Standard MOQ is typically 150 pcs per style / colour. Selected library trial programmes may start from 100 pcs per colour, subject to fabric availability. Orders below 100 pcs / style / colour carry a combined 15% surcharge for extra fabric scattered-cut costs and additional generation fees. Custom fabric typically ~500 m / colour.

How much is a sample and how long does it take?

Library samples start from US$45 per garment piece (sets charged by piece count). Custom patterns, prints, trims and fabric development are quoted separately. Typical lead 7–9 working days after confirmation. Eligible library sample fees may be credited against a confirmed bulk order, subject to the quoted sample terms. Courier charges are excluded and never credited.

When does the bulk clock start?

Typical bulk lead time is 25–30 days after PPS (pre-production sample) approval. Deposit is taken after PPS sign-off.

What are your payment terms?

30% deposit after PPS sign-off and 70% after passed final AQL. FOB Shenzhen or DDP on request.

Home / Insights / How to Verify an Activewear Factory Before Your First PO

Sourcing & MOQ · 9 min read · 2026-09-09

How to Verify an Activewear Factory Before Your First PO

A complete procurement checklist: legal entity, capacity proof, fabric path, sample discipline, QC gates and red flags — before you wire a deposit.

Quick answers — questions to ask an activewear manufacturer

Ask	Why it matters
Who cuts and sews — you or a subcontractor?	Controls lead time, QC ownership and IP leakage risk.
Is MOQ per style, per colour, or both?	Colourway math drives cash; ZIESHINE typical bulk is 150/colour.
What is included in the sample fee?	Library piece vs custom pattern / fabric development must be separated.
Which fabric bases are named and graded?	Named hands (PowerForm™, AirTouch™, AquaForm™, CloudTouch™) reduce surprise.
What is the PPS and AQL process?	No written gates = no commercial protection.
Can I visit or see a live line walk?	Verifies capacity claims for startups and first-time importers.

OEM, ODM and private label — verify the commercial model first

Before factory tours, lock the model:

Private label — brand library or lightly modified styles for speed.
OEM — factory makes to your tech pack.
ODM — factory co-develops design + make.

Read the full definitions in Private Label vs OEM vs ODM. Verification depth rises with exclusivity: PL verifies construction + colour; OEM verifies pattern ownership + measurement gates.

Document pack that proves the factory is real

Legal entity name matching invoices (see company facts).
Address of cut-and-sew floor — not only a showroom city.
Capacity snapshot for your category (yoga / swim / tennis / knit).
Recent social / quality audit summaries if claimed.
Draft quality agreement and AQL window (AQL 2.5 guide).

Fabric path verification

Ask for composition, GSM, opacity/chlorine gates where relevant, and whether GRS garment claims require a mill transaction certificate. ZIESHINE wording: GRS-certified options are available subject to the selected mill, material scope and transaction certificate requirements. Open named fabric bases and fabric test pack.

Sample discipline before deposit

Pay for library samples (from US$45/pc, 7–9 working days), write fit notes, then PPS. Do not wire bulk deposits on verbal approvals. See sample cost and PPS checklist.

Red flags

‘MOQ flexible’ with no colour math.
Free unlimited samples with no commercial path.
Every fabric called sustainable / certified without scope.
No named sewing location.
Refusal to state AQL or reject handling.

ZIESHINE verification path

Start on /manufacture, review Procurement Center, request samples, then book a visit if needed. Export desk replies within 12 h on business days.

Next steps

Open the manufacture hub for OEM / private-label programmes.
Browse related products in the library.
Review the matching fabric path.
Download buyer checklists (deal sheet / capacity / cert pack).
Submit a development brief — Export desk replies within 12 h.

Related styles

FAQ

What documents should I request first?

Business licence / entity name, factory address, capacity overview, recent audit summaries (BSCI/ISO if claimed), and a sample of a quality agreement.

Is a showroom enough to verify a factory?

No. Ask for cut-and-sew floors, in-line QC, and who owns the sewing lines. Trading desks can show samples without owning production.

How do I verify fabric claims?

Ask for the named base (or mill code), GSM, stretch/recovery method, and whether recycled claims come with a mill TC under NDA for that PO.

What is a fair first PO structure?

1–2 library styles × 2–3 colours, clear size curve, written PPS gates, and AQL stated on the PO — not a verbal ‘we will handle quality’.

Should startups visit before sampling?

Not always. Start with paid library samples and a video/floor walk; schedule a visit once the fabric and silhouette are locked.

What are common red flags?

Vague MOQ, no sample fee policy, no PPS step, recycled claims without TC scope, and refusal to name the sewing location.