From “not knowing what to ask” to “asking the right key questions” for efficient collaboration in OEM and ODM toy solutions.
Many overseas retailers feel stuck when coordinating customized toys with Chinese manufacturers:
Choosing OEM feels risky because the final product may deviate from the original design, while choosing ODM raises concerns about product duplication or infringement.
The real problem is not knowing what to ask. Based on 27 years of experience serving international clients, here are the key questions you should ask for OEM/ODM projects. Just follow these when talking to factories, and you’ll avoid many pitfalls.
First — Make Sure You Clearly Understand the Difference Between OEM and ODM Toy Solutions
Once the two models are mixed up, communication goes off track.
Remember these two simple sentences:
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing):
You provide an existing design to the factory.
For example, you already have the character plush design, logo placement, size, and material requirements. The factory produces according to your design.
→ “You provide the blueprint, the factory executes.”
ODM (Original Design Manufacturing):
The factory provides a ready-made design for you to choose from.
For example, the factory has a ready set of educational building block designs. You may adjust the color, add your brand logo, and customize packaging.
→ “The factory provides the design, you make small adjustments.”
| Model | Design Provider | Customization Flexibility | Core Advantage |
| OEM | You (Client) | High (fully custom per your design) | Tailored to your unique specifications, full control over design |
| ODM | Factory (Pre-designed) | Moderate (adjust existing catalog models) | Faster time-to-market, lower R |
If You Choose OEM (You Provide the Design): Ask These 4 Questions
The core of OEM is ensuring the factory can accurately reproduce your design.
Do not simply say “Follow the design.” Ask specifics:
“Can you fully reproduce my design? What files do I need to provide?”
Do not ask vaguely. Ask about details:
- If your toy includes “press-to-sound + light,” ask:
- “Can you correctly align the sound module inside the body? I only have JPG artwork now. Do you need AI vector files or a 3D model?”
Confirm material:
- “My design uses ultra-soft short plush. Do you have this exact material? If not, can you source samples for confirmation?”
→ This prevents situations where the factory verbally agrees but later uses the wrong material or misplaces internal components.
“How long does sampling take? Cost? How many free revisions?”
Remember to ask:
- “If I place the bulk order, will the sampling fee be deducted from the final invoice?”
- Also, clarify revision charges.
“If I order 10,000 units, what is the delivery time? Will the holiday season cause delays?”
Be sure to ask MOQ as well.
“Besides product cost, what additional charges are there?”
For example: logo printing, packaging upgrades, etc.
CHENGJI OEM DESIGN DETAIL CHECK
| No. | AGREEMENTS |
| 1 | Dimensions confirmed (See Drawing 123-A) |
| 2 | Material specified as ABS plastic |
| 3 | Color adjusted to Pantone 432 C |
| 4 | Surface texture set according to approved sample |
| 5 | Logo placement confirmed on front panel |
Customer: ____________________
Model: ____________________
If You Choose ODM (Factory Provides the Design): Ask These 4 Questions to Avoid Copying & Infringement Risks
- “Is this design suitable for my target customers? Any sales cases?”
Request real sales feedback and performance data.
- “Can I change the color / add logo / modify function? Will there be extra fees?”
- “Is this design original? Does it have patent protection? Can you provide proof?”
- “Will you sell the same product to my competitors?”
Ask for an exclusivity period if needed.
Whether OEM or ODM — Always Ask These 3 Universal Questions
| Topic | What to Clarify |
| Production Capacity & Lead Time | “If the delivery is delayed, how will compensation be handled?” |
| Quality Control | “Which QC processes are included? Are EN71/ASTM test reports available?” |
| After-Sales Handling | “What defect rate is acceptable and who bears responsibility beyond that?” |
Chengji’s “OEM and ODM Toy Solutions Support Service”
If you’re worried about missing important questions or misunderstandings during communication, Chengji provides an OEM/ODM Requirement Form (Chinese) to help clarify objectives, budget, and target customer groups first.
We assist in verifying factory capability, confirming details such as whether sound modules, materials, and molding are feasible, ensuring that what the factory claims can actually be achieved.
If you’re still unsure whether to choose OEM or ODM, or want the Requirement Form, feel free to contact Chengji.
With 27 years of international toy customization experience, we help you safeguard every key step in OEM and ODM toy solutions.
