Working with an OEM/ODM factory for the first time can feel opaque. This guide walks through the five stages that actually matter.
1. Brief & MOQ. A good factory asks for target price, quantity and market before quoting. Low MOQ (we support small batches) lets you test a colourway without betting a full container.
2. Sampling. Expect 3–7 days for structural samples. Review stitching density, hardware plating and wash behaviour — not just photos.
3. Certification. For the EU market, REACH and RoHS compliance is table stakes. Ask for batch-level test reports, not a one-time certificate.
4. Production & QC. AQL 2.5 inspection is the export standard. Full-process inspection beats end-of-line sampling every time.
5. Logistics. DHL/FedEx for samples and small orders, sea freight for scale. Door-to-door terms keep landed cost predictable.