Lead Times for Custom Apparel & Promotional Products
Clear, reliable lead times — and sticking to them — are a key part of how we work when delivering custom apparel and branded merchandise.
We understand that for businesses of all sizes, not-for-profits, agencies and growing brands, timing matters just as much as quality. That’s why our lead times are designed to be practical, transparent and dependable.
How Our Lead Times Work (and Why They’re Different)
One important difference between Mabuzi and many other suppliers is when our lead time starts.
Our standard lead times start from order confirmation — not from artwork approval.
This means we manage the entire process for you, including artwork proofs and approvals, within the agreed timeframe.
Most suppliers only start the clock after artwork is approved. We don’t.
We build approvals into the process and actively manage them to keep your project on track.
What Our Lead Times Are Based On
All lead times:
- are based on full working days
- exclude the day the order is confirmed
- are subject to stock availability
- rely on timely client approvals to meet target dates
- exclude shipping time where relevant
We’ll always confirm lead times with you before proceeding.
Lead Time Summary (Production Only – Excludes Shipping)
| Product Type | Standard Lead Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undecorated Apparel | 1–3 working days | Stock items only |
| Branded / Decorated Apparel | 8 working days | Includes artwork proofing & approvals |
| Multiple Decoration Methods | Add 2 working days | If more than one branding method is used |
| Finishing Services | Add 2–5 working days | Relabelling, polybagging, etc. |
| Promotional Products | 8–10 working days | Ex-stock items; confirmed at quote |
| Express Production | Less than standard | Subject to availability & surcharge |
| Custom / Indent Items | 2–12 weeks | Depends on scope & freight method |
Standard Lead Times
Apparel – Clothing & Uniforms
- Undecorated Apparel (Stock Items): 1–3 working days
- Branded / Decorated Apparel: 8 working days
Applies to branding and decoration services including: screen printing, embroidery, direct to film (DTF) or transfer printing, direct to garment (DTG) printing
Additional time may apply if:
- using more than one branding or decoration method: please allow an extra 2 working days
- adding finishing services (e.g. relabelling, polybagging): please allow an extra 2 to 5 working days
While most of our apparel options are stocked locally, some may be air-freighted from overseas which may add approximately 2 to 5 additional working days. This will be advised at the time of enquiry or order confirmation.
Promotional Products
For most promotional products, the standard lead time is generally 8–10 working days from order confirmation.
This may vary depending on the product type, decoration method and stock availability. We’ll confirm timing as part of the quoting and order confirmation process.
Express Production Service
If you need something faster than our standard lead times, please let us know.
Express production applies to orders required in less time than the standard lead time.
We’ll do what we can to assist with urgent or time-sensitive orders, subject to stock availability and production capacity.
Express orders take priority in our production schedule and require management outside of our standard order and production processes. As a result, express orders will incur an additional cost which will be clearly outlined during the quoting and order confirmation process.
To view our range of fast-turnaround options head to our Express Range within the online catalogue.
Custom-Made / Indent Items
For custom-made or indent items, lead times typically range from 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the:
- scope of work
- level of customisation
- production method
- delivery method (air or sea freight)
We work closely with clients to align production and delivery timelines with project requirements and deadlines, and will confirm lead times during the quoting and planning stages.
Collection & Dispatch
For orders being collected from our Camperdown warehouse, we aim to have them ready by 4pm on the due date which allows for collection at the end of the day if required.
For orders being delivered, production is typically completed by 5pm, with dispatch arranged for the following business day.
Please refer to our Shipping page for delivery timeframes once orders leave our warehouse.
Why Our Clients Choose Mabuzi for Time-Critical Projects
- clearly defined, reliable lead times
- lead times start from the day after order confirmation, not the day after artwork approval
- active management of the stock ordering, artwork approval, production and dispatch processes
- ability to handle standard, express and complex custom orders
- experience delivering against real-world deadlines
We don’t just quote lead times — we manage them and we deliver to them.
Ready to Get Started?
If you have a deadline to meet or would like to confirm lead times for a specific product or project, please get in touch and let us know:
- what you’re ordering
- quantities and decoration requirements
- your required delivery date
- any approval or campaign considerations
Our team will guide you through the most practical and reliable approach to delivering your order on time.