Plush Toy Manufacturing FAQs

Q1: Who is HeyZizi and what do you specialize in?

HeyZizi is a China-based professional plush toy manufacturer with years of experience in OEM and ODM plush production. We focus on custom plush toys for brands, IP owners, retailers, and promotional companies worldwide.

Our specialization covers custom character plush, promotional plush toys, retail plush collections, plush mascots, and giant plush toys. From concept review and sample development to mass production and export shipping, we provide end-to-end manufacturing support tailored to B2B projects.

Q2: What types of clients and industries do you work with?

We work with a wide range of B2B clients, including brand owners, IP licensors, retailers, distributors, promotional agencies, event organizers, and private-label startups.

Most of our clients come to us with a clear project goal — such as launching a new plush product line, supporting a marketing campaign, or developing a long-term OEM supply. We focus on projects that require stable quality, consistent production, and clear communication, rather than one-off retail orders.

Q3: What makes HeyZizi different from other plush toy factories?

HeyZizi operates as a direct manufacturing factory, not a trading company. All key processes — including pattern development, fabric cutting, embroidery, sewing, stuffing, hand finishing, and quality inspection — are handled in-house.

We place strong emphasis on process control and production consistency. Every project follows a structured workflow, from sample approval to bulk production, ensuring the final products match the approved sample in appearance, feel, and construction. This approach is especially valued by buyers seeking long-term OEM cooperation.

Q4: How do you support custom plush toy development?

Custom plush development at HeyZizi starts with a detailed design and manufacturability review. Whether you provide sketches, artwork, reference photos, or existing samples, our team evaluates structure, materials, embroidery details, and safety considerations.

We then produce physical samples for confirmation and revision. Once approved, the sample becomes the technical standard for mass production. This process helps reduce risks, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure smooth transition from development to bulk manufacturing.

Q5: Where is your factory located and what is your production capacity?

Our plush toy factory is located in GuangDong China, with dedicated areas for sampling, mass production, quality control, and packing. We operate multiple production lines and can support both small-to-mid batch orders and large-scale production, depending on project requirements.

Our capacity is designed to be flexible, allowing us to respond efficiently to seasonal demand, promotional timelines, and long-term supply programs.

Q6: How do you ensure quality and safety in plush toy production?

Quality control at HeyZizi is not a single inspection step, but a system integrated throughout the entire production process. This includes material inspection, in-line sewing checks, stuffing control, needle detection, hand finishing, and final inspection.

We support EN71 and CE standards for UK & EU markets, ASTM F963 for the US market, and other compliance requirements upon request. Our goal is to ensure every plush toy is safe, consistent, and suitable for its intended market.

Q1. What types of plush toy projects do you support?

We support a wide range of OEM and custom plush toy projects, including custom character plush, promotional plush toys, retail plush collections, plush mascots, and giant plush products. Our factory works with brands, IP owners, retailers, and promotional teams.

Whether your project starts from a sketch, artwork, or reference sample, our team focuses on manufacturability, consistency, and long-term production stability, rather than one-off production.

Q2. Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

MOQ depends on the plush toy type, size, structure, and materials. As an OEM factory, we do not offer single-piece retail production. However, we support flexible quantities for sampling and project development before mass production, even 100pcs.

For long-term projects, we help buyers plan quantities that balance cost efficiency and production feasibility.

Q3. Do you work with first-time buyers or new brands?

Sure. Many of our clients are first-time plush buyers or new brands. We guide them through design review, material selection, sampling, and production planning, helping reduce risk and avoid common issues.

Clear communication and structured processes are especially important for new buyers.

01. How does the plush toy sampling process work?

Sampling begins with reviewing your design, artwork, or reference. Our team evaluates structure, materials, embroidery, and stitching details, then develops a physical sample.

Samples are used to confirm appearance, feel, and construction. Feedback can be incorporated before final approval. Approved samples become the production standard for mass manufacturing.

02. How long does it take to make a plush sample?

Sample lead time typically ranges from 3 to 7 working days, depending on complexity and revisions. Projects with embroidery, special structures, or size requirements may require additional time.

We focus on accuracy rather than speed to ensure reliable mass production.

Q3: Is there a sample fee, and is it refundable?

Yes. Sample fees are required for custom plush toy development and are determined based on design complexity, size, materials, and production difficulty. In most cases, the sample cost ranges from USD 100 to USD 300 per sample, Most sample fees are around USD 150.

For confirmed bulk orders of 1,000 pieces or above, the sample fee can be refunded or deducted from the total production cost, depending on the project arrangement. This policy helps ensure serious project development while supporting long-term OEM cooperation.

