How apparel sourcing works
You do not need to understand factory operations before contacting Tivelin. This page explains what happens, what you approve and what we manage.
The simple version
You work with one Tivelin account team. We coordinate the suitable factory, material suppliers, specialists and quality activity behind your programme.
The factory makes the product. Tivelin manages the sourcing route, communication, approvals, production visibility and agreed quality controls. You retain the important product and commercial decisions.
Step by step
Every product follows its own critical path, but the decision flow below remains familiar.
Reference images, technical pack if available, quantity, size range, target market, delivery target and commercial expectations.
We review what is clear, identify missing decisions and confirm whether the programme is a realistic fit.
A structured starting brief and a clear list of open questions.
Answer product questions and confirm the priorities that cannot be compromised.
We match the product to relevant materials, machinery, production capability, order size, compliance needs and delivery conditions.
A proposed product and supplier route rather than a random factory introduction.
Review price basis, minimum quantities, payment terms, development costs, timing and the agreed scope of Tivelin's work.
We prepare and explain the quotation, assumptions, exclusions and responsibilities behind it.
A commercially understood programme before development spending begins.
Comment on fabric, colour, fit, construction, trims, print, embroidery and overall product direction.
We coordinate lab dips, fabric or trim submissions, prototypes, fit samples and revision rounds with the selected production route.
An approved product standard that the factory can follow.
Approve the final sample, specifications, colour, packaging, labels and any required testing plan.
We align the approved references, material status, measurements, workmanship, testing, production plan and inspection checkpoints.
A controlled pre-production file and permission to begin bulk manufacturing.
Respond to any decision that could change product, cost or delivery.
We follow material arrival, cutting, sewing, finishing and packing progress, while escalating exceptions with an action recommendation.
Ongoing visibility without the buyer managing daily factory communication.
Confirm any buyer-specific inspection standard or nominated third-party requirement.
We coordinate risk-based checkpoints such as material review, inline inspection, finishing review and final random inspection. Findings and corrective actions are documented.
Evidence to support the shipment release decision.
Appoint the preferred freight route or provide logistics instructions.
We coordinate final quantities, packing information and commercial document readiness for handover to the nominated logistics party.
A shipment-ready order with key programme records organised.
Share market, customer and product feedback after receipt.
We review supplier performance, quality findings, delivery behaviour and improvements for the next order.
A stronger repeat-order specification and better future sourcing decisions.
The approval rule
Buyer approval points are agreed at the start. Product, material, commercial or delivery changes are made visible before they are acted on.
A clear Tivelin lead coordinates the programme and its internal specialists.
Important samples, colours, materials and specifications are recorded as approved references.
A risk is reported with impact, options, ownership and a recommended next action.
Quality findings and corrective actions support the final shipment decision.
Buying-house glossary
You can always ask us to explain a term or commercial assumption before approving it.
Minimum order quantity. The lowest practical order a supplier accepts for a product, colour or material.
The product specification containing measurements, construction, materials, trims, artwork and packing instructions.
A small colour submission used to approve a dyed colour before bulk material production.
The pre-production sample made from intended bulk materials and used as a final production reference.
A common price basis where the supplier is responsible until goods are loaded at the agreed port. Exact terms must be confirmed in the quotation.
A statistical inspection approach commonly used to define acceptable quality limits for a sampled shipment.
A quality check completed while production is still running so problems can be corrected earlier.
A check of finished and packed goods before the shipment release decision.
Start with what you have
If you do not have a technical pack yet, share the product idea, quantity, target market and required timing. We will explain the next useful step.
Start an enquiry