Frequently Asked Questions
How Gondel develops, manufactures and delivers custom products, and what to expect at each stage of a project.
What does Gondel Capital do?
Gondel Capital helps companies develop and manufacture custom promotional products, branded merchandise, corporate gifts, apparel, uniforms, POP materials, event products, and other custom items in China.
We manage the project from the initial idea through product development, supplier selection, sampling, mass production, quality control, international shipping, customs coordination, and delivery in the United States.
You bring the idea. We manage the execution.
What types of branded products can Gondel manufacture?
We develop a wide range of custom products, including promotional merchandise, corporate gifts, branded apparel, uniforms, tote bags, drinkware, coolers, event giveaways, retail packaging, POP materials, employee kits, launch kits, and custom branded accessories.
We also develop products that are not available in standard promotional catalogs and must be manufactured from scratch.
Our team is especially valuable when a company needs a unique product, specific materials, custom packaging, or pricing that local suppliers cannot provide.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for a custom project?
Minimum order quantities depend on the product, materials, customization method, and manufacturing process.
Some products can be customized in relatively small quantities, while fully custom products involving new molds, specialized materials, or custom packaging generally require larger production runs.
One of Gondel's roles is identifying manufacturing solutions that reduce MOQs whenever possible, particularly for product launches, market testing, or lower volume projects. Depending on the product, we have successfully developed projects with quantities as low as 100 units.
Can you help if we only have an idea, sketch, or reference photo?
Yes. Many projects begin with a reference image, physical sample, sketch, mood board, or general product concept.
We help define the dimensions, materials, construction, colors, branding methods, packaging, functionality, and quality requirements needed to turn the idea into a product ready for manufacturing.
Depending on the project, development may include technical drawings, material selection, Pantone color matching, prototype development, packaging specifications, sample revisions, and final production instructions.
How long does it take to develop, manufacture, and deliver a custom product?
Every project follows its own timeline, but most include product development, sampling, sample revisions, mass production, quality inspection, and international shipping.
For custom promotional products and branded merchandise, we recommend planning at least two months before your required delivery date.
Once production is complete, allow approximately two additional weeks for air freight or one additional month for ocean freight. Actual transit times depend on the destination, customs processing, and shipping schedules.
Before production begins, we provide a realistic timeline based on your product, quantity, customization requirements, and shipping method.
Are samples charged separately? How does the payment process work?
Yes. Prototype and pre production samples are typically quoted separately before mass production is approved.
Once the client approves the final sample, production begins after an initial deposit is made. The remaining balance is generally paid after delivery, although the exact payment structure depends on the project, the manufacturer, and the commercial terms negotiated for each order.
Our goal is to structure payment terms that protect both the client and the production process while maintaining a reliable manufacturing schedule.
How do tariffs and import duties affect pricing?
Our quotations are based on a delivered price to your location in the United States. Current tariffs, import duties, and international logistics costs are already included in the quotation at the time it is issued.
Because trade policies and tariff rates can change, pricing may vary between quotations issued at different times. However, once a quotation has been accepted and payment has been received, the agreed price remains fixed.
The only exception would be an extraordinary change in tariffs or government regulations resulting in an increase of more than 8% of the total project value. In that unlikely event, we would discuss the situation with the client before proceeding.
Can Gondel help us obtain better pricing than local promotional product suppliers?
In many cases, yes.
Manufacturing directly in China often provides better pricing for larger quantities, custom materials, specialized construction, unique packaging, and products that are not available through domestic promotional product distributors.
However, the lowest factory quotation does not always produce the lowest overall cost. We compare suppliers based on total landed cost, manufacturing capability, quality, and project risk, helping clients determine whether manufacturing in China offers a real advantage.
Do we need to find or communicate with factories in China?
No. Gondel Capital has access to a broad network of manufacturers and specialized suppliers across China.
We identify the right suppliers, compare quotations, negotiate pricing and payment terms, coordinate sampling, solve technical questions, monitor production, and communicate directly with the factory throughout the project.
The client remains involved in the important decisions. We share samples, material options, color references, photos, videos, and production updates so your team can review and approve the product before mass production begins.
You stay informed and in control without having to manage multiple factories, language barriers, time zones, or day to day supplier communication.
How do you select the right manufacturer for a project?
Choosing the right manufacturer involves much more than comparing prices.
We evaluate suppliers based on their experience with similar products, production capabilities, machinery, materials, quality systems, customization options, minimum order quantities, lead times, communication, pricing, and export experience.
Depending on the project, the best option may be a direct factory or a specialized trading company. Our goal is always to find the manufacturer that offers the best combination of quality, reliability, and value.
How do you make sure mass production matches the approved sample?
An approved sample is only the starting point.
Before production begins, we prepare detailed manufacturing specifications covering materials, dimensions, tolerances, Pantone colors, logo placement, printing or embroidery methods, hardware, packaging, labels, and quality standards.
The client reviews and approves the final sample before mass production starts. During production we monitor progress, and before shipment we can coordinate an independent quality inspection to verify that the finished products match the approved specifications.
Can Gondel handle international shipping and delivery in the United States?
Yes. We offer two different structures depending on how much of the import process the client wants us to manage.
Under our full service model, Gondel Capital coordinates production, international logistics, importation, and delivery to the client's office, warehouse, or designated business location in the United States. The client receives the finished products without having to manage freight documentation, customs brokerage, import duties, customs clearance, or domestic transportation.
We also offer a consulting model for companies that prefer to act as the importer of record. In this structure, we help develop the product, select and manage the manufacturer, coordinate sampling, and oversee production, while the client manages the import declaration, taxes, customs responsibilities, and final logistics under its own company.
Why work with Gondel Capital instead of buying directly from a factory?
Working directly with a factory requires much more than requesting a quotation and approving a sample.
Companies must identify reliable manufacturers, compare materials and production methods, negotiate commercial terms, manage samples, document specifications, monitor production, inspect finished goods, coordinate logistics, and resolve issues across different time zones and languages.
Most companies simply do not have the time or internal expertise to manage that process efficiently.
Gondel Capital becomes an extension of your marketing, procurement, or product development team. We manage the manufacturing process while keeping you involved in the creative decisions and product approvals.
You bring the idea. We manage the execution.
Let's Talk About Your Project.
In a free consultation, we'll review your product idea and help you determine whether a turnkey product solution or sourcing consulting is the right path.