Q1. How do you control quality during production?

Quality control is built into every stage of our in-house manufacturing workflow, not added at the end. Because all key processes are completed in our own factory — from cutting and embroidery to sewing, stuffing, finishing, and packing — we can apply consistent standards and correct issues immediately.

Our production QC typically includes:

• Material inspection before cutting (fabric appearance, defects, color consistency, and surface quality)
• In-line sewing checks (stitch strength, seam alignment, reinforcement at stress points)
• Stuffing control (filling weight and density management to maintain stable softness and shape)
• Hand finishing inspection (closure security, contour adjustment, loose thread trimming, surface cleaning)
• Final inspection before packing (appearance, size tolerance, workmanship, and overall consistency)

If any deviation is found, it is corrected at the same stage to prevent repeated defects across the batch. This system helps buyers achieve stable bulk quality, consistent hand-feel, and reliable repeatability for long-term OEM projects.

Q2. Is needle detection included in production?

Yes, Needle detection and metal safety inspection are included as part of our production QC for plush toys, especially for children’s items or products intended for regulated markets. Needle detection helps reduce the risk of metal contamination and strengthens overall product safety control.

In our factory, needle detection is not a one-time check. It is applied at least three times during the production process:

• After sewing, to ensure no broken needles remain inside the plush shell
• After stuffing, to confirm safety before final closure
• Before packaging, as a final safety verification prior to shipment

Because all production is handled in-house, needle and metal safety checks are fully integrated into the workflow without delays. If any risk is identified, the item is immediately isolated and rechecked according to internal procedures before proceeding.

We also maintain strict needle management controls. Operators must return used needles or complete broken needle fragments before receiving replacement needles. All needle issuance and returns are recorded, ensuring accountability and traceability throughout production.

In addition, we support buyers who require compliance for specific markets and can assist with documentation and testing coordination for standards such as EN71 / CE (UK & EU) and ASTM F963 (US) upon request.

Q3. How do you ensure bulk production matches the approved sample?

We treat the approved sample as the production benchmark. Once a sample is confirmed, we standardize the key variables that affect appearance and consistency — including pattern files, seam paths, embroidery placement, stitching method, stuffing density, and finishing standards.

Because manufacturing is in-house, the same teams and processes used to build the sample can be aligned with mass production. During bulk production, we apply in-line inspections at multiple stages to verify that the batch remains consistent with the approved sample. Any variation is corrected early to avoid drift across the order.

This approach helps buyers achieve:

• consistent shape and hand-feel
• stable workmanship across batches
• repeatable results for re-orders and long-term programs

Q4. What compliance standards can you support, and how do you assist with testing?

We support compliance requirements commonly required in regulated markets, including EN71 and CE for the UK and EU, and ASTM F963 for the US market. Compliance considerations are taken into account during the design, material selection, and production stages, rather than being treated as an afterthought.

Because all production processes are handled in-house, we can better align materials, construction methods, and workmanship with the relevant safety standards. Where testing is required, we assist buyers by preparing technical information, production samples, and supporting documentation, and by coordinating with third-party testing laboratories when needed.

Our role is to help clients navigate the testing process more efficiently, reduce unnecessary revisions, and ensure that products are manufactured with the target market’s compliance requirements in mind.

Q1. What materials are commonly used for plush toys?

Common materials used in plush toy manufacturing include polyester plush fabrics, cotton blends, embroidery threads, and PP cotton filling. The final material selection depends on several factors, such as intended use, target age group, softness requirements, durability, and safety standards.

For projects intended for children or regulated markets, we pay close attention to material stability, shedding control, and compatibility with safety testing requirements. During the development stage, our team provides material recommendations based on the target market, product function, and compliance needs, helping buyers balance appearance, comfort, and manufacturability.

Q2. Are your plush toys safe for children?

Yes. Plush toys intended for children are manufactured using safety-oriented construction methods. This includes secure stitching, reinforced stress points, controlled stuffing density, and careful finishing to reduce potential risks during use.

In addition to structural safety, needle detection and metal safety inspection are incorporated into the production process to help prevent metal contamination. These checks are carried out at multiple stages to strengthen overall product safety, especially for children’s items.

Safety considerations are addressed from the design stage onward, not only during final inspection. Structure, materials, workmanship, and durability under handling and pulling are evaluated to ensure the plush toy is suitable for its intended age group and usage scenario. This approach helps improve both child safety and long-term product reliability in sampling and mass production.

Q3. Do you support EN71, CE, or ASTM standards?

