What Wholesale Buyers Should Confirm Before Custom Mahjong Production

Custom Mahjong production involves more than choosing a colour or adding a logo.

For retailers, distributors, clubs and private-label brands, a successful custom project depends on confirming the right specifications before production begins.

From tile size and artwork to packaging, MOQ and lead time, every detail should be agreed clearly in advance.

This guide explains what wholesale buyers should confirm before starting custom mahjong production.

1. Confirm the Mahjong Version

The first step in custom mahjong production is deciding which type of Mahjong the product is designed for.

Common versions include:

• American Mahjong
• Chinese Mahjong
• Hong Kong Mahjong
• Japanese Riichi Mahjong
• Taiwanese Mahjong

Different versions may require different:

• Tile quantities
• Jokers
• Flowers
• Winds
• Dragons
• Racks
• Accessories

The product configuration should match the intended market.

2. Confirm the Complete Tile Configuration

Before artwork begins, confirm exactly how many of each tile are required.

The specification should list:

• Dots
• Bamboo
• Characters
• Winds
• Dragons
• Flowers
• Jokers
• Blank tiles
• Spare tiles

This is especially important for custom mahjong production, because one missing or incorrect tile can affect the usability of the whole set.

3. Confirm Mahjong Tile Size

The exact tile dimensions should be confirmed before final artwork and packaging.

Buyers should provide or approve:

• Height
• Width
• Thickness

Tile size can affect:

• Artwork layout
• Rack compatibility
• Set weight
• Packaging dimensions
• Shipping cost

Do not rely only on terms such as “small”, “medium” or “large”.

Use exact measurements in millimetres.

4. Confirm Tile Material

Different materials can create different appearances and price levels.

Depending on the project, options may include:

• Melamine
• Acrylic
• Resin

The selected material affects:

• Weight
• Surface finish
• Colour
• Durability
• Production cost

For custom mahjong production, it is useful to compare physical samples before final approval.

5. Confirm Tile Colour

The tile body and tile back colours should be clearly defined.

This may include:

• Standard factory colours
• Custom colours
• Transparent colours
• Marbled effects
• Layered colours

If exact brand colours are important, provide Pantone or other colour references.

Screen images alone may not accurately represent the final production colour.

6. Confirm the Tile Back Design

Tile backs can be an important part of a custom product.

Possible options include:

• Solid colour
• Custom logo
• Printed pattern
• Marbled effect
• Transparent layer
• Decorative artwork

The tile back design should be confirmed before sample production.

7. Prepare Final Artwork

Artwork is one of the most important parts of custom mahjong production.

Reference files such as JPG or PNG can be useful during discussion, but final production artwork may need to be supplied in Adobe Illustrator .AI format.

Final artwork should clearly show:

• Tile face
• Tile category
• Tile number
• Artwork size
• Colour
• Front design
• Back design

All final files should be organised and easy to review.

8. Outline Fonts

If the artwork contains fonts, convert them to outlines before sending the final production file.

This helps avoid:

• Missing fonts
• Font replacement
• Layout changes

Before outlining fonts, check all spelling and text carefully.

Once converted, text is more difficult to edit.

9. Use Clear File Names

Large projects can include many artwork files.

Use clear file names such as:

Dots_1-9.ai

Bamboo_1-9.ai

Characters_1-9.ai

Winds.ai

Dragons.ai

Flowers.ai

Jokers.ai

Clear file organisation can reduce mistakes during custom mahjong production.

10. Confirm Artwork Position

The artwork should be positioned consistently on each tile.

Check:

• Top and bottom spacing
• Left and right spacing
• Border position
• Number position
• Logo position

A design may look correct on a computer screen but still need adjustment when applied to the actual tile size.

11. Check Number and Symbol Accuracy

Every tile should be reviewed carefully.

Check:

• Number
• Suit
• Colour
• Direction
• Symbol
• Quantity

For example, make sure:

• 5 really shows five symbols
• 7 is arranged correctly
• 8 contains eight symbols
• 9 contains nine symbols

This is critical in custom Mahjong artwork.

