One of the biggest anxieties for brands working with an overseas manufacturer for the first time is the uncertainty of the development process. What happens after you send your design? How long does it take? Who decides what? What if the sample doesn't match your vision?
At VELA, we've refined our custom handbag development process over 15 years into a clear, collaborative 7-step journey — so you always know where you are and what comes next.
We begin with a structured design brief. You share your vision through sketches, reference images, material swatches, competitor bags, or written descriptions. The more detail, the better — but we're experienced at working from minimal input too. Our development team asks the right questions to fill any gaps.
Based on your brief, we present material options — leathers from China, South Korea, and India — alongside hardware selections (zippers, clasps, D-rings, chains) in the appropriate finishes. We source materials that match your quality tier and price target.
Our pattern makers translate your design into precise technical specifications. A full spec sheet is created, documenting dimensions, construction methods, stitch density, and finishing details. This becomes the production bible for your bag.
Our skilled sample room produces the first physical prototype — typically within 15–20 days of brief confirmation. This prototype is photographed, measured against specs, and shipped to you for review.
We expect revisions — they're a normal part of development. Based on your feedback, we adjust dimensions, materials, construction, or hardware and produce revised samples. Most projects reach final approval within 2–3 revision rounds.
Once the design is approved, we produce a pre-production "golden sample" — the definitive reference standard against which all bulk production units are measured. This sample is signed off by both parties before production begins.
Production begins with your golden sample as the benchmark. Our QC team conducts inline inspections throughout production and a final pre-shipment inspection before goods leave our facility. You receive inspection reports for full transparency.
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Brief to first prototype | 15–20 days |
| Revision rounds (per round) | 10–15 days |
| Golden sample approval | 5–7 days |
| Bulk production (after materials arrive) | 30–45 days |
Ready to start your development journey with VELA? Send us your design brief and we'll respond within 24 hours.
136-8890-9133
