Smaller or urgent shipments
Often used for samples or limited quantities. Chargeable weight, destination rules and import costs should be checked.
SHIPPING & DELIVERY
Shipping responsibilities are confirmed for each order.
Custom apparel is not shipped under one universal consumer policy. Method, cost, trade term, documents, customs responsibilities and delivery estimates depend on the destination and written order scope.
What the shipping quotation should state
| Item | What should be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Origin and destination | Dispatch point, destination country, named port, airport, warehouse or delivery address as applicable. |
| Shipping method | Courier, air freight, sea freight, rail or another agreed route. |
| Trade term | The named Incoterm and named place used in the quotation or contract. |
| Included costs | Freight, export handling, insurance, destination handling, duties, taxes and delivery charges as specifically stated. |
| Documents | Commercial invoice, packing list and any additional documents agreed for the order. |
| Timing | Estimated production completion, dispatch window and transit estimate, separated from each other. |
Common shipping considerations
Time-sensitive bulk orders
Balance freight cost, volume, handling, clearance and final delivery arrangements.
Larger planned shipments
Allow for booking, consolidation, port handling, customs clearance and destination delivery.
See how a documented 300-set custom tracksuit order separated 25 urgent sets from 275 planned sets, or review a repeat custom hoodie program using planned sea and urgent air quantities.
Delivery dates are estimates until the route is confirmed
Production lead time and transit time are separate. Sample approvals, material availability, order changes, inspection findings, carrier schedules, customs activity, weather and destination handling can affect the final arrival date.
A requested launch date should be discussed before the order is finalized. Written order documents should identify which dates are targets, estimates or binding milestones.
Customs, duties and destination compliance
The party responsible for import clearance, duties, taxes, licenses, labeling and destination-market requirements depends on the agreed trade term and written order scope. Buyers should verify local import and compliance obligations with qualified advisers or service providers. Use the domestic vs overseas clothing manufacturing guide to compare those cross-border responsibilities with the complete production system.
For a documented example of exception handling, review our custom hoodie customs-delay and delivery case.
Do not assume that a freight price includes import duties, taxes, destination charges or door delivery unless those items are expressly included in the written quotation.
Shipment records and visible damage
Review carton counts, marks and packaging requirements before dispatch. If a shipment arrives with visible damage or quantity concerns, preserve packaging, photographs, carrier records and receipt documents, and notify the relevant parties promptly under the applicable carrier and order terms.
Confirm the route before approving the order
Send the destination, required delivery window, expected quantity and preferred shipping method so the commercial scope can identify the correct questions.
Discuss shipping requirements