Custom Plush Toy FAQ
Everything you need to know about ordering custom plush toys from Mavo Toys -- from artwork submission and sampling to compliance, packaging, and delivery.
Before You Start
Design File & Quote Requirements
Prepare these materials to get the most accurate quote and fastest sample turnaround.
Artwork Files
Provide high-resolution reference images or character illustrations (JPG, PNG, PDF, AI, or PSD). Include front, back, and side views if available. Pantone color codes are preferred for accurate color matching.
Project Specifications
Include estimated order quantity, target size (cm/inches), preferred fabric type, filling preference, any special features (sounds, magnets, accessories), and target unit cost if known.
Packaging & Compliance Needs
Let us know your destination market (EU, US, AU, etc.), required safety certifications (CE, EN71, ASTM), retail/FBA packaging requirements, and any private label or hang tag specifications.
Section 01
MOQ, Pricing & Lead Time
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our standard MOQ is 500 pieces per design. This applies to most custom plush toys including character plush, mascots, and branded stuffed animals. For certain product types such as plush keychains or simpler designs, we may accommodate smaller quantities -- please contact us with your project details for a case-by-case assessment.
If you are an e-commerce seller or DTC brand testing a new product, we recommend starting with a sample run first. Learn more about our MOQ and quote guide to understand how quantity affects unit pricing.
How is the unit price determined?
Unit pricing depends on several factors: product size, fabric type, design complexity, number of colors, embroidery details, filling weight, and order quantity. Higher quantities typically yield lower per-unit costs due to economies of scale.
We provide transparent, itemized quotations. To get an accurate quote, fill in our detailed quote form with your specifications. We respond within 24 business hours on business days.
What is the production lead time?
Our standard timelines are:
- Sample development: 10-15 business days from artwork approval
- Bulk production: 30-45 days after sample approval and deposit received
- Shipping: Freight time is additional: air freight often takes 5-8 days, while sea freight varies by destination and is often around 25-35 days to Europe. Exact shipping time is confirmed in the quotation.
Rush orders may be possible depending on capacity. See our full production process timeline for more details.
Section 02
Sampling & Prototyping
How much does a sample cost?
Sample fees vary by design complexity, typically ranging from USD 80 to USD 250 per sample. This covers pattern making, material sourcing, and skilled handcraft construction. The sample fee can be credited or deducted from your bulk order once production is confirmed. If the project does not move to bulk production, the sample fee is normally non-refundable unless agreed in writing.
Shipping costs for the physical sample are charged separately and depend on your location. Request a sample quote to get a precise estimate for your specific design.
How many rounds of revisions are included?
We include up to 2 rounds of physical sample revisions in the standard sample fee. Before we produce the physical sample, we first share a digital mock-up and a pre-production checklist so you can flag issues early -- this reduces unnecessary revision cycles significantly.
Additional revision rounds beyond the standard allowance may incur a small fee depending on the extent of changes. Our process is designed to be transparent and efficient. Learn more at How It Works.
Can I see a digital preview before the physical sample?
Yes. Before we begin physical sample production, our design team prepares a 2D flat pattern layout and a digital mock-up showing proportions, color placement, and key details. You review and approve this before we cut any fabric, saving time and cost on unnecessary physical revisions.
Section 03
Artwork, Design & Materials
What file formats do you accept for artwork?
We accept AI, PSD, PDF, PNG, JPG, and SVG files. Vector formats (AI, PDF, SVG) are preferred for clean line art and embroidery conversion. For character designs, please provide multiple angles (front, back, side, close-up of face/features) and a color reference sheet with Pantone codes if available.
Don't have professional design files? That's fine -- many of our clients start with rough sketches or reference photos. Our in-house design team can help develop your concept. See our artwork-to-sample process for more.
What fabrics and filling materials do you use?
Our standard fabric range includes short pile plush, long pile plush, minky/fleece, velboa, and knitted fabrics. All materials are sourced from certified suppliers and tested for safety. We also offer eco-friendly RPET recycled polyester fabrics upon request.
For filling, we use PP cotton (standard), memory foam, and bean pellets depending on your product requirements. All filling materials comply with EN71 and ASTM safety standards.
Is my design and IP kept confidential?
Yes. We take IP protection very seriously. We are willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before you share any artwork or character designs. Your designs are never shared with third parties, and all pattern files, molds, and embroidery programs created for your project remain exclusively yours.
We hold Disney FAMA authorization and have experience working with licensed IP brands under strict confidentiality requirements. Please contact us to request an NDA before project kick-off.
Section 04
Compliance & Safety Testing
Certified & Audited Factory
Mavo Toys can share relevant factory audit, certification, and authorization documents such as ISO, BSCI, SMETA, and Disney FAMA when they apply to your project. We help coordinate project-specific testing for CE/EN71 (EU), ASTM F963 (US), CPSIA, UKCA, and AS/NZS 8124 (Australia/New Zealand) through accredited third-party labs.
