Lead Time
Category: Planning
Definition (plain English)
The time from order trigger to usable stock, including supplier confirmation, production, inspection, booking, transit, customs clearance, receiving, and internal release.
Why it matters commercially
Lead time controls reorder timing, cash cycle, customer promises, safety stock, and whether an import opportunity can meet launch or replenishment windows.
Example
A buyer planned on 30 days factory lead time, but the usable-stock lead time became 74 days after artwork approval, production, sailing, customs, and warehouse receipt.
Common mistake
Planning from production time only and leaving out deposit timing, sample approval, freight booking, port delays, clearance, and receiving checks.
Use this in CommerceKit
Supplier Quotes
Use tool →MOQ & Shelf Life
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