Buyer guide · Terms
Rug minimum order, lead times and shipping, in one answer
The minimum order is 1 piece. Sampling takes 5 to 20 days, bulk production takes 8 to 16 weeks from sample approval, and rugs usually ship FOB Nhava Sheva, with other terms quoted on request. Sea transit is approximately 4 to 55 days port to port depending on region. Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
The three answers in one place
Terms at a glance
- Minimum order
- 1 piece
- Sampling cost
- Credited against your order
- Sampling
- 5 to 20 days
- Bulk production
- 8 to 16 weeks
- NDA
- Signed as standard before designs are shared
- Label, barcode, packaging
- Your own, on request
- Payment terms
- 50% advance, 50% before dispatch
- Minimum order: 1 piece. We work from a single piece up to container programmes.
- Time: sampling takes 5 to 20 days, then bulk production takes 8 to 16 weeks from sample approval.
- Shipping: FOB Nhava Sheva is the usual term. Approximate sea transit is 4 to 55 days port to port depending on region (table below). Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Minimum order
The minimum order is 1 piece, so you can test a design, a market or a new construction before committing to volume. Sampling cost is credited against your order, so a sample that turns into an order is not an extra charge.
Price per piece depends on construction, size, fibre and quantity, and is quoted for your specification. How that works: how bulk rug pricing works.
Lead times
Sampling takes 5 to 20 days, depending on construction complexity, the number of colours and current studio capacity. Bulk production takes 8 to 16 weeks from sample approval. Finer densities and larger orders are confirmed on your quote. Sea freight is on top of these figures.
Stage by stage: rug order timeline from enquiry to shipment. The sampling steps are in the rug sampling process.
How the order is shipped
Try the calculators: sea freight transit finder and container loading calculator.
Shipments leave India by sea or by the mode agreed on the order. FOB Nhava Sheva is the usual term: we clear the goods for export and load them on board at the port, and risk and cost pass to you from that point. We ship worldwide.
| Region | Main ports | Approximate transit |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp | 20 to 35 days |
| UK | London Gateway, Felixstowe | 22 to 35 days |
| US East | New York/Newark, Savannah, Houston | 25 to 40 days |
| US West | Los Angeles, Long Beach | 30 to 45 days |
| Gulf | Jebel Ali | 4 to 10 days |
| Australia | Sydney, Melbourne | 18 to 30 days |
| Canada | Halifax, Montreal, Toronto | 35 to 55 days |
Phased shipments are possible on wholesale orders. Routing around the Red Sea, transshipment and port congestion can lengthen these ranges.
Other Incoterms can be quoted. We work to all major Incoterms 2020, including EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP, DAP and DDP, and the term is agreed when the purchase order is confirmed. See how to order and export and logistics.
Export documents are prepared as standard. Rugs are rolled, poly-wrapped and palletised to the packing specification you confirm, which can include your own packaging. Details: rug labels, barcodes and packaging.
How to plan around these numbers
- Count backwards from your sell-in date: add sea freight and your import clearance to the 8 to 16 weeks, then add sampling.
- Send a complete brief early. Missing colour or size information is the usual cause of a slow sampling stage.
- If dates are tight, ask on the quote for the exact timing of your construction and quantity.
Get dates and a shipping term for your order
Send your design, size and estimated quantity. We reply within two business days, usually within one. Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling cost is credited against your order. Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Buyer questions
MOQ, lead times and shipping: your questions
What is the minimum order quantity for handmade rugs?
Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling cost is credited against your order.
How long does a custom rug order take?
Sampling takes 5 to 20 days and bulk production takes 8 to 16 weeks from sample approval. Shipping time is additional.
How are the rugs shipped?
FOB Nhava Sheva is the usual term. Other Incoterms can be quoted, and the term is agreed when the purchase order is confirmed.
How long does sea freight take?
Approximate port to port transit by sea from Nhava Sheva: Europe 20 to 35 days, UK 22 to 35, US East 25 to 40, US West 30 to 45, Gulf 4 to 10, Australia 18 to 30, Canada 35 to 55. Subject to carrier schedules, routing and port conditions; clearance and inland delivery are extra; checked 30 October 2026. Phased shipments are possible on wholesale orders.
Can I order one rug to test before a larger order?
Yes. The minimum is 1 piece, and a sample in your design and construction is credited against a later order.
Do lead times differ by construction?
Finer densities and larger orders take longer. We confirm the timing for your construction and quantity on the quote.
Do you ship to my country?
We export worldwide. The Incoterm decides who handles freight and import clearance, and we quote to your destination.
What are your payment terms?
Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.