From Brief to Container: How a Custom Order Runs

Most first-time customers ask the same question: what happens between sending us a brief and a container leaving the yard? The sequence is fixed, and there are two points where your approval decides the schedule.

1. Brief and costing.Send the target category, specification, quantity and destination market. We come back with a costed proposal and an indicative lead time, usually within a week.

2. Counter sample or pre-production sample.We develop the sample against the approved specification. This is the first approval point — once it is signed off, the specification is frozen and mass production can be scheduled.

3. Material reservation.Core fabrics, zips and filling are reserved against the confirmed order, so the run is not held up by material lead times.

4. Production and in-process checks.The line runs to the signed sample, with inspection at set intervals throughout the run.

5. Final inspection and packing.This is the second approval point: finished goods are checked against the agreed sampling standard, and packing, labelling and carton marks are verified before the container is loaded.

Lead times depend on category and quantity, so they are quoted per project rather than published as a fixed figure. To start one, write to linda@reliableoutdoors.com.