5 · Making
Who makes it, how much they need, how long it takes, and how quality is checked
Chapter 5 · Generic
The factory: region, size, what else it makes. The relationship so far, MOQ, lead times, the QC plan, any agent. Sample history with photos. Guide: the full plan §5.
Draft
The factory. Name, a 40-person cementing factory in Felgueiras, Portugal. It makes fashion sneakers for small European brands. We found it through a referral, a trade directory, or the APICCAPS member list and first contacted it on date. No agent is involved / the agent is X, paid Y%.
Terms. MOQ 150 pairs per style, 50 per colour. Development fee €X. Sample lead time 4–6 weeks. Bulk lead time 8–10 weeks from the signed confirmation sample. Payment 30% deposit, 70% after inspection.
Samples so far.
| Round | Date | What changed | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proto | — | ||
| Revision | — | ||
| Confirmation | — |
Quality. Pre-shipment inspection at AQL 2.5 before the balance is paid. Sole bond and flex tests on the confirmation sample. Five pairs across sizes wear-tested for two weeks before bulk is released. Module 15 has the details.
Decisions
| Decision | Current answer | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Country of manufacture | Portugal | Default |
| Factory | Not chosen | Open |
| Shortlist | None yet | Open |
| MOQ confirmed | No | Open |
| Agent | None | Default |
| Inspection | Pre-shipment, AQL 2.5 | Default |
Questions for you
- Have you contacted any factories yet? If so, which ones, where, and what did they say?
- Do you have a preference for country: Portugal, Spain, Italy, or further away? Is “made in Europe” part of the story?
- Can you visit the factory in person before bulk? That changes how much you’d rely on a third-party inspector.
- Do you know anyone in footwear (a pattern maker, an agent, someone at a factory) who could make an introduction?