Production Lead Times & Delivery Scheduling
Production Lead Times & Delivery Scheduling
Understanding lead times is essential for inventory planning, especially when selling seasonal fitness products. This guide explains every stage of the Better Sports production cycle and how to keep your project on schedule.
Standard Lead Time Breakdown
You submit your product list and requirements. We confirm specifications, pricing, and delivery terms. A proforma invoice is issued for your approval.
Standard samples: 5–7 days. Custom samples with new colours, logos, or packaging: 10–15 days. Sample courier time is additional (3–7 days).
You review samples and confirm approval. We issue the final sales contract. Production begins upon receipt of 30% deposit.
Standard catalogue items: 30–45 days. Custom/OEM projects: 45–60 days. Peak season (Sep–Nov) may add 5–10 days.
Final random inspection, packaging assembly, and warehouse staging. Third-party inspection (SGS/BV/Intertek) adds 2–3 days if requested.
Express: 3–7 days. Air freight: 7–14 days. Sea freight (FCL): 15–35 days depending on destination port.
Typical Total Timeline
| Project Type | Sample to Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard catalogue, sea freight | 55–75 days | Fastest path for repeat orders |
| Custom OEM, sea freight | 75–95 days | Includes tooling and colour-matching |
| Urgent reorder, air freight | 40–50 days | Higher logistics cost, faster turnaround |
How to Avoid Delays
- Book early for Q4. Peak season begins in September. Orders confirmed by July typically deliver before Black Friday.
- Approve samples promptly. Each day of sample delay pushes the entire schedule back.
- Provide complete artwork. Incomplete or low-resolution logo files cause packaging pre-production delays.
- Confirm shipping instructions early. Last-minute changes to Incoterms or destination ports disrupt logistics planning.
Production Tracking
Once production begins, your account manager sends weekly progress reports including photos from the factory floor. For large orders, we offer video factory tours and live QC inspection streaming.
Planning a seasonal launch? Let us help you build a realistic production schedule.