Over the past few years, we’ve published many blog posts about custom handbags, covering topics such as bag types, materials, hardware, linings, and sample making, but never a real-world case study.
Today, this blog post will showcase a real-world example, illustrating how we completed a new client’s order within 80 days of receiving an inquiry and delivering the bags.
Inquiry Stage
On the morning of Sunday, November 16, 2025, we received an inquiry from a client via WhatsApp. Despite it being the weekend, we responded promptly within 5 hours.
After three days of communication, we explained to the client the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for customized handbags, the available customization options, the general customization process, and our price range.
The client confirmed four designs on November 20. Two were our original designs, with some modifications by the client; the other two were images generated by the client using AI tools. After analysis by our team, we determined that the client’s AI-generated designs and requirements were feasible.
The client paid the sample fee to our company account through the Wise Platform on the same day. We received the sample fee from the client in just two hours. This was very timely and significantly reduced the waiting time.
For more information on how to convert AI designs into physical handbag samples, please read our blog: AI-Designed Handbags: From Concept to Real Sample
For more information on customizable handbag options, please read our blog: Complete Handbag Customization Options Guide
If you also need customized bags, please send us your detailed requirements, and we will provide you with full guidance from sample production to delivery.
Handbag Sample Production Stage
November 21, 2025: Our team entered the sample production stage.
Two of the samples were modified from our original designs, and we completed them in approximately 5 days.
The other two were generated using AI. Thanks to the efforts of our experienced sample makers, the paper molds were completed in 3-4 days. After some minor adjustments, they were ready for sample production.
December 5, 2025: 15 days after receiving the client’s sample payment, we completed all four samples as planned and provided the client with beautiful photos of the actual handbag samples.
Since the client did not have an international courier collect-on-delivery account, we collected the international shipping fee from the client first and then shipped the four samples using our own account.
With less than two months until the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday, we suggested that the client use the faster DHL express service. Although the shipping cost was about 20% higher, it could save 2-5 days of delivery time.
December 7: Samples were shipped from our company. The client received the samples as planned on December 9th, and three days later, on December 12th, confirmed all modifications: two designs could be directly put into mass production, while the other two required minor modifications and did not need to be remade as samples.
From sample production to final confirmation of all order details, we took a total of 22 days. This was thanks to the close cooperation of our team and the client’s rapid response.
If you need handbag samples made, please feel free to contact our team.
Bulk Production Stage
On December 13, 2025, the client paid a 30% deposit via Wise, which we received two hours later.
At this point, the order for 400 handbags (4 styles, 100 of each style and color) officially entered the production stage.
We estimate delivery time is January 31, 2026, a total of 49 days. Since we cannot currently provide shipment volumes, we offered the client with an Ex-Works (EXW) price and confirmed the sea freight costs before shipment.
The next steps include material procurement, die making, material cutting, etc.
On January 5, 2026, the client inquired about taking photos after the order was completed. The client requested detailed photos of the four handbags from various angles, against a white background, taken of the actual items. These photos will be used for online promotion (on the official website and Amazon store).
This service is provided free of charge.
We also updated the client on the order progress. The materials have been cut, and edge painting is underway.
For more information on edge painting, please read our article: Unlock the Secrets of Edge Painting: A Complete Guide to Perfecting Your Handbags
On January 22, 2026, production was nearing completion, approximately 85% finished. At this point, we could provide accurate shipment volume and weight. We inquired with the client about the warehouse address and shipping method, either CIF or DDP, to provide a reasonable shipping quote.
For new clients, especially novice buyers lacking import experience, we strongly recommend choosing DDP terms. Clients simply need to provide the correct information, and our freight forwarder will ensure the goods are delivered smoothly and on time to the client’s designated location.
Shipment Stage
On January 26, 2026, the client paid the balance payment and confirmed the delivery method as CIF XX port.
After communicating with our long-term freight forwarder and arranging booking, the goods successfully arrived at the Guangzhou port warehouse on January 29, awaiting shipment.
A minor hiccup occurred during this process: after receiving the goods, the freight forwarder used a laser rangefinder to measure the volume, and the result was slightly larger than our manual measurement.
This is actually normal. We manually measured the edges of the outer carton, while the freight forwarder used a laser rangefinder to measure the maximum length, width, and height of the outer carton.
During the packaging process, the middle part of the outer carton may bulge slightly, resulting in a slight increase in volume. As long as the deviation is within a certain range (based on our experience: the length, width, and height of a single carton measured by the freight forwarder is usually 0.5-1 cm larger than our measurement), it is within a reasonable range. The freight forwarder’s data will ultimately prevail.
For example, if our outer carton dimensions are 60 cm long, 40 cm wide, and 40 cm height, the freight forwarder might measure the same carton as 60.5 cm x 41 cm x 41 cm.
The entire order contains 400 handbags, totaling 32 cartons. Therefore, the final volume difference is minimal.
The estimated shipping date is February 3rd from Guangzhou Port, February 11th via Hong Kong Port, and February 27th arrival at the client’s destination port.
The advantage of working with our strong freight forwarder is that even during the busy period before the Chinese New Year, our goods still departed from Guangzhou Port as scheduled on February 3rd for transshipment in Hong Kong.
After the order is completed, we arrange a telex release bill of lading for the client and send the relevant shipping plans, documents, and other necessary information to the client and their local import agent via email.
Conclusion
From receiving the client’s inquiry to the goods being shipped from Guangzhou port, the entire order took 80 days.
The ability to complete delivery so smoothly before the 2026 Chinese New Year (peak delivery season for Chinese suppliers) was due to a combination of factors.
** Timely Communication: ** We used WhatsApp to communicate with the client, which was much faster than traditional email. Both the client and we could respond clearly and accurately immediately after seeing the message.
Traditional email exchanges might only amount to 2-3 messages per day, but instant messaging tools like WhatsApp or WeChat allow for 10 or more communications and responses daily.
We greatly appreciate the client’s timely responses, which saved us valuable time in production.
** Fast Payment Methods: ** Compared to traditional bank transfers, our client chose the convenient third-party payment method Wise. We received the payment within approximately two hours of the transfer.
Traditional bank transfers typically take 2-4 business days.
The entire order involved three payments from the client (sample fee, order deposit, and balance payment), saving us at least six days of waiting time.
** Strong Supply Chain: ** While 400 pieces handbags may seem like a small number, managing four different styles requires a strong material supply chain. Otherwise, you might find yourself in the awkward situation of having one material in stock while another hardware is out of stock.
Our company is located in Shiling Town, Huadu District, Guangzhou. This area boasts thousands of material suppliers, covering a wide range of handbag raw materials, such as genuine leather, eco-friendly PU, hardware, and linings. In addition, hundreds of suppliers offer specialty processes such as embroidery and digital printing.
With such a vast supply chain, we can provide comprehensive customized handbag services to clients worldwide, whether it’s a single-color order of 100 pieces or a multi-style, multi-color order of tens of thousands.
It’s 2026 now. If you’re looking for a reliable handbag customization supplier, Uncle Nine Leather is definitely your best choice.
Whether it’s bringing your AI designs to life or selecting and modifying styles from our hundreds of new designs each year, we can provide you with the perfect service.
Contact our professional team today!
