What is an indent order in wholesale textile trade?

An indent order is a purchase order placed in advance — typically before the goods are manufactured or assembled — specifying exact requirements including fabric, colour, design, quantity, and delivery timeline. The buyer "indents" (reserves or commits) future production capacity.

How indent orders work in practice:

• Buyer visits a supplier or catalog and selects designs for future season
• Places an indent order (advance booking) — often with a 20–30% advance payment
• Supplier manufactures or assembles the order to the buyer specifications
• Balance payment on dispatch or delivery

When to use indent orders:

• Pre-booking wedding season stock (April–May for June–July delivery)
• Navratri chaniya choli orders (July–August for September delivery)
• Custom colour or size requirements
• Large quantity orders where ready stock may not be available