You sell shoes. You buy in volume. You answer to clients, buyers, and store deadlines. Your job needs a factory that ships on time and hits your cost. One delay or one bad batch can wipe out your margin. It can also hurt your brand. You do not just need a supplier. You need a partner you can trust.
This guide speaks to wholesale buyers, brand owners, distributors, and chain-store teams. It shows how to plan, source, sign, and control production in China. It uses plain steps, real checks, and numbers you can use.
Step 1: Build a clear, working tech pack
A good tech pack saves money. It stops rework. It makes the sample match the idea. You should write it like an instruction manual.
What to include:
Product and market. Say the style and user. Retailer rules: BSCI or SMETA for social audit if your buyer asks. Some retailers ask for LWG leather, RCS/GRS for recycled claims.
Packaging. State inner pack, carton, and labels. For example: “1 pair per box. 10 pairs per master carton. Carton 62×42×35 cm. Max 18 kg. Barcode on box and carton. ‘Made in China’ on box and outsole.” Add drop test (ISTA 1A) if you need it.
Photos and drawings. Add 2D drawings with measurements. Add any 3D renders if you have them.
OEM or ODM. Say if the design is yours (OEM) or if you will use a factory design with your changes (ODM).
You can add a short example sheet for clarity. For example:
“Style 2401 Chukka. Upper leather black Pantone 419 C. Lining tan. Lace 3 mm round waxed cotton black. Outsole TPR Black. Insole PU foam 4 mm. Stitch 6 SPI. Size run US 7–13. AQL Major 2.5, Minor 4.0. Carton 10 pairs. Label per GS1.”
Step 2: Pick the right hubs and a specialist factory
China has many shoe hubs. Each hub has a focus. Pick primarily based on your class and charge point.
Guangdong (Dongguan, Guangzhou, Huizhou). Strong in trend sneakers, robe shoes, kids, and blended materials. Ports: Shenzhen, Guangzhou.
Fujian (Jinjiang, Quanzhou, Xiamen, Putian). Strong in athletic and casual. Good for knit uppers and molded outsoles. Port: Xiamen.
Zhejiang (Wenzhou, Taizhou, Haining). Strong in leather-based gown and casual boots. Port: Ningbo.
Sichuan (Chengdu, Chongzhou). Strong in women’s fashion and boots. Port: Chongqing rail + coastal transload.
Jiangsu (Yangzhou). Strong in slippers and house shoes.
Shandong (Qingdao, Weifang). Strong in safety boots and work shoes. Port: Qingdao.
Match your need to the factory’s core. A plant that runs canvas vulcanized shoes well may not run Goodyear welt boots well. Ask for a line list with machines. For example: cementing line count, lasting machines, injection presses (TR/TPR/EVA/RB), Computer Stitching Machines, automatic cutting, and cold rooms.
Typical MOQs by means of category (you can ask for lower on trials):
Athletic sneakers: 500–1,200 pairs per color.
Leather boots: 300–600 pairs per color.
EVA sandals and slides: 1,000–5,000 pairs per coloration (molded).
Safety boots: 500–1,000 pairs per style.
A first email that gets replies:
Who you are. “We are a wholesaler serving big box stores in the EU and the Middle East.”
What you want. “Men’s safety boot S3 SRC with composite toe. EU sizes 40–46.”
Your target price and volume. “FOB target USD 19–23. First PO 3,000 pairs. Full year 20,000 pairs.”
Your market tests. “Need EN ISO 20345 and ISO 13287 slip test.”
Your files. Attach a short tech pack (PDF under 5 MB).
You can ask for sample lead time and a rough FOB price. Normal sample lead time is 10–20 days for simple shoes. Tooling can add 20–35 days. Normal mass lead time is 45–60 days after you approve the golden sample and materials.
Step 3: Check the factory before you place a PO
You should run real checks. You want proof, not promises.
License check. Use the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (www.gsxt.gov.cn). Match the legal name, address, and legal rep. Ask for a scanned business license and the company chop. The bank account name must match the license name.
Identity check. Ask if they are a factory or a trading company. Ask for shop floor photos with date cards. Ask for a live video tour during working hours.
IP protection. Use an NNN Agreement (Non Use, Non Disclosure, Non Circumvention). Use Chinese language. Use Chinese law. Ask a China lawyer to draft it. Stamp it with the red company chop.
No subcontract rule. Put “no subcontract without written approval” in your PO and contract.
Third party audit. Book SGS, Intertek, QIMA, or TÜV. A basic audit often costs USD 300–600. Ask them to check capacity, quality system, social compliance, and safety. Ask for photos of key processes.
Reference check. Ask for two export clients in your channel. If they cannot share, you can use public import records services to verify shipments by HS code (paid sites exist).
Trial job. Start with one style or one color. Keep it tight. You can grow after the team proves it.
