Sourcing glossary
Lead time
Also known as: Production lead time, Delivery time, 交货期, 交期, 리드타임, 납기
The time from order confirmation (usually deposit receipt) until goods are ready to ship, which in China sourcing normally excludes transit time to the destination.
Clarify what the supplier's quoted lead time starts from and ends with. "30 days" usually means 30 days after the deposit and approval of the pre-production sample until goods are packed at the factory — not until they reach you. Add sample rounds, tooling, inspection, booking and the sea or air transit to get your real timeline.
Lead times stretch before and after Chinese New Year, when factories close for several weeks and workers may not return. Put the ship date in the PO and plan a buffer. See OEM vs ODM for why custom products take longer.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Fairs
How to Plan a China Sourcing Trip: Cities, Itinerary, Visas
Plan a 5–7 day China sourcing trip: cities by product, a sample Guangzhou and Yiwu itinerary, visa-free entry rules, mobile payments and a factory checklist.
Updated 2026-09-26 · 6 min read
E-commerce
China Dropshipping Agent vs AliExpress: Which to Use and When
AliExpress dropshipping vs a China fulfillment agent compared on product cost, delivery time, branding, quality control and stock, plus clear signs it's time to switch.
Updated 2026-09-25 · 6 min read
Platforms
How to Verify an Alibaba Supplier Before You Pay
Check an Alibaba.com supplier step by step: what Verified and Gold Supplier badges mean, business license lookups, factory vs trader signals and red flags.
Updated 2026-09-15 · 5 min read
Fairs
Canton Fair Guide: Autumn 2026 Dates, Registration and Tips
The 140th Canton Fair runs in three phases from October 15 to November 4, 2026. What each phase covers, how the buyer badge works, and how to prepare and follow up.
Updated 2026-09-13 · 6 min read
Yiwu
How to Buy from the Yiwu Market Without Visiting
How overseas buyers source from Yiwu remotely: agents, video-call booth tours, the Chinagoods platform, consolidation warehouses, payment, QC and the main risks.
Updated 2026-09-10 · 6 min read
Private label
OEM vs ODM: Which Manufacturing Model Fits Your Product?
OEM, ODM, private label and white label compared: who owns the design, tooling costs, MOQs, lead times and how to protect your IP when manufacturing in China.
Updated 2026-09-04 · 6 min read
Part of OEM & Private Label.