China remains the world's factory — and for good reason. Nowhere else offers such a broad selection of factories, such low production costs, and such rapid scalability. But between "idea" and "finished product in your warehouse" lie many steps that need proper planning.
Why manufacture in China?
- Infrastructure: Complete supply chains in one region — raw materials, suppliers, factory, port
- Scalability: From 100 to 100,000 units in weeks
- Value: Still 40-70% cheaper than EU production despite rising costs
- Experience: Decades of manufacturing know-how in nearly every category
- Speed: Lead times of 15-45 days (EU often 3-6 months)
- Flexibility: Low MOQs, quick adjustments, custom production
The production process: 7 phases
Phase 1: Product development & samples
Before mass production starts, you need a confirmed approval sample (Golden Sample). Request samples from 2-3 factories, provide corrections, and approve the final sample in writing. Keep this sample — it's your proof if production deviates.
Phase 2: Price negotiation
Price depends on: order quantity, material, complexity, packaging, certifications, branding. Tips in our China Business Etiquette guide.
Phase 3: Tooling
| Tool Type | Typical Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Simple stamping die | €100-500 | 5-10 days |
| Injection mold (simple) | €500-3,000 | 15-25 days |
| Injection mold (complex) | €3,000-15,000 | 25-45 days |
| Die casting mold | €5,000-30,000 | 30-60 days |
| Screen printing template | €50-200 | 3-5 days |
Negotiating tooling costs
Many factories offer to spread tooling costs across initial orders or refund them after reaching a certain quantity. Always ask — it's common practice.
Phase 4: Pre-Production Sample
Before mass production, the factory produces a Pre-Production Sample (PPS) using final tools and materials. Approve this before production begins.
Phase 5: Mass production
Typically 15-45 days. During production: request progress photos, consider a During-Production Inspection (DPI) for orders over €5,000, maintain communication via WeChat.
Phase 6: Pre-Shipment Inspection
The most critical QC step. Conducted when 80%+ of the order is complete. Inspector checks: random sampling per AQL tables, visual inspection, measurements, function tests, packaging, drop test, Golden Sample comparison.
Book pre-shipment inspection
Our inspector checks your goods at the factory using AQL standards — with photo documentation, measurement protocol, and release recommendation.
SECURE Service — €349Phase 7: Shipping
After passing inspection, goods are packed and shipped. See our Shipping from China Guide and Customs Guide for details.
Production costs: Real numbers
| Cost Factor | Typical Share | Example (Water Bottle) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material | 40-60% | €0.80 (stainless steel) |
| Labor | 15-25% | €0.35 |
| Overhead | 10-15% | €0.20 |
| Packaging | 5-10% | €0.15 |
| Factory profit | 10-15% | €0.20 |
| Total factory price | €1.70 |
Quality control: 4 levels
| Level | When | What's checked | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Factory audit | Before ordering | Capacity, QMS, management, conditions | €400-800 |
| 2. Sample check | Before production | Material, dimensions, function | €20-200 |
| 3. During-Production (DPI) | At 20-50% completion | First batch quality, process stability | €200-400 |
| 4. Pre-Shipment (PSI) | At 80-100% completion | AQL sampling, Golden Sample comparison | €200-600 |
Timeline: How long does China production take?
| Phase | Duration | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Sample development | 7-20 days | Product complexity |
| Sample shipping (express) | 3-5 days | Shipping method |
| Corrections + final sample | 5-15 days | Number of corrections |
| Tooling | 10-45 days | Tool complexity |
| Mass production | 15-45 days | Quantity and complexity |
| Pre-shipment inspection | 1-2 days | Order volume |
| Sea freight | 30-45 days | Route |
| Total (first order) | 3-5 months |
Conclusion: Professional manufacturing is plannable
Manufacturing in China is not an adventure — it's a professional, plannable process. The key to success: clear specifications, a verified supplier, an approved Golden Sample, and pre-shipment inspection. With the right local partner, China manufacturing becomes a competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
- The production process has 7 phases — from sample to shipping
- First orders take 3-5 months, repeat orders 6-10 weeks
- The Golden Sample is your proof — always keep it
- 4 levels of quality control: factory audit, sample, DPI, PSI
- Tooling costs (€100-30,000) can be spread across orders
- China is still 40-70% cheaper than EU production
- With professional QC, China manufacturing is plannable and safe
Find the right factory for your product
Before you manufacture, you need the right factory. Our team in Guangzhou finds 3-5 verified manufacturers — checked, rated, with all contact details in a professional report.
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