Strategic Sourcing Guide for 13x19 Eyeglass Frames: Supplier Insights, Quality Benchmarks & Procurement Tactics

Mapping the Global Supply Chain for Compact Frame Sizes

The 13x19 frame size—ideal for petite and youth-oriented eyewear—represents a niche but growing segment in optical fashion. While demand spans North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, production remains heavily concentrated in China’s specialized eyewear clusters. Regions like Yiwu and Taizhou in Zhejiang province focus on design-driven acetate and metal frames, while Danyang in Jiangsu excels in high-volume manufacturing with tight tolerances. These hubs offer integrated ecosystems combining raw material processing, mold fabrication, surface finishing, and logistics coordination.

Suppliers in these zones benefit from proximity to cellulose acetate suppliers, titanium rod mills, and plating facilities, reducing input lead times by up to 40%. This vertical integration enables rapid iteration—from concept sketch to physical sample in under two weeks. For B2B buyers, this means faster time-to-market and greater agility in responding to seasonal trends or regional preferences.

Evaluating Supplier Capabilities: A Framework for Informed Decisions

Selecting the right partner requires more than comparing prices. A structured evaluation framework should assess technical competence, operational reliability, and communication efficiency.

Material Expertise and Design Flexibility

Different materials serve distinct market segments. Acetate frames appeal to fashion-forward consumers due to their bold colors and layered patterns. Metal frames, especially those made from beta-titanium or stainless steel, cater to minimalist and performance-oriented users. TR-90 nylon is often used for flexible, impact-resistant models targeting children and active adults.

When vetting suppliers, examine their portfolio diversity as an indicator of R&D investment. For example, Yiwu Jio Eyewear Co., Ltd. offers a wide range including ultra-light titanium frames and vintage acetate designs, suggesting strong in-house design capabilities. Similarly, Jiangsu Unicorn Dragon Glasses Co.,LTD lists nearly 800 frame variants, reflecting extensive catalog management and trend responsiveness.

Quality Assurance and Operational Reliability

On-time delivery rates above 99% and response times under four hours are baseline expectations for reliable partners. However, reorder rate—a measure of customer retention—is arguably more telling. A high reorder rate indicates consistent product quality and service satisfaction.

Taizhou Yutai Glasses Co., Ltd., for instance, reports a 42% reorder rate, the highest among comparable suppliers, despite offering competitively priced products starting at $0.90 per unit. This suggests that even budget-conscious buyers can achieve high end-user satisfaction when working with well-managed factories.

To mitigate risk, request photo documentation of batch inspections or consider third-party QC services like SGS for initial large orders. Confirm whether hinge durability, weld integrity, and dimensional accuracy are tested before shipment.

Pricing Landscape and Cost Efficiency Strategies

Price variation across suppliers reflects differences in material quality, production scale, and brand positioning. Understanding these dynamics helps buyers align procurement strategy with business goals.

Supplier	Product Range (Notable Listings)	Entry-Level Price	MOQ Structure	Target Buyer Profile
Taizhou Yutai Glasses Co., Ltd.	Sunglasses (429), Eyeglasses Frames (296)	$0.90/unit	2 pieces	Budget retailers, sampling
Yiwu Chengguan Glasses Co., Ltd.	Sunglasses (542), Eyeglasses Frames (101)	$1.30/unit	8–30 pieces	Volume distributors
Jiangsu Unicorn Dragon Glasses Co.,LTD	Eyeglasses Frames (795)	$2.28/unit	12 pairs	Mid-tier brands, bulk buyers
Yiwu Jio Eyewear Co., Ltd.	Eyeglasses Frames (261)	$4.39/unit	2 pieces	Premium boutiques, custom labels
Guangzhou Yuexiu District Guanxi Jingge Glasses Trading Firm	Eyeglasses Frames (209)	$16.59/unit	2 pairs	Luxury positioning, designer collaborations

This spectrum shows clear trade-offs: low-cost entry points come with higher MOQs or lower aesthetic finishes, while premium pricing correlates with superior materials and branding support. Guangzhou Yuexiu, for example, commands prices over $25 per pair, likely due to high-grade acetate sourcing and meticulous craftsmanship, backed by US $200,000+ annual online revenue—the highest in the dataset.