Extra items that help:
Seasonal plan. China closes for 1–3 weeks at Chinese New Year. Golden Week also slows things. Lock your calendar early.
Capacity proof. Ask for daily output by line. For example: “Line 3 can make 900–1,100 pairs per day on cemented sneakers.”
Lab tests. Ask which labs they use. SATRA, CTC, BV, SGS, Intertek are common.
Step 4: Sign the deal the right way
A clear contract keeps you safe. It should be in Chinese. It should be under Chinese law. It should show the same legal entity as the business license. You should attach your tech pack and QC checklist as annexes. You should stamp all pages.
Key terms that buyers use:
Incoterms. EXW means you pick up at the factory. FOB means the factory loads on the ship at the origin port. CIF means the seller pays sea freight and insurance to your port. DDP means the seller delivers to your door and pays duties. Many buyers use FOB. It gives control of freight and cost.
Payment. A normal plan is 30% deposit and 70% after a passed inspection. You can use T/T. For big orders (often above USD 100,000), you can use a letter of credit. Do not pay 100% up front.
AQL and defects. Set AQL Critical 0, Major 2.5, Minor 4.0. Use ISO 2859 1 for sampling. Define defect types. For example: open cement line, shade mismatch outside band, size out of tolerance, scratch on vamp over 5 mm.
Rework rule. If the shipment fails, the factory must fix and pay for re inspection. The balance stays on hold.
Late delivery. Add a late penalty per week. Many buyers use 0.5%–1% per week, capped at 5%.
Tools and molds. Say who owns each mold and last. State the cost and storage. State that the factory must not use your molds for others. State that you can take molds out after last payment.
Price lock and surcharges. Lock price for 90 days or for the PO. If there is a raw material surge, agree on a clear trigger and proof.
No substitution. State that no material can change without your written approval.
Social and safety. If you sell to a retailer, add BSCI/SMETA/WRAP as needed. Add safety test pass as a condition to ship.
Tooling cost guide (for planning):
Outsole injection mold (EVA/TPR/RB): about USD 1,500–5,000 per size run. Complex outsoles can cost more.
Aluminum cutting dies for uppers (“knife molds”): about USD 200–800 per set.
Lasts: about USD 300–800 per size set.
Step 5: Go from golden sample to stable quality
The golden sample is the master. You approve it. You seal it. The factory signs and stamps it. Every pair must match it.
How to reach a good golden sample:
Round 1: You check shape, fit, and look. You give clear numbers. For example: “Forefoot width is 5 mm too wide. Vamp stitch is 2 mm off the line.”
Round 2: You check changes and test wear for a few days. You bend the shoe 10,000 times on a simple flex tester if you can. You check bond and color rub.
Round 3: You lock the details. You lock the packaging. You approve and seal.
What to check in production:
Pre production meeting (PPM). You and the factory review the tech pack and the golden sample before mass. You align on materials and shade.
In line check. Your inspector checks when 20%–30% is made. They catch issues early. They compare to the golden sample on site.
Final random inspection (FRI). Your inspector uses AQL. They open cartons. They check sizes and packing. They check carton marks. They take photos and a video. They write a report the same day.
Container loading check. For large orders, you can add loading supervision. The inspector checks SKU mix, carton count, and seals.
Common defects to watch:
Glue line open at the toe or heel.
Shade difference between left and right shoe.
Skewed heel or warped outsole.
Wrong size marking or mixed sizes in one carton.
Stitch skipped or broken.
Poor lasting with wrinkles on vamp.
Outsole logo off center.
Ship and customs basics you can use now
You have two jobs here. You must move the goods. You must clear customs.
Freight forwarder. A good forwarder books space, picks up, files export papers, clears at your port, and delivers to your warehouse. You can ask for 3 quotes.
Sea lead time. China to US West Coast about 14–18 days on water. US East Coast about 28–35 days. China to EU about 28–40 days. Middle East about 20–25 days. Latin America about 35–45 days. These are sea days only. Port and inland add time.
Air lead time. 3–7 days door to airport in most cases. Cost is high. Use for urgent re fills or samples.
Duties and HS codes. Shoes have many HS codes. The rate depends on material, outsole, and use. For example, leather uppers and rubber outsoles have a different code from textile uppers. Your broker will ask for the material breakdown and the country of origin. You should print “Made in China” on the product and the box.
Retail prep. If you ship to DCs or to FBA, you should set carton size and weight caps. Many DCs cap at 18–20 kg. You should place GS1 barcodes on boxes. You should add carton labels with SKU, color, size run, and pair count.
Cost planning you can show your boss
Here is a simple FOB cost example for a men’s leather boot at a mid price:
Upper leather and lining: USD 6.20
Outsole and midsole: USD 3.40
Insole, laces, thread, eyelets, box, tissue, labels: USD 2.10
Labor: USD 2.30
Overhead and margin: USD 3.00
Tooling amortization (spread over 5,000 pairs): USD 0.60
Total FOB target: about USD 17.60
This is only an example. Your spec, leather grade, outsole, and volume will change the number.
