Define what the lead-time clock starts from
A quoted production interval may begin after deposit, approved drawing, signed sample, material availability or all of these. Ask the supplier to write the trigger in the quotation. A buyer who counts from the first inquiry can create a schedule gap before production has even been released.
For a hotel project, connect the mirror schedule to room mock-up approval and wall-close dates. The mock-up guide covers the appearance review that should precede repeated room orders.
Put approvals before procurement
Sequence the work: choose model, approve drawing and electrical specification, review sample, release the bill of materials, then confirm material purchase. If custom glass, frame or private-label carton artwork is involved, ask which item determines the longest preparation stage. Keep a dated decision log so an approval delay is visible.
Do not assume that all material can be ordered before final dimensions are fixed. A last-minute size change may affect glass, rear support and carton at once.
Track production and inspection separately
Request milestones for assembly start, expected completion, in-process checks, pre-shipment inspection, packing and shipment readiness. An order with several sizes may have staggered completion even if the purchase order has one date. Ask for the status by model or batch when a mixed order is involved.
Reserve time for resolving inspection findings. If a defect requires rework or replacement, the release date changes; a schedule with no correction allowance is fragile. The buyer should know when photographs, inspection reports and carton counts will be available.
Connect factory readiness to the actual delivery plan
“Ready to ship” is not the same as arrival on site. The importer must allow for booking, export paperwork, transit, customs and local distribution under the agreed shipping term. Confirm the responsibility boundary in the purchase contract and keep the installation contractor informed of a revised ETA.
Factory capacity, order size and component availability can affect timing, so ask for a current schedule for the actual specification. No fixed Dongtai lead time is asserted. Use the contact page to provide target dates and the model shortlist.
A schedule line the project team can actually use
Maintain a dated line for sample dispatch, sample decision, final drawing approval, material confirmation, assembly start, inspection booking, defect closure, packing completion and shipment handover. Assign an owner to each approval. When a date moves, update the dependent tasks rather than merely changing the final delivery cell.
For a project with several room types, identify which model is on the critical path. A custom mirror for suites may be approved later than the standard room mirror, yet both may be needed for a single installation phase. Ask whether partial shipment is possible and whether it helps after freight and site-handling costs are considered.
