Silk Fan Wholesale Seasonal Calendar FAQ

When should I order silk fans for summer retail?

Order summer-season stock in January to March. Production plus ocean freight typically takes 8–14 weeks, so a March order lands in time for the May–August peak. Ordering in the buying window also gives better factory capacity and full sample-approval time.

When should wedding-season custom fans be ordered?

Wedding peaks run spring through fall in most markets. For a June wedding, place custom orders 4–6 months ahead — December to February — to allow design approval, production, and shipping. Rush orders cost 10–30% more and raise the risk of quality shortcuts.

When is the buying window for holiday and gifting stock?

Order holiday gifting inventory by mid-year — June to July orders land in September or October for Q4 sales. Add buffer for customs clearance and sell-through uncertainty; most importers plan a 15–20% inventory cushion on seasonal SKUs.

Why do silk fan orders need such long lead times?

Production of quality fans takes time, custom dye and design approval add 2–4 weeks, a sample round adds 2–3 weeks, and ocean freight runs 4–8 weeks depending on the route. Add customs clearance on top, and an 8–14 week total is realistic for stock orders — longer for customs.

How much seasonal cushion should an importer carry?

Carry 15–20% over forecast on seasonal SKUs, and re-order at 60–70% sell-through rather than at zero stock. Leftover summer fans rarely sell in Q4, so keep first orders conservative and plan markdowns if sell-through lags by mid-season.

Can rush orders work for silk fans?

They can, with trade-offs: air freight replaces ocean shipping (higher cost), factories may prioritize existing customers, and compressed timelines raise the risk of quality shortcuts. For authentic handmade custom work, the craft timeline should be respected — rush orders and handmade quality rarely mix well.