From Concept to Container: The Ultimate OEM/ODM Guide for Disposable Hygiene Brands
Thinking about creating your own branded line of cotton pads, disposable towels, or hygiene products? Understanding the OEM/ODM process is essential for a successful private label launch.
This guide walks you through every step—from initial concept to final shipment—so you know exactly what to expect when working with a manufacturer.
OEM vs ODM: What's the Difference?
Before diving in, let's clarify these commonly confused terms:
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
You design, they produce.
- You provide exact specifications
- You own the product design
- Manufacturer produces to your requirements
- Higher customization, longer development time
Example: You design a unique heart-shaped cotton pad with specific dimensions, and the factory produces it exclusively for you.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer)
They design, you brand.
- Manufacturer offers existing product designs
- You select and customize with your branding
- Faster time-to-market
- Lower development costs
Example: You choose from the factory's existing round cotton pad designs and add your logo and packaging.
Which Model Is Right for You?
| Factor | Choose OEM | Choose ODM |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Higher investment | Lower investment |
| Timeline | 45-90 days | 20-35 days |
| Uniqueness | Fully custom | Customized existing |
| MOQ | Usually higher | More flexible |
| Risk | Higher (new design) | Lower (proven product) |
| Best for | Established brands | New market entrants |
Our recommendation: Start with ODM to test the market, then move to OEM for unique products once you've validated demand.
The 8-Step OEM/ODM Process
Step 1: Initial Inquiry & Consultation
Timeline: 1-3 days
What happens:
- Share your product concept and requirements
- Discuss target market and positioning
- Review manufacturer's capabilities
- Get preliminary pricing estimates
What to prepare:
- Product type and specifications (if known)
- Target price point
- Estimated order quantities
- Packaging preferences
- Timeline requirements
Tip: Be specific about your end-use application. A cotton pad for luxury skincare has different requirements than one for nail salons.
Step 2: Sample Development
Timeline: 7-14 days
What happens:
- Manufacturer creates samples based on your requirements
- Multiple options may be provided (different GSM, materials, sizes)
- Initial samples are usually unbranded
Sample types:
- Pre-production samples: Basic product without branding
- Counter samples: Matching your specific requirements
- Golden samples: Final approved version for production reference
What you'll receive:
- Physical product samples
- Technical specifications sheet
- Material composition details
- Preliminary pricing
Tip: Request samples of 2-3 variations to compare. The small extra cost provides valuable comparison data.
Step 3: Sample Evaluation & Feedback
Timeline: 3-7 days (your side)
What to evaluate:
- Feel: Softness, texture, thickness
- Performance: Absorbency, wet strength, linting
- Quality: Consistency, edge finishing, appearance
- Fit: Does it meet your brand standards?
Feedback template:
Sample received and evaluated. Our feedback:
✅ Approved: [aspects you like]
⚠️ Adjust: [changes needed]
- Change 1: [specific request]
- Change 2: [specific request]
Please provide revised samples and updated pricing.
Tip: Test samples with your actual products (toners, removers) and get feedback from your target users if possible.
Step 4: Artwork & Packaging Design
Timeline: 5-10 days
What happens:
- Submit your logo, brand colors, and design files
- Review packaging options (box, bag, pouch, etc.)
- Manufacturer creates packaging mockups
- Multiple revision rounds until approved
Files to prepare:
- Logo in vector format (AI, EPS, or high-res PNG)
- Brand color codes (Pantone or CMYK)
- Required text (ingredients, instructions, warnings)
- Regulatory information for your market
- Barcode/UPC if needed
Packaging considerations:
| Packaging Type | Cost | Presentation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic bag | $ | Basic | Budget products |
| Ziplock pouch | $$ | Good | Retail products |
| Paper box | $$$ | Premium | Gift sets, luxury |
| Custom tin | $$$$ | Luxury | Premium positioning |
Tip: Ask for a physical packaging sample, not just a digital mockup. Colors and materials look different in person.
Step 5: Final Quotation & Order Confirmation
Timeline: 2-3 days
What you'll receive:
- Detailed price breakdown (product + packaging + labeling)
- MOQ confirmation
- Production timeline
- Payment terms
- Shipping options and costs
Standard payment terms:
- 30% deposit to start production
- 70% balance before shipment
What to confirm in writing:
- Exact specifications (size, GSM, material, quantity)
- Packaging details
- Delivery date
- Quality standards
- What happens if quality issues arise
Tip: Get everything in a formal Proforma Invoice (PI) before making payment.