Optimizing Communication and Order Workflow

Response time is a critical but often overlooked factor in supply chain efficiency. Delays in feedback during sample approval or packaging confirmation can extend lead times by days.

Suppliers like Yiwu Jio Eyewear Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Unicorn Dragon report response times within one hour, enabling real-time collaboration across time zones. This responsiveness is particularly valuable for urgent revisions or last-minute order adjustments.

To streamline communication:

• Use standardized specification sheets (frame dimensions, temple length, bridge width).
• Request digital mockups before tooling begins.
• Clarify labeling, barcoding, and polybag requirements upfront.
• Establish a single point of contact for technical and logistics queries.

Managing Risk and Ensuring Scalability

Single-supplier dependency poses significant risk. Consider diversifying across at least two qualified vendors—one focused on cost efficiency, another on quality consistency.

For example, a buyer might use Taizhou Yutai for promotional lines requiring fast turnaround and low MOQs, while partnering with Guangzhou Yuexiu for flagship collections where brand image justifies higher costs.

Additionally, confirm scalability policies. Can the supplier handle a 3x volume increase during peak season? Do they allow mixed-SKU orders to reduce inventory risk? Factories with robust ERP systems typically offer better visibility into production scheduling and shipping forecasts.

Customization and Brand Differentiation Opportunities

Most suppliers support customization options beyond color and plating. These include:

• IP gold, black ruthenium, or rose gold coatings for enhanced finish longevity.
• Laser engraving of logos or serial numbers on temples.
• Custom temple tips or nose pad configurations.
• Private-label packaging with branded inserts or pouches.

For full original designs, some manufacturers offer mold development services, though minimum runs typically start at 500–1,000 units. Early-stage buyers can leverage existing molds with minor modifications to reduce NRE (non-recurring engineering) costs.

Logistics, Lead Times, and Delivery Planning

Average production cycles range from 15 to 30 days after sample approval. Air freight delivers in 5–10 days internationally, making it ideal for sub-100-unit test launches via DHL or FedEx. Sea freight remains cost-effective for orders exceeding 500 units, with transit times of 25–40 days depending on destination port congestion.

Plan procurement schedules with buffer periods for unexpected delays—especially during Chinese holidays such as Golden Week or Lunar New Year, when factory output slows significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common materials used in 13x19 frame manufacturing?

Cellulose acetate dominates fashion frames due to its vibrant colors and marbled textures. Beta-titanium and stainless steel are preferred for lightweight, durable constructions, often finished with IP plating for scratch resistance. TR-90 thermoplastic is used for flexible, hypoallergenic models suitable for children and sports applications.

How do MOQs vary among suppliers?

Minimum order quantities differ widely. Some suppliers accept as few as 2 pieces—ideal for startups or boutique retailers testing new styles. Others require 12 to 30 units per model, particularly for custom colors or plating setups. Yiwu Chengguan Glasses Co., Ltd., for example, sets MOQs between 8 and 30 pieces, favoring larger distributors seeking economies of scale.

Are private-label and OEM services available?

Yes, most suppliers support OEM/ODM合作. Services include logo engraving, custom packaging, and full mold development for exclusive designs. Factories with in-house design teams can assist in translating sketches into manufacturable products, often providing 3D renderings for pre-production review.

How long does production and shipping take?

Production typically takes 15–25 days post-sample approval. Express shipping adds 5–10 days globally, while ocean freight ranges from 25–40 days. Buyers should factor in additional time for customs clearance and inland transport.

Do suppliers provide inspection reports?

While not standardized, reputable suppliers conduct internal quality checks on weld strength, hinge function, and surface defects. Buyers are encouraged to request photo evidence or engage third-party inspectors for orders over 500 units to ensure compliance with specifications.