Sportswear Apparel Supplier for Startups: Sourcing Guide

# Sportswear Apparel Supplier for Startups: Direct Factory Sourcing, Price Breaks & Reorder Planning You’ve just received your first sample order from a sourcing agent, but the landed cost is 40% higher than you budgeted. The fabric feels wrong, and the MOQ is 500 units. You need a supplier that works with startups—not one that treats you like a small fish. That’s why we built Alpinario around a different model: no minimum order, transparent pricing, and a production floor that treats every order—from 1 piece to 10,000—with the same discipline. We’re a 20+ year B2B sportswear factory in Zhejiang, China. We own the machinery, the cutting tables, the sewing lines, and the QC team. We don’t outsource. That means when you ask for a specific stitch length or a Pantone match, we adjust it on our floor, not through an email chain to a third party. In this article, I’ll walk you through the exact sourcing workflow we use with startup brands, how our price breaks work, what private label actually looks like at the factory tier, and how to plan reorders so you never run out of stock. --- ## Sourcing workflow Our sourcing workflow is designed to eliminate the guesswork that kills first-time orders. Here’s the step-by-step process we use with every startup client, from initial inquiry to delivery. **Step 1: Brief & design review (Day 1)** You send us your design—sketch, tech pack, or reference image. We reply within 24 hours (our standard response time) with a feasibility assessment. For example, if you want a 260 GSM polyester compression shirt with a silicone waistband, we’ll confirm we can source that fabric (we work with polyester primarily, and nylon is available on request). We also check if your design requires custom trims, like zippers or reflective tape, and flag any lead-time impacts. **Step 2: Sample production (3-7 days)** Once the design is approved, our pattern maker drafts a prototype. We cut one sample garment—literally one piece—using your chosen fabric and color. Most samples ship within 3-7 days. If you need a Pantone color match, we pull from our swatch library or dye a small batch. We send you photos and a video of the sample moving on a mannequin before shipping. This step costs only the sample fee (typically $30-80 depending on complexity) and can be deducted from your first production order. **Step 3: Feedback & revision (if needed)** You review the sample and give us notes. Common adjustments: pocket depth, seam placement, sleeve length. We make up to two rounds of revisions at no extra charge. After the second revision, we move to bulk production. **Step 4: Bulk production (4-6 weeks for 300 pieces)** After sample approval, you place your order. For a standard 300-piece run (e.g., 300 identical yoga leggings), production takes 4-6 weeks. This timeline includes fabric cutting, sewing, quality checks, and packing. Larger orders (1,000+ units) usually take 6-8 weeks because we need to allocate more line time. We’ll send you a production schedule with milestones: fabric arrival, cutting start, sewing start, and final QC. **Step 5: FBA prep & shipping (optional)** If you sell on Amazon, we can pre-label your items with FBA barcodes and ship directly to Amazon warehouses. This saves you a logistics step. We’ll also pack by style/size as per your requirements. **Step 6: Final QC & delivery** Our QC team inspects every garment for defects (loose threads, misaligned seams, incorrect size). We maintain a 1.5% maximum defect rate—anything above that gets reworked. After QC, we ship via sea or air depending on your urgency. Sea freight from Ningbo to the US West Coast takes about 20-25 days. This workflow is exactly the same whether you order 1 piece or 10,000. The only difference is the lead time for bulk production. For a single custom sample, we ship within 3-7 days. For 300 pieces, 4-6 weeks. For a full container load, we can scale up without adding weeks—just more line shifts. --- ## Price breaks Startups often assume that low MOQ means high per-unit prices. That’s true at many factories, but we structure our pricing to reward volume while keeping small orders viable. Here’s how our price breaks work for a typical polyester sportswear garment (e.g., a racerback tank top, 180 GSM interlock fabric). | Order Quantity | Per-unit price (USD) | Lead time (weeks) | Notes | |----------------|----------------------|-------------------|-------| | 1-49 | $12.50 | 1-2 (sample only) | Sample orders only; no bulk production below 50 units. | | 50-200 | $9.80 | 6-8 | First bulk tier; includes basic labeling (neck tag, care label). | | 201-500 | $7.40 | 4-6 | Most common startup range; full private label available. | | 501-1,000 | $5.90 | 4-5 | Standard price break; we can add custom packaging. | | 1,001-2,500 | $4.80 | 3-4 | Competitive for growing brands; expedited production possible. | | 2,500+ | Contact us | 3-4 | Best pricing; we reserve dedicated line time. | *Note: Prices are FOB Shanghai/Ningbo. Add shipping and duties. Actual prices vary by style, fabric GSM, and decoration (printing, embroidery, etc.).* Why the price gap? At 50-200 units, we need to set up and tear down the production line for a small run—that increases labor cost per piece. At 500+ units, the line runs continuously, cutting per-unit cost by nearly 30%. The table above is for a simple tank top. For more complex garments (e.g., a jacket with zippers, pockets, and hood), add $3-6 per unit depending on the quantity. We also offer a “starter pack” for brands that need a mix of styles. For example, you can order 100 units of a tank top, 100 leggings, and 100 sports bras in the same color. We treat that as a single order of 300 units, so you get the 201-500 price tier. This is common for gyms launching a uniform line. **Fabric GSM matters.