Step 6: Production
Timeline: 15-30 days (depending on quantity)
What happens:
- Raw material preparation
- Production line setup
- Manufacturing
- Quality control checkpoints
- Packaging and labeling
Production timeline by order size:
| Order Size | Typical Production Time |
|---|---|
| 1,000-5,000 packs | 10-15 days |
| 5,000-20,000 packs | 15-20 days |
| 20,000-50,000 packs | 20-25 days |
| 50,000+ packs | 25-35 days |
During production:
- Request progress photos
- Ask about any issues immediately
- Confirm shipping arrangements
Tip: For first orders, consider a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by a third-party company like SGS or Bureau Veritas.
Step 7: Quality Control & Inspection
Timeline: 1-3 days
What happens:
- Final quality check before packing
- Random sampling inspection
- Photos/videos sent for your approval
- Packing for shipment
Quality checkpoints:
- Product specifications match approved sample
- Packaging and printing quality
- Correct quantities
- No defects or damage
- Proper labeling
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level): Most manufacturers follow AQL 2.5, meaning:
- For 10,000 units: sample 200, accept if ≤10 defects
- This is industry standard for consumer goods
Tip: Establish quality standards and inspection criteria BEFORE production starts, not after.
Step 8: Shipping & Delivery
Timeline: Varies by method
Shipping options:
| Method | Timeline | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air freight | 5-7 days | Urgent, small orders | |
| Sea freight (FCL) | 25-35 days | $$ | Large orders (full container) |
| Sea freight (LCL) | 30-40 days | $$$ | Medium orders (shared container) |
| Rail (to Europe) | 18-22 days | $$$ | Europe-bound, time-sensitive |
Incoterms to know:
- FOB: You pay shipping from port
- CIF: Supplier pays shipping + insurance to your port
- DDP: Supplier handles everything to your door (most expensive)
Tip: For first orders, consider CIF or DDP for simplicity. Once you're experienced, FOB often offers better control and pricing.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) Guide
MOQs vary by product type and customization level:
| Product | Standard MOQ | Custom Packaging MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton pads | 1,000 packs | 20,000+ packs |
| Disposable towels | 1,000 packs | 20,000+ packs |
| Disposable underwear | 1,000 packs | 20,000+ packs |
| Cotton swabs | 1,000 packs | 20,000+ packs |
| Bathrobes | 1,000 pcs | 5,000+ pcs |
How to reduce MOQ:
- Accept existing product designs (ODM vs OEM)
- Use standard packaging with sticker labels
- Combine with other buyers (manufacturer may offer this)
- Build relationship for future flexibility
Timeline Summary: Concept to Container
| Phase | Timeline | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Inquiry & quotation | 3-5 days | Week 1 |
| Sample development | 7-14 days | Week 2-3 |
| Sample approval | 3-7 days | Week 3-4 |
| Artwork & packaging | 5-10 days | Week 4-5 |
| Order confirmation | 2-3 days | Week 5-6 |
| Production | 15-30 days | Week 6-10 |
| QC & shipping prep | 3-5 days | Week 10-11 |
| Sea freight | 25-35 days | Week 11-16 |
Total: 8-16 weeks from first contact to delivery
Tip: For product launches with fixed dates, work backwards and add 2-week buffer for unexpected delays.
Red Flags to Watch For
⚠️ Be cautious if a supplier:
- Offers prices significantly below market rate
- Cannot provide factory photos or video tour
- Has no quality certifications
- Requires 100% payment upfront
- Cannot provide references or customer testimonials
- Communicates poorly or inconsistently
- Refuses to send samples before order
Start Your OEM/ODM Project
Ready to create your own branded product line? At Little Cotton, we've helped hundreds of brands bring their products to market with our comprehensive OEM/ODM services.
What we offer:
- Full ODM catalog with proven products
- Custom OEM development capabilities
- Flexible MOQ for new brands
- In-house design team for packaging
- Quality certifications (OEKO-TEX, ISO 9001, GMP)
Get started:
📧 Email: Susancheung@pconcept.cn
💬 WhatsApp: +86 159 1541 3844
🌐 Website: www.littlecotton.net
Little Cotton Industry Co., Ltd. is a leading OEM/ODM manufacturer of cotton pads, disposable towels, and hygiene products. Our 28,000㎡ facility and 15+ years of experience ensure reliable quality and on-time delivery for brands worldwide.