A thorough explanation of ordering YKK zippers (What are factory processing and lead time priority?)

Hello.

This is mammy from the ApparelX Trend Blog.

Today, I’d like to thoroughly explain what “factory processing” and “delivery priority” mean when arranging YKK zippers, as they relate to lead time.

About how to arrange YKK zippers

There are two main ways to arrange YKK zippers.
Please choose the method that matches your desired delivery date.

1. Factory processing 

The zipper is produced from scratch at YKK’s factory. 

We will arrange it according to the specified zipper type, color, slider, length, and other details.

 We can handle quantities from one piece upward. 

 ・About lead time

For standard items, it is about 3 to 4 weeks, but this varies depending on factory production line congestion, the number of pieces ordered, and the specifications. 

・About price 

Since production is made only in fixed quantities, there is no waste and costs can be kept down. 

The prices shown on ApparelX are for orders arranged through factory processing.   

2. Processing production 

The length is shortened by processing from stocked long zippers.

We can handle quantities from one piece upward, but since this is handled from stock, some specifications may not be available.

Also, because zippers vary widely in type, length, slider, tape color, and element type, we do not stock every zipper.

Since we stock only limited types of zippers and tape colors, if lead time is the priority, we may suggest an alternative color or alternative element. 

Depending on the zipper type, some items can only be arranged through factory processing, so please understand this in advance.

・About lead time

 For a few pieces, it may be possible to arrange them in a few days, but depending on the quantity and congestion, it may take about 1 to 10 days. 

・About price

Because stocked items are shortened or manually processed, an additional fee is added to the factory processing price.

This varies depending on the zipper type.

・About substitute items

If we do not have the zipper you want in stock, we may suggest the following. 

・A similar tape color (close match) 

・A similar product with a different zipper product number 

・A slider with a similar shape     

Summary

When arranging zippers, we hope you will choose factory processing or processing production according to the balance of cost, lead time, and other factors.

Depending on the zipper type, lead time can be quite long, so we recommend placing your order with plenty of time to spare!

You can find ApparelX’s YKK zipper product page here.