** Our standard polyester activewear is 180-220 GSM. If you want a heavier fabric (e.g., 260 GSM for compression), the price increases by roughly $1.50-2.00 per yard. We can also source nylon, cotton blends, or recycled polyester on request. Each fabric change affects the price break, so always ask for a quote with your specific GSM. --- ## Private label at supplier tier Private label in our factory means you get full control over branding without the overhead of a middleman. Here’s what we offer: **Labels & tags** - **Woven neck labels:** $0.12-0.25 per piece (depending on thread count). - **Printed care labels:** $0.05-0.10 per piece. - **Hang tags with barcode:** $0.08-0.15 per piece. - **Heat-transfer logo:** $0.15-0.30 per piece (single color, 2x2 inch). - **Embroidery:** $0.50-1.50 per piece (logo size, stitch count, placement). **Packaging** - Polybags with your brand print: $0.10-0.20 per bag. - Custom cardboard boxes: $0.50-1.00 per box (MOQ 500 boxes). - FBA-compatible labeling: included in the price (we print and apply the barcode stickers). **Color matching** We match Pantone colors from our standard library or custom dye small batches. Most colors are available without a surcharge. For custom colors (e.g., a specific neon shade), we charge a one-time $50-100 lab dip fee. **Size range** We offer XS-3XL for most styles. If you need extended sizes (4XL-6XL), we adjust the pattern at no extra cost for the first run (grading is included in the sample fee). **What we don’t do** (and why we’re honest about it) We don’t design your garments from scratch—that’s your brand’s job. We manufacture based on your tech pack or reference. If you need help with construction details (e.g., “I want a flatlock seam, not a coverstitch”), we can advise, but we’re not a design agency. We also don’t offer dropshipping or inventory storage. You take ownership of the goods after QC. Private label at the factory tier means you skip the 20-30% markup that a sourcing agent would add. You also get direct communication with our production manager—no bruised email threads. If you want to see how we handle a specific private label project, check our [private label activewear page](/private-label-activewear) for case studies. --- ## Reorder planning Running out of stock is the fastest way to kill a growing brand. Reorder planning with us is straightforward, but you need to account for lead times upfront. **Lead time for reorders** If you reorder the exact same style and color, the lead time is 4-6 weeks (same as initial production). If you change the fabric or trim, add 2-3 weeks for fabric sourcing. We recommend placing your reorder when you have 8-10 weeks of inventory left. For example, if you sell 100 units per month, reorder when you have 800-1,000 units in stock. **Price stability** We lock in your price for 90 days from the initial quote. After that, fabric costs may fluctuate (polyester prices typically move with oil prices). We’ll give you a 30-day notice of any price change. To avoid surprises, we recommend ordering in larger batches (e.g., 500-1,000 units) so you can secure a better price and hold inventory for 3-4 months. **MOQ for reorders** Our MOQ remains 1 piece for samples, but for bulk reorders, the minimum is 50 pieces per style/color. If you want to reorder only 30 pieces, we can do it, but the per-unit price will be closer to the 50-200 tier (around $9.80 for a tank top). For most startups, reordering 100-200 pieces is the sweet spot—low enough to manage cash flow, high enough to get the $7.40 price break. **Production slot booking** We run on a first-come, first-served schedule. During peak season (January-March, August-October), lead times can stretch to 8 weeks. To avoid delays, we recommend booking a production slot 8 weeks in advance. We can hold a slot for you with a 20% deposit. If you cancel within 2 weeks of the start date, the deposit is non-refundable. **Frequency of reorders** Most startup brands reorder every 3-4 months. If you’re growing fast (e.g., 20% month-over-month), we suggest ordering a 6-month supply at once to lock in the 1,000+ price tier. Yes, you’ll have more inventory, but the cash saved on per-unit cost can be reinvested in marketing. We’ve seen brands reduce their total cost by 35% just by doubling their order size. **Expedited reorders** If you’re about to run out, we can expedite a reorder of 200-300 units to 3 weeks (instead of 4-6) with a 15% rush fee. This is possible only if we have the fabric in stock. We keep a staple inventory of 180 GSM black and white polyester, so reorders of those colors are fastest. --- ## FAQ **What is the MOQ?** Our minimum order quantity is 1 piece for samples. For bulk production, the minimum is 50 pieces per style/color, but we can produce as few as 1 piece as a custom sample. There is no minimum order quantity for the first sample—you can test the market with a single unit. **Sampling timeline?** Samples ship within 3-7 days after design approval. We produce one sample per style. If you need multiple samples (e.g., 3 sizes to test fit), we can do that within the same timeline—just let us know. Shipping time depends on your location (3-5 days via DHL to the US, 5-7 days to Europe). **Can I use my own fabric?** Yes, if you want to supply your own fabric, we can manufacture using your material. However, we recommend sourcing through us because we already have mill relationships and can match fabric quality. If you supply your own, we charge a handling fee of $0.50 per garment to cover cutting and inspection. **Do you offer samples for free?** No, samples are priced at cost (typically $30-80). This cost is deducted from your first production order of 50+ units. **How do I get a quote?** Send us your design, quantity, and fabric preferences. We’ll respond within 24 hours with a detailed quote including FOB price, shipping options, and production timeline. --- **Ready to start your sportswear brand with no minimums and transparent pricing?** [Request a Quote →](mailto:support@alpinario.com)