12. Confirm Joker Design

American Mahjong projects may include custom Jokers.

Confirm:

• Number of Jokers
• Joker artwork
• Text
• Colour
• Border style

The Joker should be easy to recognise while still matching the overall set design.

13. Confirm Flower Tiles

Flower tiles often use more detailed artwork.

Before production, confirm:

• Number of Flower tiles
• Individual artwork
• Colour
• Labels or numbers
• Orientation

Each Flower should match the approved design.

14. Confirm Winds and Dragons

Winds and Dragons should be checked separately.

Confirm:

• East
• South
• West
• North
• Red Dragon
• Green Dragon
• White Dragon

If English letters are included, confirm their placement and spelling.

15. Confirm Rack Requirements

If racks are included, confirm:

• Rack length
• Material
• Colour
• Groove size
• Pusher design

The rack should be tested with the final tile dimensions.

For American Mahjong, rack compatibility is especially important.

16. Confirm Pusher Design

Pushers should be confirmed together with the racks.

Check:

• Length
• Colour
• Connection method
• Storage method
• Compatibility

A pusher should not interfere with the tile groove.

17. Confirm Other Accessories

The final specification should list all accessories.

These may include:

• Dice
• Wind indicators
• Mahjong mat
• Storage trays
• Reference cards
• Rule booklet
• Carry case

This helps avoid misunderstandings later.

18. Confirm Packaging Type

Packaging should be planned before production is finalised.

Possible options include:

• Printed cardboard box
• Rigid box
• Fabric bag
• Carry case
• Wooden box

The packaging needs to fit the complete product, not just the tiles.

19. Confirm Internal Packaging

Internal trays and compartments should be designed around the final components.

Check space for:

• Tiles
• Racks
• Pushers
• Dice
• Printed materials
• Other accessories

Good internal packaging helps protect the product during shipping.

20. Prepare Packaging Artwork

Custom packaging artwork may also need to be supplied in .AI format.

Confirm:

• Dieline
• Bleed
• Safe area
• Logo
• Product name
• Colours
• Barcode
• Required text

Packaging files should be approved separately from tile artwork.

21. Confirm Logo Placement

If the product includes a logo, confirm exactly where it will appear.

Possible positions include:

• Tile backs
• Jokers
• Racks
• Pushers
• Mahjong mat
• Carry case
• Outer packaging

Logo size and colour should be included in the approved artwork.

22. Confirm the Customisation Scope

Not every custom order requires the same amount of development.

A buyer may want:

• Logo only
• Custom tile backs
• Custom Jokers
• Full tile face artwork
• Custom racks
• Custom packaging
• Complete private-label development

The MOQ and quotation may vary depending on the customisation scope.

23. Confirm MOQ

MOQ should be confirmed before final development.

For custom mahjong production, MOQ may depend on:

• Material
• Colour
• Artwork
• Tile backs
• Packaging
• Accessories
• Tooling

Some existing fixed-colour products may support a lower MOQ, while fully customised projects usually require a higher quantity.

24. Confirm Sample Cost

Custom samples are normally part of a paid development process.

The sample cost may depend on:

• Artwork
• Printing
• Engraving
• Colour matching
• Packaging
• Accessories

Ask what is included in the sample charge before proceeding.

25. Confirm Sample Lead Time

Sample production can take time.

The schedule may include:

• Artwork review
• File adjustment
• Sample production
• Shipping
• Buyer feedback
• Revision

Build enough time into the project before planning a launch date.

26. Approve a Physical Sample

A physical sample should normally be approved before mass production.

Check:

• Tile size
• Tile weight
• Material
• Colour
• Artwork
• Tile back
• Rack fit
• Packaging
• Accessories

Do not approve mass production based only on digital images.

27. Compare the Sample With the Final Artwork

The physical sample should be compared directly with the approved production file.

