Import Custom Jeans from China: Key Questions

You have a vision for your brand, but finding the right partner to make it real is tough. Asking the wrong questions can lead to costly mistakes, major delays, and poor quality.

You must ask targeted questions about four key areas: factory certifications and capacity, technical details for sampling, production lead times and delay prevention, and their specific quality control inspection process.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve sat on both sides of this table. I’ve been the supplier answering questions, and I’ve also helped brands figure out what to ask. I’ve learned that the most successful partnerships start with clear, direct questions. The answers tell you everything you need to know about a potential partner’s professionalism, transparency, and true capabilities. Let’s get into the specifics so you can source with confidence.

How Can I Verify My Supplier’s Factory Certifications and Capacity?

You receive a beautiful brochure claiming huge capacity and every certification under the sun. But these documents could be fake or outdated, and their real output might be a fraction of what they claim.

Ask for clear scans of certifications like BSCI and OEKO-TEX, then verify them independently. Request video proof of their production lines and ask for recent client case studies to confirm their actual capacity.

Trust but verify. This is the most important rule in sourcing. A good factory will have no problem backing up their claims. You need to be methodical and check everything. Start by asking for their certifications.

Don’t just accept a PDF file; ask for the certificate number or a QR code so you can check its validity on the official public database. For production capacity, forget the big annual number. Ask, “How many sewing lines do you have dedicated to jeans? What is your realistic monthly output in units?” Then, ask for proof. A live video call where they walk you through the factory floor is invaluable.

You can see the machines running and the number of workers yourself. Finally, ask if they have experience exporting to your country and request a reference. This confirms they understand the logistics and quality standards your market requires.

Four Steps to Verify a Factory

1、Request Certification Files: Ask for BSCI, WRAP, and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 documents.

2、Confirm Production Power: Ask for the number of production lines and their real monthly capacity.

3、Demand Visual Proof: Schedule a live video tour of the factory floor.

4、Check Their Track Record: Ask for case studies or references from clients in your region.

What Technical Details Should I Provide for Precise Sample Prototyping?

You have a perfect design, but the first sample you receive looks nothing like it. Miscommunication and missing details can kill your project before it even starts, wasting both time and money.

To get a perfect sample, you must provide a complete technical pack. This includes a detailed size chart, exact fabric and trim specifications, and clear instructions for all sewing and decorative processes.

The sample is the blueprint for your entire production run. The more detail you provide upfront, the better your results will be. I tell all my clients that a great “tech pack” leaves no room for guessing. It must have a precise size chart with every measurement: waist, hips, thigh, inseam, leg opening, and front and back rise.

You also need to specify the fabric composition (e.g., 98% cotton, 2% spandex), its weight (e.g., 12oz), and the exact wash you want. For trims, call out every detail. Specify “YKK brand brass zipper” instead of just “zipper.” Provide a PANTONE color code for your stitching thread.

If you have embroidery or a print, provide the vector artwork file (AI or CDR) with exact placement and dimensions. A professional factory loves this level of detail because it allows us to execute your vision perfectly on the first try.

How Do I Lock in Lead Times and Avoid Delays?

You have a launch date and marketing campaign ready to go. A supplier promises a 45-day lead time, but delays in production could cause you to miss your entire selling season.

Break down the total lead time into specific manufacturing stages. Your contract must include a penalty clause for delays and a clear weekly communication plan for progress updates from your supplier.

A single “45-day” delivery promise is not enough. You need to manage the timeline proactively. Ask your supplier to provide a detailed schedule broken down by stage: fabric sourcing, cutting, sewing, washing, quality control, and packing.

This way, you can track progress and spot potential delays early. Next, protect your business by discussing delays before they happen. Ask, “If you cause a delay, what is the penalty?” A professional factory will agree to a reasonable clause in the contract, such as a small percentage of the order value for each day they are late.

Also, set up a communication schedule. A weekly email with photos or a short video of your production run keeps everyone accountable. Finally, confirm they have a logistics partner and can prepare all necessary customs documents to avoid delays at the port.

What Inspection Process Will You Use to Control Quality?

The pre-production sample was flawless. But when your bulk order arrives, it is full of defects like bad stitching, incorrect sizing, and fabric flaws, making much of it unsellable.

A good supplier uses a multi-stage inspection process. Ask for their AQL standard document and clarify their policy for handling defects. Always confirm that they accept third-party inspectors before shipment.

Quality is not something you check for at the end; it’s something you build into every step. Your supplier must have a clear quality control (QC) plan. Ask them to confirm their process. It should include at least three key checkpoints: an inspection of raw materials before production starts, in-line inspections during the sewing process, and a final, thorough inspection of finished garments before they are packed.

Ask them what quality standard they use. Most factories use an AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standard; ask to see their document so you understand their tolerance for minor and major defects. Crucially, ask what happens if defects are found.

Will they rework them, replace them, or offer a credit? Get this in writing. Finally, state that you reserve the right to hire your own third-party inspection company, like SGS or Intertek, to perform a final audit. A confident factory will always welcome this.

Breakdown of a Pro-Level QC Process

QC Stage	Purpose	Your Key Question
Pre-Production Check	Inspects all fabric and trims.	“How do you ensure the fabric meets my specs before you cut it?”
In-Line Check	Catches errors during sewing.	“How often do you inspect the garments as they are being sewn?”
Final Inspection	Checks finished goods against AQL.	“What is your AQL for major and minor defects?”
Defect Policy	Defines how to fix problems.	“What is your process for reworking or replacing defective units?”

Conclusion

Asking these specific, detailed questions is key. It helps you vet your supplier thoroughly, ensuring you find a true partner who can deliver quality jeans on time and protect your brand.