Learning path: leave each gate with reviewable evidence before moving forward.
Define the project before asking for a quote
This path is for buyers with a reference product who plan private labelling or a limited redesign. Leave with four approval records: the brief, quoted proposal, approved sample and production baseline. A project may sit between OEM and ODM; actual design work, contracts and technical documents determine responsibilities. Begin with the OEM versus ODM guide.
Approval 1: one quotable product brief
Translate visual references into function, material, dimensions and tolerance, colour, packing, destination market, volume and timing. Separate non-negotiable requirements from acceptable alternatives. Record existing drawings, tooling, software or packaging assets and the files expected at handover; do not infer ownership from the word “custom”.
Pass when: two candidates can quote the same version with exclusions and assumptions visible. FindBao can assist with product search, inquiries and quote comparison within the agreed assignment; product development and production management remain with the project parties.
Approval 2: proposal, charges and responsibility
Compare unit price, tooling and artwork charges, sample fees, MOQ, testing, packing, payment triggers and schedule separately. Ask which design elements come from a supplier platform, which come from the buyer and which are newly developed. Identify who holds technical files and tooling. Keep versions distinct; do not pair a low-price option with test results from a different specification.
Pass when: each charge has a deliverable and owner, and substitutions have an approval rule. Put ownership and permitted use that require legal agreement in writing.
Approval 3: sample and test evidence
Mark each sample with version, date, material or structural changes, test result and issue status. Compare with consistent measurements instead of visual similarity alone. Certifications and labels for the destination market should cover the final bill of materials, not only an early prototype.
Pass when: approved sample, drawings, materials, packing, labels and test plan match. Keep a versioned approval log with every open issue and its owner.
Approval 4: production baseline and change requests
Before the first order, name one approved version and document materials, critical dimensions, tolerances, appearance limits, testing frequency and packing. Any proposed component, source, process or origin change should state its reason, effect, validation, approver and first affected lot. Track approved improvements separately from unapproved substitutions.
Stop when: a sample is unapproved, test coverage is unclear or a critical material can change without a record. Resolve these before authorising production. FindBao does not currently provide factory audits, inspections or purchasing services.