005 — OEM / ODM Manufacturing Process
How SoleForge turns your brief into shipped footwear
Every order follows the same disciplined workflow — from the first inquiry through development, sampling, bulk production, quality control and shipping. Below is exactly what happens at each stage, with the lead times and terms you can plan around.
The workflow
Six stages, one accountable partner
Each stage produces a defined output that feeds the next — so nothing is lost in handoffs and reorders stay consistent.
- 01
Inquiry & tech pack
Output: quotation + development planSend us a brief, tech pack, sketch, target price or reference pair. We review feasibility, recommend constructions and materials, and return a quotation — typically within one business day.
- 02
Development & sampling
Lead time: 7–12 daysOur pattern, last and mold team builds your first physical sample. We document the BOM, construction and tolerances so the style is repeatable from day one.
- 03
Sample confirmation
Output: confirmed reference sampleYou evaluate fit, materials, color, branding and finish. We iterate as needed and lock an approved confirmation sample that becomes the production reference standard.
- 04
Bulk production
Lead time: 30–45 days after sample approvalOn deposit and confirmed sample, we schedule the line, secure materials and run bulk under the documented specification — keeping construction and quality consistent across the run.
- 05
Quality control & testing
Standards: ISO 9001 · AQL · third-party labsIncoming material checks, inline inspection during assembly and a pre-shipment AQL inspection, with SGS / ITS lab testing for bonding, abrasion, slip resistance and chemical compliance on request.
- 06
Packing & shipping
Terms: FOB Ningbo / Shanghai, EXW, CIF, or DDPWe prepare cartons, labeling, barcodes and export documentation to your specification, then ship on the agreed terms and share tracking through to delivery.
Supply terms
Plan with real numbers
No surprises. These are the standard terms we work to — confirmed precisely in your quotation for your specific style and quantity.
- Minimum order quantity
- 500 pairs / style / color
- Sample lead time
- 7–12 days
- Bulk lead time
- 30–45 days after sample approval
- Payment terms
- 30% deposit, 70% before shipment (T/T, L/C)
- Shipping terms
- FOB Ningbo / Shanghai, EXW, CIF, or DDP
Quality assurance
Quality is engineered in at every gate
We do not rely on a single final check. Quality is controlled from incoming materials through final cartons, against a confirmed reference sample and a documented bill of materials.
Our systems are built around ISO 9001, our facilities are bsci audited, and we provide SGS / ITS testing reports plus REACH compliant compliance on request.
Incoming material inspection
Leather, textiles, soles, foams and chemicals checked against spec before production starts.
Inline process control
Cutting, stitching, lasting and bonding monitored during assembly to catch issues early.
Pre-shipment AQL inspection
Statistical sampling on appearance, construction, sizing and packaging before release.
Third-party lab testing
SGS / ITS testing for bond strength, abrasion, slip resistance and chemical compliance on request.
Next steps
Ready to move from process to production?
FAQ
Process questions, answered
Founded in 2009, we have run this workflow across 300+ brands worldwide. Here is what buyers ask most.
What do I need to send to start development?+
A tech pack is ideal, but it is not required. A sketch, a target price, a reference pair, or even a clear description of the construction and use case is enough for us to assess feasibility and quote. The more detail you provide on materials, sizing and quantities, the more precise the first sample.
What is the minimum order quantity and how long do orders take?+
Our standard MOQ is 500 pairs / style / color. Sampling typically takes 7–12 days, and bulk production runs 30–45 days after sample approval. Exact timing depends on construction, materials availability and tooling status, all of which we confirm in your quotation.
What are your payment and shipping terms?+
Standard payment is 30% deposit, 70% before shipment (T/T, L/C). For shipping we support FOB Ningbo / Shanghai, EXW, CIF, or DDP, so you can choose the incoterm that fits your logistics and customs setup.
How do you ensure quality across a large production run?+
Quality is built in, not inspected in at the end. We start from a confirmed reference sample and a documented BOM, run incoming material checks and inline inspection during assembly, and finish with a pre-shipment AQL inspection. SGS / ITS lab testing is available for performance and compliance verification.
Can I order samples before committing to bulk production?+
Yes — and we recommend it. A confirmed sample lets you verify fit, materials, branding and finish before you commit to a bulk quantity. Sample development and confirmation is a standard, expected step in every OEM/ODM project. See our sample development service for details.
Ready to develop your footwear line?
Send us your tech pack, target price, or a reference pair. We'll come back with a quote and a development plan within one business day.