Check:

• Artwork size
• Position
• Colour
• Number
• Symbol
• Orientation

Any required changes should be completed before final approval.

28. Confirm Final Sample Version

If several revisions are made, clearly identify which sample is the final approved version.

For example:

Final Sample – Version 3

This helps prevent an older design from being used by mistake.

29. Avoid Artwork Changes After Approval

Once mass production begins, artwork changes can cause delays and additional cost.

Before approval, make sure:

• All text is final
• All colours are final
• Tile quantities are correct
• Packaging is correct
• Logo placement is correct

A careful final review can save time later.

30. Confirm Production Lead Time

Before placing the order, confirm the expected mass production schedule.

Lead time may depend on:

• Order quantity
• Customisation level
• Packaging
• Material
• Production season

Do not assume every custom project has the same production time.

31. Confirm Required Delivery Date

Tell the supplier if you have a target date.

For example:

• Retail launch
• Exhibition
• Holiday season
• Distributor delivery
• Promotional event

The required delivery date should be discussed before the order is confirmed.

32. Confirm Shipping Destination

Provide the final delivery location early.

This can affect:

• Freight method
• Shipping cost
• Carton requirements
• Delivery time

For international orders, provide the destination country and city when requesting a quotation.

33. Confirm Packaging Dimensions

Once packaging is finalised, request:

• Individual package dimensions
• Net weight
• Gross weight
• Units per carton
• Master carton dimensions
• Master carton weight

These details are useful for calculating landed cost.

34. Confirm Shipping Method

Depending on the quantity and delivery schedule, shipping may include:

• Express courier
• Air freight
• Sea freight

The best method depends on:

• Order size
• Weight
• Volume
• Required delivery date

35. Confirm Payment Terms

Before production begins, both parties should clearly understand:

• Deposit requirement
• Balance payment
• Payment method
• Payment timing

Keep payment terms documented with the order.

36. Confirm the Final Quotation

The final quotation should match the approved project scope.

Check that it includes the correct:

• Tile specification
• Quantity
• Customisation
• Accessories
• Packaging
• Sample details
• Shipping terms if applicable

Do not rely on an early estimate after the design has changed.

37. Confirm Quality Inspection Requirements

For larger wholesale orders, define what should be checked before shipment.

Possible inspection points include:

• Tile quantity
• Tile dimensions
• Printing
• Colour
• Rack quantity
• Packaging
• Accessories
• Carton condition

This can help identify problems before shipping.

38. Keep One Final Specification Sheet

It is useful to create one final document containing all approved details.

The final specification sheet can include:

• Product name
• Tile size
• Material
• Tile configuration
• Artwork version
• Colours
• Accessories
• Packaging
• Quantity
• Delivery details

This becomes the main reference for custom mahjong production.

Custom Mahjong Production Checklist

Before approving production, confirm:

• Mahjong version
• Tile configuration
• Tile dimensions
• Material
• Colours
• Tile backs
• Artwork
• Logo
• Racks
• Pushers
• Accessories
• Packaging
• MOQ
• Sample
• Production lead time
• Delivery date
• Shipping destination
• Payment terms
• Quality inspection requirements

Working With HUHU Mahjong

HUHU Mahjong works with retailers, distributors, clubs and private-label brands developing Mahjong products for international markets.

Custom projects can include:

• Custom Mahjong tiles
• Custom tile backs
• Custom Jokers
• Custom racks
• Mahjong mats
• Private-label packaging
• Custom accessories

The MOQ and quotation depend on the specific customisation requirements.

For final custom production, artwork may need to be supplied in Adobe Illustrator .AI format.

Final Thoughts

Successful custom mahjong production starts with clear specifications.

The more information confirmed before production, the easier it is to avoid:

• Artwork mistakes
• Incorrect tile quantities
• Colour issues
• Packaging problems
• Production delays

Wholesale buyers should confirm the complete product, approve a physical sample and keep one final specification sheet before mass production begins.

A clear approval process can make custom mahjong production more efficient and help ensure the final product matches the original design requirements.