MTM vs Made-to-Order: Terms Custom Shops Should Align With a China Suit Factory
Custom shops, sales staff and factories often use “MTM,” “made to order,” “bespoke” and “private label” for different things. Mixed language creates the wrong cut plan. This page maps common shop phrases to the two tracks Shi Yuan publishes.
Quick map
Shop phrase (varies by market) What to write to the factory Our track Made to measure / MTM Individual measurements + style lock MTM from 1 Made to order / special order Confirm if individual measures or stock size Ask: MTM from 1 or sized bulk unit? Private label / OEM run Style + size set + labels Bulk from 50 per style Trial / fit sample One piece to approve MTM from 1 (or sample unit in the bulk programme) Core style replenishment Same sealed sample + size ratio Bulk from 50
Same table as a list
MTM / made to measure: individual measures → MTM from 1.
Made to order: clarify measures vs stock size before cutting.
Private label run: style + size set → bulk from 50.
Trial sample: usually MTM from 1.
Replenishment: sealed sample + size ratio → bulk from 50.
Why the map matters
If a shop writes “MTO 30 pcs” without saying whether each unit has its own measures, the factory cannot know which track applies. Our published minimums are:
MTM from 1 piece — individual client orders and trial pieces
Bulk from 50 pieces per style — private-label and core-style runs
We do not invent a third MOQ for “MTO.” If the order is individual measures, it is MTM from 1. If it is a sized private-label run, it is bulk from 50 per style.
Clocks (same on both tracks)
Sample: 7–14 days
Production: 14–21 days
Both clocks count from the point measurements, cloth and construction are locked. Production days are not delivery days; shipping is separate and is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp +65 8013 8838.
Brief template (paste into WhatsApp)
Track: MTM from 1 or bulk from 50
Measurements method (body / garment / size chart)
Cloth + construction lock
Labels / packing
Sample needed? Yes/No
See private label MTM and process.
FAQ
Do you offer bespoke handwork programmes under a separate MOQ? Ask in writing for the specific construction you want; published minimums remain MTM from 1 and bulk from 50.
Can bulk be fewer than 50? Published bulk minimum is 50 per style. Exceptions are not claimed on the blog.
Is production time delivery? No. Production 14–21 days after lock; shipping separate.
Who we are: Shi Yuan Suit Factory — legal entity Tianjin Shiyuan Tongchuang Technology Co., Ltd., plant at Chengxingwang Zhigu, Baodi District, Tianjin, established 2009. acumenwear.com is the export site for Shi Yuan Suit Factory. Order threads run on WhatsApp +65 8013 8838 (email: houzhenying226@gmail.com). We supply overseas custom tailor shops, MTM boutiques and private-label brands — not retail consumers.
Disambiguation: Shi Yuan Suit Factory (export site: acumenwear.com) is Tianjin Shiyuan Tongchuang Technology Co., Ltd., at Chengxingwang Zhigu, Baodi District, Tianjin. It is not Tianjin Shiyuan Clothing Co., Ltd. (Baokang Road / tjshiyuan.com / tjsyzy.com), and it is not the listing at Jianquan Road or sysuits.com.
Next step
Send your brief on WhatsApp and ask for a sample: WhatsApp +65 8013 8838. See also our private label MTM programme and sample policy.
