A short guide to producing custom goods in China
Having a business make its own brand of goods in China has a lot of benefits. In this article, we try to understand how to make a product in China, from how to start a real business based on what Chinese manufacturers and suppliers have to offer.
In fact, Chinese manufacturers can give you a wide range of catalog products, which are factory products that may have been given a custom brand. These products, which are also called ODM, are models on which you can put your logo or ask for small changes (like a different color, function, or material) to make them even more unique.
OEM products are another option, but they are much more expensive because molds and production have to be made on the spot. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a good solution for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that are just starting out and don’t have a lot of money.
How to produce customized products in China starting from ODM products
If you want to make low-cost customized products, it’s a good idea to focus on ODM products. Here are some of the best things about this kind of product:
Short deadlines: Most small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) don’t have the technical skills to create new products, and custom projects take time because they are often changed.
Compared to OEMs, they have lower processing costs because the buyer must supply the molds that are made for industrial projects. Instead, the ODM products are made with molds that have already been used.
Low order quantity: The supplier can make the MDGs more easily, faster, and with less risk. They can also use materials that subcontractors already have, instead of having to find new ones. Because there are more risks involved in making OEM products, the supplier has to raise the minimum order quantity. We’re talking about several hundred pieces.
a wide range of products: Chinese suppliers can offer a wide range of ready-made projects, and ODM products are based on those of their customers and competitors.
How to manufacture a product in China using OEM models
If ready-made products don’t meet your needs, you can try OEM products, which can be changed in a number of ways. Keep in mind, though, that this means the minimum order will be bigger (around a thousand pieces for cheap items), the costs will be higher, and the time will be longer.
OEM products are products that are made to order from standard parts. The sizes of these changes vary from product to product. Let’s give some examples:
For clothing and textiles, you can change fabrics, colors, buttons, zippers, sizes, prints, and embroidery. For electronic systems, you can change sensors and transmitters, software, engraving and printing, and packaging. For watches, you can change the dial (colors and material), case plating, movements, and engraving back plate. For jewelry and home furnishings, you can change stones, wires, metal parts, and plating.
If you want a personalized product, it’s easy to get one, but you must give as many details as possible. If you don’t, the supplier will make the decisions for you if there are any questions or decisions to be made, and you may end up with goods you didn’t want.
Why it is important to create your own brand
When you add a brand to a good product, it makes it seem like it’s worth more. For example, millions of small businesses import to China and successfully resell their own-brand products. We’re not talking about goods sold at low prices; we’re talking about items that are bought because of their brand or packaging. In fact, a lot of people are looking for niche products. Having their own trademark is always better than importing and reselling products that don’t have their name on them. In fact, there are more ways to make money.
For many Chinese suppliers, branding products is an everyday task that needs to be done quickly and cheaply.
To get custom-made items, you can:
Most Chinese suppliers will let you put your brand on the product, and you can also put your brand on the packaging. Europeans also want to see beautiful products, and the packaging is the first thing they see. You can have your brand printed on the standard packages that the Chinese supplier offers if you want. You can pick the colors and designs, but not the shape or material. A personalized package costs a lot because you have to buy a new injection molding machine and come up with a new design for the product. A unique product makes a brand stand out more. But it’s not easy because you need technical skills and projects, and you have to talk to the supplier in a good way. Then, you have to give exact measurements, colors, materials, parts, certifications, and so on.
Making in China: the most common mistakes to avoid
The supplier made a mistake with the color or the logo. This happens sometimes, and it’s a good thing because it’s hard to return goods once they’ve been shipped to Italy. Also, by the time it gets where it’s going, it’s already been paid for. What can you do to stop this from happening? The solution is to send the supplier instructions and specifications that are as detailed as possible. This will limit the supplier’s chance of making a mistake and also its ability to act on its own. Because of this, you must say:
the size of the mark, its color, where it will be placed, and the type of printing.
Also, check the quality of the goods in China before sending them. Ask the supplier to send you samples that they have already put your brand on, and make sure this happens before the sales agreement is signed. If everything is fine, you can start making the thing. Clear up any misunderstandings at this point, or you may end up with goods that can’t be sold.
How to manufacture a product in China without problems
Dropship-empire is an easy way to find a Chinese supplier who can make your customized products.
Dropship-Empire is the only place where you can quickly request quotes for the ODM products you want. Dropship-empire can take care of your order from start to finish, whether it’s for OEM or ODM products.
We offer a full-service solution that starts with sourcing and goes all the way through organizing shipping, customs clearance, and home delivery.
We can help with:
Find suppliers who are reliable and have the right paperwork;
Get a complete quality check before shipping;
Send wholesale orders to Amazon’s home, warehouse, or Amazon Logistics;
Change the way your products look with your Private Label;
Change the way your packages look to promote your brand.