From initial brief to goods at your US warehouse. Here's exactly how the process works, what we need from you at each stage, and what to expect on timeline and cost.
Ordering knitwear from a Turkish manufacturer for the first time involves a different process than buying from a domestic supplier or placing a re-order with a platform you already use. The process has more steps, a longer timeline, and requires more upfront communication — but it produces a genuinely custom garment at a price point that domestic or nearshore manufacturing can't match at this quality level. Here's how it works with us, step by step.
Share whatever you have: a tech pack, a reference image, a sketch, or a description of what you want to make. The more specific you can be on stitch structure, gauge, yarn type, colors, size range, and target quantity, the faster we can give you useful numbers. We don't require a finished tech pack to start — we can help develop the construction spec from a reference.
What we need at minimum: style category (pullover, cardigan, vest, etc.), target gauge range, yarn type (merino, cotton, cashmere blend, etc.), colorway count, size range, and approximate order quantity. Send to info@kiwigiyim.com or via WhatsApp at +90 532 013 17 61.
Response time: 1 business day with preliminary CMT range or follow-up questions.
We produce a proto sample at $80–180 including shipping to the US. The sample is produced in the specified stitch structure and gauge, in your closest available yarn if the exact spec yarn isn't in stock. We ship via DHL or FedEx express to your US address.
Sample review: evaluate fit, construction quality, stitch definition, and hand feel. If revisions are needed, we produce a revised sample at a reduced fee or incorporate changes into bulk if the revisions are minor. Most programs need one proto and one revision sample before bulk.
Payment: sample fee paid in full before production (T/T bank transfer or credit card via invoice link).
Once the sample is approved, we issue a formal purchase order confirmation with: style details, yarn spec, colorways, quantities per size, unit CMT price, total amount, and production and delivery timeline. You confirm and pay a 30% deposit.
At this stage we also: confirm yarn availability and source your specified fiber if not already in stock; schedule production slot (typically 2–4 weeks from deposit to production start); confirm export documentation requirements (certificate of origin, EUR.1 if applicable for your market).
Most programs run 45–60 days from production start to goods-ready. Complex constructions (intarsia, multi-stitch jacquard, WHOLEGARMENT) or larger quantities may add 1–2 weeks. We send a production update at the midpoint and a pre-shipment QC report when production is complete.
Pre-production sample: one unit produced at the start of bulk run for final construction confirmation. If you want this shipped to you for review before we run the full order, we can arrange that — it adds 7–10 days. Most clients with an approved proto skip this for faster delivery.
When production is complete, we send the final QC report with measurements and photo documentation. You pay the 70% balance, and we ship. Standard shipment is ocean LCL (less than container load) from Mersin or Iskenderun port; transit to US East Coast is 18–22 days, West Coast 22–28 days.
Documentation included: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin (EUR.1 or A.TR for Customs Union). Additional documentation (UFLPA cotton supply chain, fiber content, care labels) prepared per your US import requirements.
Incoterms: we typically quote FOB Mersin or CIF US destination. DDP (delivered duty paid to your door) can be arranged for an additional fee via our freight forwarder.
| Stage | Duration | Your action |
|---|---|---|
| Brief → Proto start | 3–5 days | Send brief, confirm sample spec, pay sample fee |
| Proto production | 10–14 days | Wait |
| Proto review & revision | 5–14 days | Review, request revisions, approve |
| Order confirmation → production start | 14–28 days | Confirm PO, pay 30% deposit |
| Bulk production | 45–60 days | Review midpoint update, approve QC report |
| Balance payment → shipment | 3–5 days | Pay 70% balance |
| Ocean transit to US | 18–28 days | Arrange customs broker & delivery |
| Total (first order) | ~16–20 weeks | Plan your collection calendar accordingly |
Yes. We welcome buyer visits to our facility in Tekstilkent, Gaziantep. Most US buyers visit during proto development or before placing their first bulk order. We'll arrange transport from Gaziantep airport. Give us 2 weeks' notice to schedule around production.
We work with both. Private label brands (your branding, your design) make up the majority of our US programs. We also produce for wholesale brands supplying retail accounts. We don't sell under our own brand — everything we produce carries your label.
We'll revise it. If a sample has a construction or quality issue that's our fault, we reproduce it at no additional charge. If the revision is a design change from your side, there's a reduced sample fee. We don't consider a program approved until you're satisfied with the sample quality.
Yes. We work with established yarn suppliers across Italy (Zegna Baruffa, Tollegno), Turkey, and China for commodity yarns. We can source merino, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, cotton, TENCEL, and recycled fiber to your spec. Specify the fiber, count, and any certification requirements (OEKO-TEX, GRS, BCI) in your brief.
FOB Mersin or Iskenderun is our standard. We can also arrange CIF to your US port of entry, or DDP (landed and delivered) via our freight partner. FOB gives you control over freight and insurance; CIF and DDP are more hands-off for your team. We'll recommend based on your logistics setup.
Send your brief or tech pack. We'll reply within 1 business day with a preliminary CMT range and any questions about your construction. No commitment required at this stage.
Order Process Guides
Step 1
What a complete knitwear tech pack must include — and the mistakes that delay production.
Read guide →Step 2
From proto to pre-production sample: stages, timelines and what to approve at each step.
Read guide →Step 3
How TT, LC and other terms work — and which protects you at each stage of an order.
Read guide →Step 4
The pre-shipment checks US importers need — AQL, measurements, finish and labeling.
Read guide →Planning
Backwards from your on-floor date: when to order yarn, approve samples and book freight.
Read guide →