informed: Maintain regular communication with our sales team for updates on your order.
- Be Proactive: Consider potential variables like machine maintenance or supply chain factors.
- Utilize Repeat Designs: For faster turnaround, use existing designs where possible
Conclusion
Effective stock management and planning are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the apparel industry. By understanding our lead times and order processes, you can align your inventory needs seamlessly with our production schedules. We're here to support you at every step, ensuring a smooth and successful partnership.