How to pre-order corporate merch in Mexico without ending up half-delivered

What pre-ordering means in a Mexican workshop

Pre-ordering in Mexico means securing production capacity, raw materials and calendar before the run starts. Unlike retail, where pre-order is a deposit with the end consumer, in corporate merch pre-order is an agreement between client and workshop to reserve a slot in the production line during a specific window. Corp-Merch.MX runs three modes: closed pre-order (exact quantity, exact date), flexible pre-order (quantity with 10 % margin, date with five-day margin), and annual pre-order (quarterly calendar with repurchase commitment).

Closed pre-order is the cheapest because the workshop plans with zero uncertainty. Flexible pre-order costs 5 % to 8 % more because the workshop reserves extra raw material and leaves operating margin to absorb a quantity change. Annual pre-order costs 12 % to 18 % less than the equivalent spot run because the workshop can buy raw materials in volume and plan shifts months ahead.

The typical deposit for a pre-order in Mexico is 50 % for new clients and 30 % for clients with a history. For annual pre-order with quarterly commitment we run a 20 % deposit per batch and 30-day payment at the close of each delivery. The deposit covers raw material and calendar reservation; it is non-refundable if the client cancels after the contract is signed. Corp-Merch.MX spells this out in the contract before accepting any deposit.

MOQ, batch and raw material

MOQ in Mexico depends on the product and the decoration method. Embroidered textile: 50 pieces per model. Screen-print: 100 pieces. Sublimation: 25 pieces. Embroidered backpacks: 30 pieces. Engraved mugs and thermoses: 24 pieces. For runs below MOQ, the unit price rises 40 % to 80 %. For runs above MOQ, volume discount applies but is not linear.

The batch is the unit of production. Corp-Merch.MX produces in batches of 100 to 500 pieces depending on the product and the workshop. Each batch goes through quality control before moving to packaging. The pre-order is signed per batch with its own calendar. A pre-order of 2,000 pieces is divided into four batches of 500 with five days of separation between each one.

Raw material is reserved when the pre-order is signed. Fabric, thread, inks, primary packaging and master cartons are set aside in the warehouse or ordered with an open purchase order. If the pre-order changes after the reservation, the charge for the raw material already set aside is invoiced to the client. That is why Corp-Merch.MX asks for the quantity to be firm at contract close, not during production.

Common mistakes that derail the pre-order

• Paying the deposit without approved samples. Without a signed sample, Corp-Merch.MX cannot claim breach if the final product does not match what was imagined. The sample is the visual contract.
• Changing the artwork after raw-material reservation. A change of palette, thread or technique implies repeated setup charge and possible discard of already-cut fabric.
• Not signing the batch calendar. Without a signed calendar, the workshop may move its production without notice and delivery slips with no contractual liability.
• Confusing MOQ with minimum per colour or size. MOQ is per model; if you want five colours or five sizes, each combination adds a setup charge.
• Forgetting Carta Porte in inter-branch pre-order. When the pre-order delivers to several branches with different tax IDs, each shipment needs its Carta Porte. Corp-Merch.MX includes it in the contract from the start.

FAQ — pre-order