Yes. We support EN71 and CE compliance for the UK and EU markets, as well as ASTM F963 for the US market. CPSIA compliance can also be supported upon request, depending on the project requirements.

Compliance is considered during material selection, construction design, and production planning, rather than treated as a final step. When testing is required, we assist buyers by preparing production samples, technical information, and coordinating with third-party testing laboratories. Our role is to help clients move through the compliance process more smoothly and reduce unnecessary revisions.

Q4. How do you help buyers reduce compliance risks during development?

We help buyers reduce compliance risks by addressing safety and regulatory considerations early in the development process, rather than waiting until the final testing stage.

During design and sample development, our team reviews materials, construction methods, and intended use in relation to the target market’s requirements. This allows potential compliance issues — such as unsuitable materials, weak attachment points, or construction details that may affect testing results — to be identified and adjusted at an early stage.

Because all production processes are handled in-house, we can implement these adjustments directly during sampling and production planning. When required, we also assist buyers by preparing testing-ready samples, technical information, and production details to support third-party laboratory testing.

This structured approach helps minimize repeated testing, reduce development delays, and improve the likelihood of a smoother compliance process for regulated markets.

Q1. What packaging options do you offer?

We support a range of packaging options for plush toy products, including individual polybags, hangtags, sewn labels, and branded labels. Packaging solutions are selected based on product size, structure, and shipment requirements.

In addition to standard packaging, we also support custom packaging solutions, such as printed color boxes and customized cartons. Box size, structure, and design can be adjusted according to the plush toy’s dimensions, protection needs, and branding requirements. This helps improve presentation during retail display, promotional use, or gifting, while maintaining efficient packing and transportation.

Our team can assist buyers in aligning packaging design with production and shipping considerations, ensuring both appearance and practicality are taken into account.

Q2. Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We support international shipping for plush toy orders and can arrange delivery by sea freight, air freight, or express courier, depending on your budget, timeline, and destination.

In addition to working with multiple long-term logistics partners, we also have strategic cooperation with selected shipping companies, which allows us to offer more competitive freight options for many destinations. Our team will recommend the most suitable shipping solution based on your project requirements and provide clear cost references upon enquiry.

Q1. Why work directly with your plush toy factory?

Working directly with our factory allows buyers to benefit from clear communication, controlled processes, and stable quality standards, without intermediaries.

This structure is ideal for long-term OEM cooperation.

Working directly with our plush toy factory allows buyers to benefit from clear communication, structured project management, and controlled production processes, without intermediaries.

All key stages of plush toy manufacturing — including pattern development, fabric cutting, embroidery, sewing, stuffing, hand finishing, and quality inspection — are completed in-house at our own factory. This integrated approach enables closer quality control at every step, faster issue resolution, and better consistency between approved samples and mass production.

For buyers seeking long-term OEM cooperation, working directly with the factory provides greater transparency, reliability, and production stability.

Q2. What information should we prepare before contacting you?

Helpful information includes design files or references, estimated quantity, target market, and intended use. Even incomplete ideas are welcome.

Our team will guide you through the next steps.

Q3: What is the difference between working with a trading company and a direct plush toy factory?

Both trading companies and direct factories play a role in the supply chain, but the working model and level of control can be quite different.

When working with a trading company, communication, production, and quality control are often managed through intermediaries. While this can be convenient in some cases, it may result in longer communication loops, limited visibility into production, and less direct control over manufacturing details.

By working directly with our plush toy factory, clients communicate with a team that is closely connected to daily production operations. We have dedicated project coordinators and order-following specialists who work alongside the production team, allowing requirements, changes, and quality feedback to be implemented more efficiently.

All key manufacturing processes — from pattern development and material cutting to embroidery, sewing, stuffing, and quality inspection — are completed in-house at our own facility. This enables tighter quality control, clearer production scheduling, and faster response if adjustments are needed during sampling or mass production.

As a result, buyers often experience better consistency between samples and bulk production, more reliable lead times, and clearer accountability when working directly with a factory. This structure is especially beneficial for OEM projects, repeat orders, and long-term cooperation.

Q1: What payment methods do you accept?

We accept multiple payment methods including T/T (bank transfer), PayPal, Western Union, and L/C for large orders. For most B2B clients, T/T is the preferred method with flexible terms.

Q2. What is your standard payment term?

Our standard payment term is 30% deposit, 70% balance before shipment. For long-term partners or large-volume orders, we can negotiate more flexible payment arrangements.

Q3: Do you offer trade assurance or secure payment options?

Yes. If required, we can process your order via Alibaba Trade Assurance or a secure escrow service to ensure your payment is protected throughout the transaction.