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Product Development Guide
From concept to mass production: how to write a product brief, what samples cost, how minimum order quantities work and how long each stage usually takes.
1. The Product Brief
A vague product brief is one of the most common causes of problems. Factories don't fill gaps: if a detail isn't specified, they will usually choose the cheapest option, which can affect quality.
What Your Product Brief (Tech Pack) Should Include
- Product purpose
- Exact dimensions (mm/cm)
- Materials (grade, weight, composition)
- Finish
- Colours (Pantone/PMS codes)
- Logo files (vector AI/EPS)
- Quantities
- Target price
- Certifications
- Packaging requirements
- Tolerances (acceptable margin of error)
- Delivery date
2. Sampling Costs and Expectations
Never go straight to mass production. Always test and approve a physical sample first. The approved sample becomes the "golden sample" that your production order is checked against.
Samples Cost 3–5× the Unit Price
A sample covers machine setup, materials and technician time, so it usually costs 3–5 times the final unit price. With custom tooling or moulds, it can cost much more. Sample and courier costs are paid upfront.
Courier Fees
Samples travel by express courier, such as DHL or FedEx. Couriers charge a minimum fee regardless of weight, so combine samples from different factories into one parcel where possible.
Tip: ask the factory to refund the sample cost against your production order. Most reputable factories agree.
3. Understanding MOQs
The minimum order quantity (MOQ) is the smallest order a factory will accept for your product. It is often the biggest hurdle for a new product, because factories need production runs long enough to cover setup and materials. Typical MOQs:
- Standard product with a simple logo
- 500–1,000 units
- Custom colour or material
- 1,000–3,000 units
- Custom mould or tooling
- 3,000–5,000+ units
These figures are a guide only. Every MOQ is agreed case by case, because the product and the factory's production capacity decide the real minimum each time.
How to lower the MOQ: ask for a trial order. Many factories accept around 300 units for about 20% more per unit.
4. Realistic Timelines
Typical times for each stage. They vary by product, so treat them as a planning guide.
- 1–4 weeksSampling, per round
- 25–45 daysMass production
- About 1 weekQC and packing
- 12–14 daysAir freight to Cyprus
- 55–65 daysSea freight to Cyprus
Total from order to delivery in Cyprus: roughly 12–16 weeks by sea, 5–9 weeks by air
Sea freight takes longer than usual at present: because of the current conflicts in the region, ships are avoiding the Suez Canal and sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Once the Suez route reopens, sea freight should be about 20% quicker. For the UK and other EU countries, contact us for transit times.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get samples before placing an order?
Yes, and we strongly recommend approving a sample before bulk production, because it becomes the golden sample we check your order against. Whoever you buy from, always ask the factory for a sample before ordering. Small items can be couriered to you. Samples typically cost three to five times the unit price, and if the item isn't in stock, production can take 20 to 30 days to your specification. Custom moulds or tooling may cost extra, but these costs can often be recovered on the bulk order. For large items, we arrange material samples so you can decide with confidence: fabric swatches and wood finishes for furniture, or sample cuttings of construction materials such as panels and tiles.
Do you offer private labelling or custom branding?
Yes, in most cases. Many factories can add your logo or custom packaging, depending on the product and the factory's capabilities. Private label orders usually need to meet a minimum order quantity, which we'll confirm with the factory before you commit.
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