Find the right manufacturer for your product.

Contract manufacturing, OEM, ODM and private label

• Contract manufacturing (OEM). The factory builds to your design and specification. You own the design.
• ODM manufacturer. The factory owns an existing design, which you adapt and brand. Faster and cheaper to launch, with less exclusivity.
• Private label manufacturers. Existing products sold under your brand, common in consumer goods, food, cosmetics and household products.

The right model depends on how much differentiation and IP control you need against speed and development cost.

How to find suppliers and manufacturers

Marketplaces are a starting point, not a shortlist. We find suppliers using trade data, industry networks, trade fairs and referrals, then filter on capability, capacity, export experience and quality systems. The steps are the same whether you are looking at the UK, Europe or Asia:

• Write a specification with tolerances, materials, finishes and packaging
• Estimate annual volumes and the minimum order you can accept
• Build a long list of 10 to 20 candidates, then issue a structured RFQ
• Compare quotes on landed cost, not unit price
• Assess samples and audit the top two or three sites
• Negotiate price, MOQ, payment terms, tooling and IP

Tooling and IP

Tooling is often paid by the buyer but held at the factory. The contract should state that you own it, where it is stored, and how it transfers if you move supplier. For contract manufacturing, add confidentiality and non-use terms and register trade marks in the manufacturing country where relevant.

MOQs and cost

Minimum order quantities drive both unit price and stock risk. We negotiate MOQs against volume forecasts and phased commitments. See what MOQ means and how to negotiate it.

This service sits alongside offshore sourcing and supplier audits.

Frequently asked questions