Do your plush toys come with CE or EN71 certification?
We can support CE marking and EN71 (Parts 1, 2, 3) testing for the European market. Testing is conducted by accredited third-party laboratories such as SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas. We prepare the necessary technical documentation including the Technical File and Declaration of Conformity.
Testing costs are quoted separately and depend on the number of SKUs and test scope. Learn more about our plush toy safety testing services.
What about ASTM F963 for the US market?
Yes. For toys sold in the US market, we support ASTM F963 and CPSIA (Children's Product Certificate) compliance. We coordinate with approved US CPSC-recognized testing labs to conduct the required tests and issue the CPC document needed for Amazon, Walmart, and other US retail channels.
Please inform us of your target market when requesting a quote so we can include the relevant compliance pathway. Visit our safety testing page for a full breakdown.
What factory certifications do you hold?
Our factory in Dongguan holds the following certifications and audit approvals:
ISO 9001
Quality Management
BSCI
Social Compliance
SMETA
Ethical Trade
Disney FAMA
Licensed Mfg.
Section 05
Packaging, Shipping & Payment
What packaging options do you offer?
We offer a full range of packaging solutions including:
- Custom printed hang tags and swing tags
- Polybag with header card or individual retail box
- FBA-ready packaging with barcode and FNSKU labels
- Private label / white label packaging with your brand identity
- Gift box packaging for premium retail or promotional use
See all options on our private label packaging page.
What shipping methods and Incoterms do you support?
We support the following shipping arrangements:
- EXW / FOB Guangzhou/Shenzhen -- most common for experienced importers
- CIF / DDP -- we can arrange sea freight or air freight to your port/door
- Amazon FBA direct shipment -- we label and ship directly to Amazon fulfillment centers
Sea freight is recommended for orders over 1 CBM. Air freight is available for urgent small orders. We provide full export documentation including commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.
What are your payment terms?
Typical bulk payment terms are 30% deposit before production and 70% balance before shipment. T/T bank wire transfer is preferred for bulk orders; PayPal may be used for sample fees only.
For long-term partners with established order history, we may discuss more flexible terms. All pricing is quoted in USD. Contact us to discuss payment arrangements for your project.
Do you ship to Europe, Australia, and the US?
Yes. We have extensive export experience shipping to the EU (Germany, Netherlands, France, Poland, Spain), UK, Australia, and the US. We are familiar with customs documentation, import duty classifications (HS codes), and destination-specific labeling requirements for each market.
Section 06
After-Sales, Quality & Reorders
What is your quality control process?
Quality control is built into every stage of our production process:
- Incoming material inspection -- fabrics and components checked before cutting
- In-line QC -- inspection at sewing, stuffing, and finishing stages
- 100% visual final inspection -- every unit checked before packaging
- Final QC report -- shared with client before shipment, including photos
You may also arrange an independent third-party inspection (e.g., SGS, QIMA) at the factory before shipment. We fully cooperate with all inspection requests.
What happens if I receive defective products?
We stand behind the quality of every shipment. If you receive products with manufacturing defects that were not disclosed in the pre-shipment QC report, we will:
- Investigate the issue promptly with photo/video evidence
- Offer replacement production, partial refund, or credit for future orders depending on the defect rate and situation
- Implement corrective action for all future orders
Please document and report any quality issues within 30 days of delivery with photographic evidence. Contact our team directly for after-sales support.
Can I reorder the same design later?
Absolutely. We archive all approved patterns, embroidery files, material specifications, and production records for every design. Reorders are faster and smoother -- typically no new sampling is required unless you want to make changes.
Reorder lead times are typically 25-35 days for bulk production. We also offer stock management consultation for high-velocity e-commerce products to help you plan replenishment cycles.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
We guarantee a response within 24 business hours on business days (Monday-Friday, GMT+8). For urgent inquiries, you can reach us via WhatsApp or email for faster communication. Our dedicated account managers are assigned to each project to ensure consistent, clear communication throughout the entire order lifecycle.
Explore More
Helpful Resources
Deep-dive guides and pages to help you plan your custom plush project with confidence.
How It Works
Understand our full manufacturing process -- from artwork submission through to delivery.
MOQ & Quote Guide
Learn how minimum order quantities work and what factors affect your unit pricing.
Safety Testing Guide
CE, EN71, ASTM F963 -- understand what certifications your market requires and how we help.
Private Label Packaging
Explore our full range of custom packaging options -- from hang tags to FBA-ready retail boxes.
Request a Detailed Quote
Submit your project details and receive an initial response within 24 business hours and a transparent, itemized quote within 1-2 business days after complete specs are received.
Talk to Our Team
Still have questions? Our project managers respond within 24 business hours and speak English fluently.
Still Have Questions?
We're Here to Help.
Our experienced project managers respond within 24 business hours. Whether you're ready to submit artwork or just exploring your options, reach out -- no commitment required.