One of the most common misconceptions among brand owners and operators is how production timelines are understood, especially in relation to product development. Many brands often assume that the time they spend on product development is part of the factory’s production timeline. This is not accurate, and it’s important to clarify the distinction.
During the product development phase, brands are responsible for finalizing their designs, approving samples, sourcing fabrics, and making decisions on trims, sizing, and packaging. This phase can be mentally and physically draining, and it’s easy for brand owners to miscalculate how long it will take. Because of this, some brands include the product development phase when estimating production timelines, but the factory cannot be held accountable for delays during this stage.
As a supplier, Hula Global cannot control when and how you will approve your final Pre-Production (PP) samples. Approval is entirely in the hands of the brand, and until that approval happens, production cannot begin. In some cases, brands may need several iterations to finalize a sample, while in others, approvals may be delayed due to internal decision-making or external factors. Because of this, the product development phase is inherently unpredictable, and no supplier can accurately forecast a timeline for this stage with 100% certainty.
It is only after all pre-production samples are finalized and approved that the production timeline officially begins. Along with sample approval, several other deliverables are required to kick off production. These include completed contracts, purchase orders (POs), and payments. Essentially, production starts when everything needed from the brand is ready and with the supplier. This ensures that there are no delays caused by missing approvals or incomplete documentation, which could otherwise disrupt the production schedule.
This distinction between product development and production is crucial for brands to understand. Production timelines are often quoted as 4 to 6 weeks, but this period refers only to the manufacturing process once all pre-production approvals and necessary deliverables are completed. Any delays in approving samples or providing required inputs are outside the factory’s control and are not part of the standard production window.
For brands that are new to manufacturing or just starting up, it is helpful to consult resources on what inputs are required from the brand before starting production. By ensuring that all necessary deliverables, such as tech packs, fabric swatches, BOM sheets, and PP samples, are ready and approved, brands can prevent confusion regarding timelines and set realistic expectations for production.
Additionally, for those seeking guidance on product development itself, Hula Global offers product development support programs. These programs provide structured plans for sample approvals, design iterations, and technical inputs, which can help brands streamline their internal process. Similarly, start-up brands looking to explore more comprehensive guidance.
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