Most brands contacting a Sialkot factory for the first time have never ordered overseas samples before. The process is straightforward once you know what to expect at each stage — and knowing it in advance saves 2–3 weeks of back-and-forth.

The complete sample order process, step by step

Step 1: Initial inquiry and feasibility (Days 1–5)

Send your reference product, tech pack, or description. A capable factory comes back within 3–5 business days with: confirmation of feasibility, a clarification of any missing spec details, a sample quote, and an estimated lead time. If the factory does not respond within a week, move on.

What to include in your first email: the product type (jacket, suit, vest, gloves, pants), your target protection level (if CE-relevant), your target market (EU, UK, US, Australia), any reference images or existing product, and your budget range for the sample.

Step 2: Spec confirmation (Days 5–10)

Once feasibility is confirmed, the factory will ask for the complete spec: materials, colours, sizing, trims, labels, zips, armour level, and any custom details. The more complete your spec at this stage, the fewer revision rounds you will need. A missing detail at this stage costs 1–2 weeks later.

Minimum spec needed to start a sample: material type, colour, size (one size is enough for a sample), armour level (if applicable), and your brand labels (or a placeholder).

Step 3: Sample production (Weeks 2–3)

Once spec is confirmed and the sample deposit is paid, production begins. Standard sample lead time from a Sialkot factory is 2–3 weeks. Complex constructions (racing suits, triple-layer adventure jackets) can run 3–4 weeks. Rush samples are sometimes available for an additional cost.

A good factory sends you photos of the sample before shipping so you can flag obvious issues before it leaves Sialkot. Ask for this if they do not offer it.

Step 4: Shipping (Days 3–7 after dispatch)

Samples ship via DHL, FedEx, or TNT. Door-to-door from Sialkot to Europe or the US is typically 3–5 business days. Customs duties on samples vary by country — most EU countries charge duty on samples above a threshold value. Ask the factory to declare the shipment accurately; under-declaring value creates customs problems and is illegal.

Step 5: Review and feedback (Your timeline)

Review the sample against your spec. A written feedback list — specific, numbered, with photos where possible — is more useful than a phone call. Good factories work from written feedback because it creates a record that prevents the same issue recurring in production.

Step 6: Revision sample or production confirmation

Most sample programs require one revision round. Major construction changes (different material, different armour system) need a second sample. Minor changes (stitching colour, label placement, zip pull) can often be signed off without a second sample if you trust the factory's quality control.

How much does a sample cost?

Sample costs from Sialkot manufacturers typically run:

  • Motorcycle jacket (leather or Cordura): $80–$180 depending on construction complexity
  • Motorcycle suit (one-piece or two-piece): $120–$250
  • Motorcycle vest: $40–$80
  • Motorcycle gloves: $30–$60 per pair

Sample costs are typically deductible from your first production order. Ask about this before committing — most serious factories offer it.

How to make the sample process go faster

  • Send a complete spec upfront. Every missing detail adds a round of back-and-forth before production can start.
  • Send a reference garment. A physical reference reduces misunderstanding more than any written description.
  • Pay the deposit promptly. Sample production does not start until the deposit clears. Wire transfers can take 3–5 days; ask whether the factory accepts PayPal or Wise for faster settlement on sample orders.
  • Give clear written feedback. Numbered, specific, with photos. "The shoulder looks wrong" takes a week to resolve. "The shoulder seam sits 2cm too far forward compared to the reference photo" takes a day.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a tech pack to order a sample?

No. A reference garment, clear photos, and a list of key specs is enough to start. A tech pack speeds up the process and reduces revision rounds, but most factories can work from a well-described reference.

Can I order a sample without committing to a production order?

Yes. A sample order is independent of a production order. You are not obligated to place production with the same factory after receiving a sample. That said, a factory that quotes you a sample without any indication of your production intentions may deprioritise your project.

What if the sample is not right after two rounds?

Be honest with the factory about what is not working and why. Sometimes a construction detail is simply outside a factory's capability — it is better to know this after two samples than after a production run. A good factory will tell you if something is not achievable within your budget or their process.

How long does a sample from AJSAMCO take?

Standard sample lead time at AJSAMCO is 2–3 weeks from confirmed spec and deposit. We send pre-shipping photos at completion. Revision samples, if required, run the same timeline. We ship via DHL Express — most EU and US destinations receive samples in 4–5 business days from dispatch.