Start with the required in-market date
Work backward from the date stock must be available and list receiving, customs, transport, packing, production, sample approval, artwork review, and specification confirmation as separate checkpoints.
Separate decisions from production work
Give artwork, color references, sample feedback, variants, packaging, and shipping instructions their own decision dates. Production timing cannot be reliable while a required approval remains open.
Use evidence for every milestone
Track brief approved, artwork approved, sample approved, purchase order confirmed, production released, inspection complete, shipment booked, and goods received. Keep the owner and evidence for each milestone in one record.
Recalculate after a material change
If style, materials, colors, logo treatment, trims, packaging, quantity, or destination changes, request a refreshed schedule. Do not carry forward an old date as if the complete specification were unchanged.
Keep the final release decision explicit
Before bulk production, confirm the complete specification, open questions, quantity, shipping plan, and applicable MOQ. Preserve the approved version so later inspection can be compared with the same baseline.
Eligible custom programs can start at 50 pieces; final MOQ must be confirmed against style, materials, colors, logo treatment, trims, and packaging.
