Manufacturing · Services · Lead times and rush orders
Lead Times and Rush Orders
Mr Balaclava's standard production lead time is 14 days from sample approval, with 7 days available on request for urgent orders. Complex products and very large orders of 100,000–200,000 pieces take up to one month. Add the development stages for a first order (mockup, tech pack, sample) and 3–6 business days of shipping, and you have the full calendar. This page lays it out so you can plan a launch or a restock with confidence.
Updated
- 50 pcsMinimum per design
- 14 daysStandard lead time
- 100K pcsMonthly capacity
- 3–6 daysShipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- ISO 9001Certified (Eco Jersey Limited)
The calendar
How long each stage takes
Timings start when you approve the previous stage. Business days exclude weekends and public holidays in Pakistan and your country.
| Stage | Standard | Rush | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quote | 1–2 business days | Same day | Faster with a complete brief and quantities |
| Digital mockup | 1–3 business days | 1 business day | Skipped for reorders |
| Tech pack | 3–5 business days | 2–3 business days | Skipped if you supply one, or for reorders |
| Physical sample | 5–7 days plus courier | 3–5 days plus courier | Optional for stock styles and reorders |
| Production | 14 days | 7 days on request | Up to one month for complex products or 100,000–200,000 pieces |
| Shipping | 3–6 business days | Express options on request | DHL, FedEx or UPS; sea freight longer |
| First order, total | 5–7 weeks | About 3 weeks | Rush needs a decided brief and quick approvals |
| Reorder, total | About 3 weeks | About 2 weeks | Files reloaded from the archive |
Rush orders
What makes a 7-day production possible
Rush production is available on request and confirmed with the quote. It works when the decisions are made and the materials are in stock. These are the conditions.
- Fabric in stock, or a stock style from the B2B Collection. Mill-ordered fabrics and custom-dyed colours cannot be rushed.
- Approvals within a day on the mockup and the sample, or an approved design from a previous order.
- Standard branding techniques such as embroidery, heat transfer or sublimation; special trims and packaging may need their own lead time.
- Quantities within a production slot, typically up to a few thousand pieces; larger rush orders are planned in batches.
- Express shipping arranged at the same time so the goods do not wait at the airport.
Planning
What extends a lead time, and how to avoid it
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Mill-ordered fabric
Special qualities, organic or recycled fabrics and custom dye lots add the mill's time. Ask early, or choose a stock fabric for the first run.
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Sample rounds
Each construction change means a new sample. A complete brief and a decided fit keep it to one round.
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Very large orders
Programmes of 100,000–200,000 pieces run in batches over up to a month; staged deliveries get stock to you earlier.
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Peak season
Winter headwear is ordered from late summer. Book a production slot with your quote to hold the date.
Working back from a date
Planning a launch
For a first order, start seven weeks before you need the goods in hand. For a reorder, three.
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Week 1
Brief, quote, fabric choice and mockup.
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Weeks 2–3
Tech pack, sample made and shipped, fit and branding approved.
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Weeks 4–5
Production, with photos at the milestones and final inspection.
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Weeks 6–7
Shipping, customs and delivery to your warehouse.
FAQ
Lead times and rush orders: frequently asked questions
What is the standard production lead time?
14 days from sample approval and order confirmation. Complex products or very large orders of 100,000–200,000 pieces can take up to one month.
How fast can you produce a rush order?
7 days on request, when the fabric is in stock and approvals are quick. Rush production is confirmed with the quote; express shipping is arranged alongside it.
Does a rush order cost more?
Rush production and express shipping are quoted per order. The quote shows the standard and the rush option side by side so you can decide.
How long does a first order take in total?
Five to seven weeks from brief to delivery: development and sample (two to three weeks), 14 days of production and 3–6 business days of shipping. A reorder takes about three weeks.
Can I split the delivery?
Yes. Large orders can be shipped in stages as batches complete, so part of the stock reaches you earlier.
When should I order winter headwear?
Place first orders by late summer for an autumn launch; reorders can follow through the season with the three-week reorder cycle. Booking a production slot with your quote holds the date.
Buyer guides
Further reading
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Brand & IndustrySki Wear Brands: Market Segments by Price and PerformanceHow the ski wear market segments by price, positioning and construction — market context from a contract manufacturer, not a buying guide.Read the guide 
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