How to write a clean first PO
Your PO should match your contract. It should say:
Style code, color, size run, and size curve.
Quantity per size and per color.
Unit price and Incoterm and port. For example: “FOB Xiamen USD 18.90.”
Golden sample ID and date.
Lead time and ship window. For example: “Ship no later than Nov 15, 2025.”
AQL levels and inspection company.
Packing list details. For example: “10 pairs per carton. 1 style per carton.”
Payment terms. For example: “30% deposit, 70% after passed FRI.”
No subcontract and no material change clause.
IP and mold control that actually works
You should keep your designs safe. You should keep your molds in your control.
Use an NNN and a manufacturing contract. Use Chinese language. Use Chinese law. Stamp with red chop.
List each mold by ID. Add photos. State owner is you. State storage address. State return terms.
Keep one golden sample with the mold. Seal both. Mark “Private Mold.”
Visit or send an agent to check molds once a year.
Real timelines you can plan around
This is a normal plan for a new style. You can tighten it later with the same factory.
Week 1: RFQ with tech pack. Video call with factory.
Week 2: Quote review. Target cost alignment. NNN signed.
Week 3–4: T0 sample. Basic fit check. Feedback with numbers.
Week 5–6: T1 sample. Wear test. Minor tweaks.
Week 7–8: T2 sample. Sealed golden sample. PO and deposit.
Week 9–10: Material booking. Lab tests for key parts.
Week 11: PPM. Pilot run of 50 pairs.
Week 12–19: Mass production. In line check at 20%–30%.
Week 20: FRI. Rework if needed. Balance payment.
Week 21–24: Ocean transit and customs (lane dependent).
Practical red flags and simple fixes
You should pause if:
The factory will not show a shop floor on video. You can ask for a 10 minute walk through at 10 a.m. local time.
The bank account name does not match the business license. You can ask for a stamped account opening license.
The sample looks great but the factory refuses a third party FRI. You can insist. It is standard.
The quoted lead time ignores Chinese New Year. You can shift the PO date or move production earlier.
You can fix many issues with simple tools:
A one page QC checklist with photos.
A shared WIP tracker with weekly photos.
A WhatsApp group with the merchandiser, QC, and your buyer. Keep all notes there.
A standing Tuesday call for 15 minutes.
What we need from you to quote in 12 hours
You can speed up a real quote if you send:
A short tech pack or a clear spec sheet with 5–10 photos.
Target FOB by style and volume. A range is fine.
Your market and compliance needs.
Your ship window and port.
Our sourcing team can give a full quote or a costed range in 12 hours. We can also offer current ODM styles if you need a fast start.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the single most important document I need for a smooth production run in China?
Without a doubt, it is the Tech Pack. A professional tech pack acts as the master instruction manual for the factory. It should include everything from 2D design drawings with measurements and Pantone color codes to a complete list of materials and your required quality standards (like AQL levels). A detailed tech pack is the key to preventing misunderstandings and getting the exact shoe you designed.
2. How do I protect my intellectual property (IP) when working with a Chinese shoe manufacturer?
This is a critical step. A standard Western NDA is often not enforceable in China. You must use a China-specific NNN (Non-Use, Non-Disclosure, Non-Circumvention) agreement, drafted in Chinese and governed by Chinese law. You should also clearly state in your contract that you are the sole owner of any custom molds or tooling that you pay for.
3. What is the most effective way to ensure the quality of my shoes before they ship?
Do not rely solely on the factory’s internal QC team. The most effective way to ensure quality is to hire your own independent, third-party inspection company to conduct a Final Random Inspection (FRI) based on AQL standards. Make your final 70% balance payment contingent on the shipment passing this inspection. This is your most powerful tool for quality control.
Final Thoughts: Your Partner in a Complex Process
As we’ve explored, the journey from a tech pack to a finished shoe is complex. Success hinges on mastering every step—from sourcing the right materials and navigating MOQs to implementing rigorous quality control. It’s about finding a partner who doesn’t just follow instructions, but who understands the entire process and is as committed to your brand’s success as you are.
At Jinhua Shoes, this is our entire philosophy. Since 2004, from our home in Wenzhou, China’s shoe capital, we’ve been the trusted OEM & ODM engine behind leading brands and retailers across five continents. We combine our deep understanding of the manufacturing process with a relentless obsession with the details, helping you turn your vision into a market-ready, world-class product.
If you’re ready to partner with a factory that delivers on its promises, we’re ready to listen.
Got a project in mind? Let’s turn it into reality. Send your project details to our expert team by email to start the conversation.
📧 Email: sales@jinhuashoes.com
(You’ll get personalized expert feedback within 12 hours.)
