How to Start a Hardware Project
If you have never sourced bag or garment hardware from a factory before, the first quotation request is the hardest part. This page sets out what we need from you, what happens after you send it, and what you get back at each stage.
Step 1 — Decide what you actually need
You do not need a finished drawing to start. A photo of a similar part, a sketch, or even a sample in the post is enough for a first review. What matters is that we understand the end use: the same buckle specification behaves differently on a laptop bag, a climbing harness and a child’s coat.
If you are still comparing options, the library covers 22 product categories, 8 materials and 12 surface finishes, each with the properties that matter for sourcing rather than marketing copy.
Step 2 — Send these eight things
A quotation request with these eight items can usually be answered without a second round of questions. Missing items are the single most common reason a quote takes longer than it should.
- Product type — Which part it is — buckle, button, rivet, snap hook, eyelet, trim.
- End use — Bags, garments, denim, footwear, outdoor gear, pet accessories or home textiles. Load, washing and exposure differ between them.
- Size or specification — Webbing width, inner diameter, thickness, or a drawing. Without this, tooling cost cannot be estimated.
- Material preference — Or the property you need — strength, weight, corrosion resistance — and we suggest the material.
- Finish preference — Finish and base material are quoted together, because plating cost changes with the combination.
- Quantity — Per colour and per size, not only the total. It decides whether a new mold is worth opening.
- Logo requirement — Artwork, and whether the logo is engraved, embossed, printed or on a separate plate.
- Testing or document requirement — Salt spray, pull strength, nickel release or a specific buyer standard, if your market requires it.
Not sure about one of them? Send what you have. We will tell you which gaps actually block a quote and which can be settled later.
Step 3 — What happens next
Custom parts follow the same eight stages regardless of category. Stock items skip the middle stages and go straight from brief to sample.
- Inquiry & Brief — Share your idea, sketch or sample.
- Design & DFM — Our engineers review manufacturability.
- 3D Modeling — 3D models and technical drawings for approval.
- Prototype Sample — Precision sample production and quality check.
- Sample Approval — Confirm details, function and finish.
- Mold & Tooling — High-precision mold development and testing.
- Bulk Production — Mass production with strict quality control.
- Packing & Delivery — Secure packaging and worldwide shipping.
What to expect on timing and quantity
Standard sample lead time is 7–10 days and typical starting quantities are 300–500 pcs, but both depend on material, finish and whether a new mold is required. The figure that applies to your part is confirmed after technical review — we do not quote a single number that would be wrong for half of the catalogue.
Testing and compliance documents can be arranged on request. The applicable scope depends on material, finish and your market’s requirement, so tell us the standard you need to meet rather than asking for “all certificates”.