How Long Does It Take to Make a Skateboard for Your Own Brand?

At Bubble Skatzz, standard skateboard production takes 2 to 3 weeks for orders of up to 500 boards and 3 to 4 weeks for larger orders. Graphics add 3 to 5 days, and rush orders can be sped up for an extra fee.

We have run our skateboard factory in Huizhou, Guangdong, China since 2007 and have worked with more than 200 brands. You can read more about our story, but the short version is that we built this business by getting the small details right, and timing is one of the biggest. This guide shows where the time goes, what can change it and how to keep your order on schedule.

The Quick Answer on Skateboard Production Lead Times

Here are the standard lead times at our factory.

These are production times only. Shipping comes after production and varies by destination.

Every order is a little different, so we confirm exact timing when you send your quote request. That way you plan around your real dates, not an average.

How Long Does It Take to Make a Skateboard From Quote to Delivery?

From your first message to boards at your door, an order moves through five stages.

1. Quote. Send us your specs and we reply in under 24 hours.

2. Deposit. A 50% deposit starts production.

3. Production. Your boards are made, checked and finished, usually in 2 to 4 weeks depending on order size.

4. Balance payment. The remaining balance is due before shipping.

5. Shipping. We ship worldwide and handle the documentation.

Shipping costs and delivery times vary by destination, so ask about yours when you request a quote. International orders may also face customs duties in your country. Plan for that in both your budget and your timeline.

The stage you control most is the first one. The sooner your specs are final, the sooner production can start. Brands that come to us with clear artwork, a chosen shape and a confirmed quantity tend to move from quote to deposit fastest.

Inside the Skateboard Manufacturing Process Stage by Stage

Every deck we make goes through the same stages, and each one is part of your lead time.

1. Master sheet cutting. Maple veneer sheets are cut to size.

2. Veneer dyeing. Veneers are dyed when a design uses colored plies.

3. Drying. Veneers are dried before pressing.

4. Deck pressing. Seven layers of Canadian maple are pressed in a single mold for 45 minutes or more.

5. Hole drilling. Truck holes are drilled.

6. CNC shaping. High-precision CNC machines cut the final shape.

7. Sanding and buffing. Edges and surfaces are smoothed, then checked again during QC buffing.

8. Varnishing. Automatic varnish lines apply an even finish.

9. Printing. Your graphics go on.

Quality checks run through the whole process. These include wood inspection, lamination pressure monitoring, CNC precision checks and a final inspection. We don’t skip any of them to save time, because a fast order with weak boards helps nobody. You can see photos of each production stage on our site.

How Order Size Changes Timing for Wholesale Skateboards

Order size is one of the biggest factors in how long production takes. Orders of up to 500 boards usually take 2 to 3 weeks. Larger orders take 3 to 4 weeks.

Our minimum is typically 50 boards per shape and size. We know smaller brands often need flexibility, so we offer MOQ reductions for first orders and sample runs.

For new brands, that flexibility is useful. A smaller first run reaches you sooner, lets you test the market and gives you real sales data before you commit to a bigger order. Once you know which shapes and sizes sell, you can place larger reorders with confidence.

Distributors and established brands planning big seasonal orders should allow the full 3 to 4 weeks plus shipping. Getting your quote request in early is the simplest way to protect a launch date.

Do Custom Skateboard Decks Take Longer With Graphics or New Shapes?

Yes, a little. Graphics add 3 to 5 days to production, and brand-new shapes add an extra tooling step.

For graphics, we offer screen printing, heat transfer and digital printing. You can send your own artwork, or we can connect you with designers from our network. Sending final, print-ready files keeps that 3 to 5 day window as short as possible.

For shapes, you have two routes.

• Stock shapes. Our HMX mini molds run from 6.75" x 29" up to 7.875" x 30". Our R series runs from 7.375" x 31" up to 9.0" x 32.5". These are ready to go with no new tooling.

• New shapes. Our CNC machines can cut almost any shape, from your template or one we design with you. Custom tooling fees may apply for completely new shapes.

If timing is tight, a stock shape with your own graphics is usually the quickest custom option. Ask us about tooling timing in your quote if you want a shape of your own.

Simple Ways to Shorten Your Skateboard Production Lead Times

The fastest option is a rush order. We can speed up processing for an additional fee when you have a hard deadline.

Even without rush processing, a few habits make a real difference.

• Finalize artwork before you ask for a quote. Last-minute design changes slow everything down.

• Choose a stock shape. It skips the new tooling step.

• Pay the deposit promptly. Production begins once the 50% deposit is in.

• Reply quickly to questions. Our English-speaking team is available 7 days a week, so answers can move fast in both directions.

• Start with a sample run. MOQ reductions for sample runs let you check quality before a full order.

Efficient production workflows are what let us offer fast turnaround without cutting corners on quality. The more prepared you are at the start, the more of that speed you’ll see.

How Minimum Order Quantity and Payment Terms Fit Your Timeline

Your order terms affect your timeline as much as the factory does, so it helps to know them upfront.

If you want to test our quality while you plan a custom run, our Premium Blank Skateboard Decks are listed at $150 for a 5 pack and $275 for a 10 pack. That works out to $30 and $27.50 per deck.

Approved dealers can log in to see trade pricing. Because we sell factory direct, there are no middleman fees in your pricing.

What to Expect From a Skateboard Manufacturer While Your Order Runs

A good skateboard manufacturer keeps you informed from deposit to dispatch. Here is what that looks like with us.

You get a dedicated account manager and live factory updates, and our English-speaking staff are available 7 days a week. We aim for consistent delivery times and open communication throughout production, so you’re never left guessing.

If you’d like to see the process in person, we welcome factory tours by appointment. Tours usually run on weekdays between 10 AM and 3 PM, and we ask for at least 48 hours’ notice.

If anything isn’t right when your order arrives, we’ll work with you to fix it quickly. That can mean remaking defective boards, a partial refund or credit toward a future order. For ideas on where your order could go next, browse our catalogue of finished branded products.

Questions Brands Ask About Production and Shipping Times

Here are quick answers to the timing questions we hear most. You can find more in our frequently asked questions.

How long does skateboard production take?

2 to 3 weeks for up to 500 boards and 3 to 4 weeks for larger orders.

How much time do graphics add?

Graphics add 3 to 5 days to production time.

Can I get my skateboards faster?

Yes, rush orders get expedited processing for an additional fee.

What starts production on my order?

Production begins once we receive your 50% deposit.

Do you ship skateboards internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide, and delivery times vary by destination.

How quickly will I get a quote?

Our team replies to quote requests in under 24 hours.

Good timing starts with a clear plan. When you know your shape, artwork and quantity, get in touch with our team and we’ll give you exact dates to build your launch around. Skate shops can also join our dealer network, and you’ll find more guides like this one on our site.