Ordering custom team uniforms wholesale from a factory is different from buying retail. You are buying in bulk, commissioning designs and trusting a production partner. Here are the ten things to confirm before you place an order — the same questions our B2B buyers ask us at ZHONGKANG.
1. MOQ — can you start small?
Minimum order quantities vary widely between factories. At ZHONGKANG the MOQ starts at 10 pcs, so clubs, academies and retailers can test a style before committing to a large run. Confirm the MOQ per style and per colorway before sampling.
2. Sampling — what does it cost and how long?
A digital sample is the fastest way to validate artwork, colors and layout. Our standard is 7 days for a sample, and the sampling fee is typically deducted from your bulk order. Always approve a sample before production starts.
3. Lead time — plan around your season
Bulk production time depends on quantity and finishing. Tell your factory the exact ship date you need; for US school programs we commonly plan 3–4 months end-to-end to match budget cycles. Ask for a written lead-time table with your quote.
4. Fabric and finish — know your options
Most custom kits are made with moisture-wicking polyester and full-sublimation printing, which never peels or cracks. For raised lettering, ask about tackle twill. Match the fabric weight to the sport — hockey jerseys need heavier knit, soccer jerseys need featherlight mesh.
5. Sizing — full range or team sets?
Confirm the size range up front. We produce XS–5XL plus youth sizes, and many school orders need the full range in one run. Request a size chart with your quote.
6. Customization — logos, names, numbers
Full sublimation lets you print team crests, sponsor logos, names and numbers in any color — no minimum for print areas. Send vector artwork (AI/PDF/SVG) for the sharpest result.
7. Quality control — how is the factory checking?
Ask how the factory manages color consistency between runs. We keep batch samples of every production run, do first-piece approval and ship a QC report with each order, so reorders match the original batch colors.
8. Payment terms
Typical factory terms: T/T with a 30% deposit and balance before shipment for bulk; PayPal for samples and small orders; L/C for large orders. Confirm the payment structure in writing before production.
9. Shipping and duties — know your landed cost
Compare EXW, FOB and DDP. For Australia, roughly 96% of garment imports are duty-free under ChAFTA; the EU applies MFN duty around 12% plus local VAT; US buyers should factor current China tariffs into landed cost. A good factory quotes DDP so you see the true final price.
10. Certifications — for EU compliance especially
If you sell into the EU, confirm the factory holds product compliance documents. ZHONGKANG is CE and REACH certified, with TÜV Rheinland third-party verification — certificates are available on request.
Ready to get a quote? Tell us your sport, quantity, sizes and target date — request a quote here and a human replies within 24 hours. Prefer browsing first? See our custom soccer jerseys, basketball uniforms, American football uniforms, hockey jerseys and baseball uniforms pages.