SGB
SA Global BridgeSource. Build. Grow.
Back to Blog
Trade ProcessSeptember 2026

From RFQ to Shipment: A Realistic Timeline for Sourcing from India via SGB

One of the most common questions from first-time buyers on SA Global Bridge is: "How long does the whole process take?" The honest answer depends on product type, order size, and payment terms — but this guide gives you a realistic, week-by-week breakdown of what to expect.

The Complete Timeline: Week by Week

Week 1

RFQ Submission & Supplier Response

  • Submit your RFQ with product specs, quantity, packaging, and destination port
  • SGB matches your RFQ to verified suppliers in the relevant category
  • Suppliers respond with pricing, MOQ, lead time, and payment terms
  • You shortlist 2–3 suppliers for further discussion
💡 Typical response time: 24–72 hours for standard products
Weeks 2–3

Sample Request & Quality Approval

  • Request physical samples from shortlisted suppliers
  • Samples shipped via courier (DHL/FedEx) — typically 3–5 business days transit
  • You inspect samples against your specifications
  • Approve or request modifications; supplier confirms bulk production capability
💡 This step is non-negotiable for first orders. Never skip samples.
Week 3–4

Negotiation, PO & Advance Payment

  • Finalize pricing, packaging specs, and delivery terms (FOB/CIF/EXW)
  • Supplier issues Proforma Invoice (PI) with all commercial terms
  • You issue Purchase Order (PO) referencing the PI
  • Advance payment (typically 30–50%) transferred via T/T or LC opened
💡 LC processing adds 5–7 business days. T/T is faster but requires more trust.
Weeks 4–8

Production & Pre-Shipment Inspection

  • Supplier begins production or procurement (varies by product)
  • Pre-shipment inspection arranged (third-party or SGB-facilitated)
  • Quality check against approved sample and PO specifications
  • Inspection report shared with buyer before balance payment
💡 Lead times: Agricultural products 2–3 weeks; Textiles 4–6 weeks; Industrial goods 6–10 weeks
Weeks 8–12

Shipment, Documentation & Delivery

  • Balance payment released; goods handed to freight forwarder
  • Shipping documents prepared: BL, Invoice, Packing List, CoO, certificates
  • Documents shared via SGB's Shipment Verification module
  • Sea freight: 15–35 days depending on destination; Air freight: 3–7 days
💡 Track your shipment in real-time through SGB's Shipment Verification feature.

Factors That Affect Your Timeline

Product Complexity

Custom/manufactured goods take longer than commodity products

Order Volume

Larger orders may require dedicated production runs

Payment Method

LC adds 5–10 days vs. T/T advance

Destination Port

GCC and South Asia are faster; Americas and Europe take longer

Season

Agricultural products are affected by harvest cycles

Customs Clearance

Buyer's country customs can add 3–15 days unpredictably

How SGB Compresses the Timeline

Because all SGB suppliers are pre-verified, you skip the 1–2 weeks typically spent vetting supplier credentials. Our integrated RFQ system, Sample Vault™, and Shipment Verification module keep all communication and documentation in one place — eliminating the back-and-forth that typically adds days to each phase.

For repeat orders with the same supplier, the timeline compresses significantly — often to 4–6 weeks total — since samples and terms are already established.

Start your first RFQ today

Submit an RFQ to multiple verified Indian suppliers simultaneously on SA Global Bridge.

Browse ProductsMore Articles