Cashmere Sourcing: Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we are actually asked, answered plainly. If yours is not here, ask it — we would rather answer before you order than after.

Minimum order

What is your minimum order quantity?

Generally 20 pieces per style and colourway, with 5 pieces per size for knitwear. Some woven stole styles are 30 pieces per style. Blankets and throws are the exception: from 1–3 pieces per colourway with a 5-piece total.

Can a small brand order from you?

Yes — that is most of who we work with. A first collection of three styles in two colourways is a normal order here, not a favour.

Can I mix colours within the minimum?

Yes. The minimum is per style and per colourway, so a 20-piece style run split across colours is structured as 5 pieces per colour where the style allows.

Sampling

Can I get a sample before ordering?

Yes, and you should. For a style close to something we already make we can send a comparable reference piece at low cost and short lead time. For a new design we make a dedicated sample.

What does a sample cost?

A new development sample is charged at 2× the unit production cost, payable in advance — and deducted from your invoice once the style goes to bulk production, so it is not an extra cost once you order.

How long does sampling take?

Approximately 30–45 days for a new development sample. A reference piece is considerably faster.

Can I send my own design?

Yes — sketches, a reference product, a mood board or a written brief. A design charge may apply depending on complexity.

Production and delivery

What is your lead time?

Approximately 45–60 working days from confirmed order and advance payment. The schedule is confirmed at the time of order.

How do payments work?

50% advance on order placement, 50% before dispatch, for orders meeting the minimum.

What do your prices include?

Quotations are ex-works Kathmandu (FOB) and exclude shipping. Freight, duties and destination taxes are payable by the consignee. We handle Nepal export customs and can source freight quotes to suit your speed and budget.

What if production does not match the approved sample?

Raise it with us. A rejection rate of up to 5% of produced items is treated as acceptable in the trade; beyond that we expect to discuss it. This is why a written sample approval and a retained counter-sample matter.

Quality

How do I know it is really cashmere?

Handle it, weigh it, and read the specification. See how to tell if cashmere is real or fake and quality and specifications.

Why does cashmere pill?

Short fibre ends work loose and tangle at the surface. Some pilling on new cashmere is normal. Heavy persistent pilling usually indicates short fibre length or over-aggressive finishing.

Are you certified?

Our yarn suppliers are: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, GOTS-aligned, Responsible Wool Standard, Sustainable Fibre Alliance and ISO 9001. Those certifications are held by our suppliers, not by Pashmina Studio. Our own quality control is internal and runs at yarn, in-process and final packing stages.

Can you reproduce the same colour next season?

Closely, not identically — dye lots vary when you dye natural fibre. Keep an approved counter-sample and a recorded reference, and order a full season’s requirement of a critical colour in one lot where possible.

Importing

What import duty will I pay?

It depends on your destination country, the product’s HS classification, its composition, and the trade arrangements in force at the time you import. We cannot give you a figure that will be true for every buyer, and any supplier who quotes you one without asking where you are should be treated cautiously. Check the current position with your own customs authority or broker before you commit.

Can you provide a certificate of origin?

We handle Nepal export customs and export documentation. Tell us which documents your import requires and we will confirm what we can issue.

Working with us

Are you a factory or a trading company?

We manufacture. Pashmina Studio has made cashmere in Kathmandu since 1982 and is run by the second generation of the family. We are deliberately not a large factory — you deal directly with the people running production.

Do you sell to individuals?

Our business is B2B — wholesale, private label and corporate gifting. Get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.