Lead Times and Production Scheduling
Launch dates are fixed by marketing; everything upstream has to be scheduled backwards from them.
At a glance
- Dieline and digital proof: about 2 working days
- Printed pre-production sample: 5-7 working days
- Courier transit 3-6 days to most markets
- Approval gate before any plate is made
Overview
Launch dates are fixed by marketing; everything upstream has to be scheduled backwards from them. We publish realistic windows at quotation and then lock them to a written milestone schedule.
A short technical call usually resolves this faster than a long email thread.
Sampling and Approval
White mock-ups and digital proofs are usually produced within two working days of receiving dimensions and artwork. A fully finished printed sample takes 5-7 working days after artwork approval, plus courier transit.
- Dieline and digital proof: about 2 working days
- Printed pre-production sample: 5-7 working days
- Courier transit 3-6 days to most markets
- Approval gate before any plate is made
Ask for the supporting document pack if your compliance team needs to review it.
Production
Standard mass production runs 12-18 days after sample approval, depending on finishing passes and hand-assembly content. Seasonal peaks - particularly Q3 for holiday programmes - should be reserved four to six weeks in advance.
- Typical 12-18 day production window
- Additional 1-2 days per extra finishing pass
- Reserved capacity for seasonal campaigns
- Written milestone schedule per order
The same standard applies to a first pilot run and to a full seasonal programme.
Freight Windows
Sea freight to North America and Europe is typically 25-35 days port to port; Gulf, ANZ and Brazil routes vary by service. Air freight or express courier reduces door-to-door transit to roughly 5-9 days for urgent launches.
- Sea freight 25-35 days to major ports
- Air and express 5-9 days door to door
- Buffer for customs clearance at destination
- Forwarder cut-off dates built into the schedule
Buyers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil rely on this because it removes ambiguity at the quotation stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you meet a fixed launch date?
- Yes, if the slot is reserved early. Share the in-store date and we will work backwards to an artwork deadline.
- What delays projects most?
- Late artwork, unapproved Pantone references and additional finishing passes added after sampling.
- Do you offer rush production?
- Where capacity allows, yes; we will state the feasible window and any premium in writing.
Ready to specify your packaging?
Send your artwork, target size and quantity. Our engineering team replies with a structural suggestion, an FOB price and a sampling plan within one working day.
Related Resources
Request a quote
Canfei Packing buyer resource
MOQ & pricing
Canfei Packing buyer resource
How to order
Canfei Packing buyer resource
Lead times
Canfei Packing buyer resource
FAQ
Canfei Packing buyer resource
