The question 'what does production in China cost?' is actually the wrong question. The right questions are: what are my total landed costs — the amount you pay per piece including everything, all the way to your warehouse? And what is the price I can and want to charge my customer?
Sample costs (one-off per style)
A pre-production sample normally costs between €50–300 per style, depending on complexity. This is not a cost to cut corners on — an approved sample is your guarantee for the series production.
Production costs per piece (FOB price)
This is the price ex-factory in China. Factors that influence the price: fabric weight and composition, number of panels and seams, number of colours and print techniques, volume (more pieces = lower unit price), finishing details (zips, labels, special stitching).
Quality control
At BC Branding, quality control is included in the production price. For brands that organise production independently, an external AQL inspection costs approximately €250–400 per day.
Shipping and import costs
Sea freight from China takes 6–8 weeks and costs roughly €1,500–3,000 per 20-foot container. Air freight takes 7–10 days and costs approximately 4–6 times as much per kilo. On arrival in the EU, import duties apply: for clothing typically 12%, for bags 3.7%.
Total landed cost calculation
The landed cost is: FOB price + quality control + sea freight + insurance + import duty + VAT + any local transport. BC Branding makes this calculation for every order, so you know exactly what you pay per piece at your warehouse door.