FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What knitting machines do you use?

We use professional sock knitting machines including Lonati and Tai Ho Shing machines.

Available needle counts include:

84N / 96N / 108N / 120N / 144N / 168N / 200N

This allows us to produce different thicknesses from lightweight liner socks to heavy-duty outdoor socks.

Can you copy my existing sock sample?

Yes.

You can send us your existing sock sample.

Our development team can analyze:

  • Material composition
  • Yarn structure
  • Knitting construction
  • Cushion area
  • Size and fitting

Then we can develop a matching sample or improve the design according to your requirements.

Where is your company located?

Our head office/Show room is located in Shanghai, China.

Our production facilities are located in Zhejiang Province, one of China's major textile and knitting manufacturing areas, which allows us to have efficient access to skilled workers, yarn suppliers, and production resources.

How many years of experience do you have?

Hicon has 20 years of experience in developing and manufacturing functional socks and outdoor products.

Our team has extensive experience working with international customers from:

  • Europe
  • North America
  • Australia
  • Russia
  • Other global markets

We understand international quality standards and customer requirements.

What kind of customers do you work with?

We work with:

  • Outdoor brands
  • Sports brands
  • Workwear brands
  • Importers
  • Distributors
  • Retailers
  • E-commerce companies

We support both established brands and growing companies with OEM/ODM solutions.

Can you help with product development?

Yes.

Our OEM/ODM service includes:

  1. Product concept discussion
  2. Material recommendation
  3. Design development
  4. Sample making
  5. Testing and approval
  6. Mass production
  7. Quality inspection

We work closely with customers throughout the whole development process.

What is your sample lead time?

Normally:

  • Sample development: 7–14 days
  • Bulk production: around 45 days after sample approval and order confirmation

The exact timing depends on product complexity and material availability.

Do you inspect product quality?

Yes.

Quality control is integrated throughout production:

  • Incoming yarn inspection
  • Production inline inspection
  • Finished product inspection
  • Final AQL inspection

We also cooperate with third-party inspection companies such as SGS and V-Trust when required.

Why should we choose Hicon?

Hicon focuses on functional outdoor products, combining:

✓ Professional product knowledge
✓ Strong material sourcing capability
✓ Experienced development team
✓ Strict quality control
✓ Flexible OEM/ODM service
✓ Long-term partnership approach

Our goal is not only to produce socks, but to help brands create competitive products.

Where do you ship from?

Our products are mainly shipped from China.

The common loading ports are:

  • Shanghai Port
  • Ningbo Port

We can arrange shipment according to customers' requirements and provide professional export documentation support.

What shipping methods do you offer?

We can arrange different shipping methods according to order quantity and delivery requirements:

  • Sea freight (FOB / CIF / DDP options)
  • Air freight
  • Express delivery (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.)

For bulk orders, sea freight is usually the most economical option.

What is your normal delivery time?

The delivery time depends on order quantity and product requirements.

Normally:

  • Sample development: 7–14 days
  • Bulk production: around 45 days after sample approval
  • Shipping time depends on destination and transportation method

We will confirm the detailed production and shipping schedule before order placement.

How do you pack the socks?

We can provide customized packaging according to customer requirements.

Options include:

  • Individual polybag
  • Paper band
  • Cardboard header card
  • Retail box
  • Customized packaging with customer logo

We can also assist with packaging design.

Can you ship samples?

Yes.

Samples can be shipped by express courier such as:

  • DHL
  • FedEx
  • UPS

Sample shipping cost is usually paid by the customer and depends on destination and package weight.

Can you ship directly to Amazon warehouses?

Yes.

We have experience supporting e-commerce customers and can arrange shipments according to Amazon warehouse requirements.

We can provide:

  • Product labeling
  • Carton marking
  • Packing requirements
  • Shipping documents

Please provide your Amazon warehouse details for evaluation.

Can you make socks based on our own design?

Yes.

We can produce socks according to your:

  • Design drawings
  • Tech packs
  • Existing samples
  • Reference pictures

Our development team will review the construction, materials, and production feasibility before making samples.

What parts of the socks can be customized?

We can customize almost every part of the sock, including:

Design

  • Jacquard patterns
  • Colors
  • Logo
  • Brand elements

Function

  • Cushion thickness
  • Compression level
  • Arch support
  • Ventilation zones
  • Reinforced heel and toe

Materials

  • Merino wool percentage
  • Functional fibers
  • Yarn structure

Packaging

  • Labels
  • Hangtags
  • Retail packaging
What is your custom MOQ?

The MOQ depends on:

  • Product construction
  • Yarn type
  • Colors
  • Sizes
  • Packaging requirements

Normally:

  • Standard customized socks: around 1,500-2000 pairs/style/color
  • Special yarns or custom dyed colors may require higher MOQ

For multiple styles sharing the same yarns and colors, MOQ can be discussed.

Can you sign NDA before product development?

Yes.

We respect customer confidentiality and can sign NDA agreements before reviewing confidential designs, samples, or technical information.

What payment terms do you accept?

Our standard payment term is:

  • 30% deposit before production
  • 70% balance upon the copy of B/L

For long-term cooperation or repeat customers, payment terms can be discussed based on business history and order performance.

Do you accept Letter of Credit (L/C)?

Yes.

We can consider L/C at sight for suitable orders.

Please contact us with your order details so we can confirm the payment arrangement.