Stage 1 — Design and Quotation
Everything starts with your inputs: a sketch, a 3D file, a physical sample to copy, or just a reference photo with a target price. The engineering team converts this into 3D drawings and a cost sheet covering brass weight, cartridge grade, finish, cartridge and packaging. A serious quotation states assumptions explicitly — wall thickness, cartridge brand class, plating stack — so you can compare like with like across suppliers.
Stage 2 — Tooling and Sampling
New bodies require new molds: gravity casting dies and machining fixtures typically take 15–25 days. First articles, the "golden samples", are your reference for everything that follows — sign off on spout angle, handle torque, aerator sound and finish before mass production starts. Changes after tooling are expensive; changes after plating are worse.
Stage 3 — Mass Production and QC
Production runs casting → CNC machining → polishing → plating → assembly → testing. Every unit should pass a water-pressure leak test; reputable factories also run 100% flow checks and periodic salt-spray and life-cycle tests on cartridges. Plan a third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek or your own agent) at 80% production complete — it is the cheapest insurance in the whole chain.
- Drawings or a reference sample, plus target market and required certifications
- Finish and cartridge specification, including any brand requirements
- Order quantities per SKU and per finish
- Packaging and branding files: boxes, manuals, logo laser files
| Stage | Typical duration | Your action |
|---|---|---|
| Design & quotation | 3–7 days | Send drawings, specs and target price |
| Tooling | 15–25 days | Approve mold schedule and payment terms |
| Golden samples | 7–10 days | Sign off spout, handle, finish, sound |
| Mass production | 20–35 days | Book third-party inspection at 80% |
| Inspection & loading | 2–3 days | Review report, confirm loading plan |
What to Prepare Before Requesting a Quote
The five items above cover 90% of first-round questions. Providing them upfront cuts quotation time from weeks to days and removes the biggest source of later misunderstandings: assumptions made silently on both sides.
FAQ
Can I start a project from just a photo?
Yes. A clear photo plus a target price and market is enough for a first feasibility reply, though a 3D file or physical sample is needed before tooling. Expect the factory to ask about cartridge type and finish early — they drive the cost sheet.
What MOQ applies to a fully custom faucet?
Full custom projects usually start around 1,000–3,000 pcs because mold amortization must be spread across the order. Semi-custom (catalog body, new handle) drops that to a fraction — see our MOQ guide for the middle paths.
Can I inspect goods during production?
You can and you should. Factories welcome in-line visits, and a third-party inspection at 80% completion is standard practice. Photos of the line at 30% and 60% are free progress insurance.
Who owns the mold?
It depends on the tooling agreement. If you pay for tooling, insist on stated ownership and the right to move production. If the factory amortizes it, expect exclusivity terms on the design instead.
References
- https://www.iso.org
- https://www.asme.org
- https://www.iso.org
- https://www.iso.org
Conclusion
Sourcing runs smoothly when each stage closes before the next opens: quotation with stated assumptions, golden samples before tooling commits, and a third-party inspection before the container is sealed. Buyers who respect that sequence rarely meet surprises at destination.
