Turkish private label takes 6-10 weeks from tech pack to bulk: 1-2 weeks sample, 3-4 weeks production, 1-2 weeks finishing, 1-2 weeks shipping. MOQs from 100/style for knits, 200/style for woven and denim.
- Sample
- 1-2 weeks
- Production
- 3-4 weeks
- Finishing
- 1-2 weeks
- Total cycle
- 6-10 weeks
Define your tech pack
A complete tech pack includes garment sketches, measurement specs across grade, fabric and trim BOM, label and care symbol layout, packaging instructions. Vague tech packs lead to expensive iterations.
For first-time private label, hire a freelance tech-pack designer or use templates from sourcing platforms. The investment pays back in faster sampling and fewer disputes.
Find the right district and factory
Match your category to the right Istanbul district or Bursa mill. Womens RTW = Osmanbey/Merter. Denim = Bagcilar. Knitwear = Bursa. Modest fashion = Merter. Premium = Osmanbey or Bursa.
Shortlist 5-8 factories per district. Visit if possible. For remote sourcing, request video factory tours and audit reports.
Sampling process
Submit tech pack, fabric swatches and reference samples. Expect first proto in 7-14 days. Iterate 2-3 times before approving fit, fabric and finish. Total sampling phase: 3-5 weeks for complex pieces, 1-2 weeks for simple programs.
Negotiate sample fees and credit clause early. Document every sample with photos and notes; comparison samples will be needed throughout the bulk run.
Labels, packaging, branding
Private label means your brand identity goes on every product. Plan main label, care label, hangtag, polybag and master carton design 4-6 weeks ahead of bulk start.
Many factories offer in-house labelling or coordinate with local label-makers. For premium programs, control your own label supplier and ship to factory.
Bulk production and QC
30% T/T deposit triggers bulk. Schedule mid-production and pre-shipment inspections. Demand a top-of-production sample before final QC.
Pre-shipment AQL 2.5 is standard. Reject lots above AQL or negotiate rework. Document everything in writing for next-order reference.
Repeat orders
First orders take 8-10 weeks. Repeat orders, with patterns already established and fabric available, can run 4-6 weeks. Build repeat business with 2-3 reliable factories to spread risk and improve negotiating position.
Most successful brands graduate from sourcing agents to direct factory relationships by year 2-3. Maintain at least one backup factory per category.