Product development · OEM/ODM · Manufacturing
Manufacture your product in China: from development to production
We turn an idea, reference or existing product into a manufacturing project: defining requirements, identifying the right manufacturer, coordinating samples and customisation, following production and managing quality, documentation and importing when required.
Initial review with no commitment · Spain + China team · OEM/ODM development
Your starting point
You do not need a fully developed product to begin
The process changes depending on the information you start from. We can work from a market reference or an initial specification and coordinate the stages required to reach a version suitable for production.
I have an idea
We start from functions, use, target market and available references to define what needs to be specified before looking for a manufacturing solution.
I have a reference product
We analyse what you want to keep, change or improve and look for manufacturing alternatives compatible with that objective.
I want to customise an existing product
We coordinate ODM or customisation options for the product, finishes, functions, accessories, packaging and branding, depending on what each manufacturing platform allows.
I already have a design, sample or specifications
We can move directly to manufacturer validation, quotation, samples, adjustments and production preparation.
Development model
OEM, ODM or customisation: not every project starts the same way
- OEM
Manufacturing to your specifications
The product starts from requirements, design, specifications or developments defined for the project. The manufacturer produces according to the agreed scope.
- ODM
Starting from an existing platform
A base already developed by the manufacturer is used and the available elements are customised: functions, finishes, accessories, packaging or branding, depending on the product.
- Customisation / private label
Adapting an existing product
In simpler projects it may be enough to select an existing reference and customise commercial or presentation elements.
We do not push a particular model. The right option depends on the product, volume, budget, timeline and the level of differentiation you need.
From concept to factory
How we turn an idea into a manufacturable project
- 01
Brief and requirements
We define product, functions, known specifications, market, estimated volume, target cost, references and project constraints.
- 02
Manufacturing strategy
We determine whether it makes more sense to start from an existing product, an ODM platform or a more customised development.
- 03
Manufacturer selection
We identify manufacturers compatible with the product and the level of development required and compare capacity, terms and technical/commercial proposals.
See how we manage purchasing and manufacturers in China - 04
Samples and prototypes
We coordinate samples, prototypes or development versions and collect the adjustments needed before approving the product.
- 05
Tooling and production preparation
If the project requires moulds, tooling or other specific developments, we coordinate scope, cost, terms and validation before production.
- 06
Approval and production
With the reference approved, specifications, terms and relevant criteria are confirmed before production starts and is followed up.
- 07
Quality, documentation and importing
We coordinate the necessary inspections and reviews and, when it is part of the scope, documentation, freight, customs clearance and importing.
See quality and compliance
A sample is not a formality: it is the reference for production
One of the biggest risks when manufacturing a customised product is moving from an idea or quotation to a production order too soon. Samples turn expectations into a concrete reference before committing volume.
Depending on the project some of these stages may apply, not necessarily all of them. The number of iterations depends on the product and on the distance between the first proposal and the expected result.
- Initial sample
- Customised sample
- Prototype
- Revised sample
- Approval or pre-production sample
Does the product need its own mould or tooling?
Some developments require moulds, tooling, specific parts or development costs before production. These items can represent a significant share of the initial investment and should be defined before committing to the project.
Cost
What exactly the amount covers and what payment terms are agreed.
Ownership
What the client and the factory agree regarding tooling developed for the project.
Use
Which products, references or projects that tooling can be used for.
Maintenance or replacement
What responsibilities each party takes on where relevant.
Ownership and usage terms depend on the specific agreement with each manufacturer and should be reviewed before making any payment.
MOQ, unit cost and development cost are connected decisions
Manufacturing cost cannot be assessed per unit alone. MOQ, sample cost, tooling, packaging, components, testing, freight and expected volume can significantly change the economics of a project.
Upfront cost
- Samples
- Specific developments
- Moulds and tooling
- Testing where applicable
Recurring cost
- Manufacturing
- Packaging
- Inspection
- Logistics
- Importing
Define ownership before investing in development
When a project involves designs, technical files, moulds, firmware, packaging or other specific developments, it is important to clarify before payment what belongs to the client, what belongs to the manufacturer and what usage rights each party holds.
- Designs and documentation provided by the client
- Developments created specifically for the project
- Moulds and tooling
- Pre-existing factory components or platforms
- Packaging and graphic files
- Conditions for changing manufacturer if needed
EC HolaHome can help coordinate and document these commercial points, but intellectual property agreements that require it should be reviewed with specialised legal advice.
What was approved must be what reaches production
Once the sample or specification is approved, any later change can affect the product, price, lead time, documentation or quality. That is why it is important to keep a clear reference and control modifications during the project.
Approved reference
The validated sample or specification acts as the reference against which production is compared.
Specifications and changes
Changes agreed during the project are recorded so they are not lost between emails and conversations.
Production follow-up
We follow progress with the factory and the milestones agreed before shipment.
The destination market must be considered before manufacturing
A manufacturable product is not necessarily a product that can be sold in any market. Category, functions, materials, labelling, documentation and claims can change the applicable requirements.
That is why, where relevant, we coordinate the review of technical and documentary requirements during development and not only once the goods are already finished.
See quality and complianceRequirements depend on each product and market. EC HolaHome coordinates the process with manufacturers, laboratories and specialised professionals when necessary.
Already selected a factory?
There is no need to restart the project. We can join at its current stage and help you review terms, samples, specifications, development, production, quality, documentation or importing.
Review my projectMore than requesting a quotation
Manufacturing well starts before the purchase order
Finding a factory able to make something similar is only part of the work. The goal is to keep product, specifications, cost, sample, production, documentation and delivery aligned.
- Idea
- Requirements
- Manufacturer
- Sample
- Approval
- Production
- QC
- Delivery
Coordination between Spain and China
- in purchasing and import operations managed
- Direct coordination between Spain and China
- From factory to your warehouse
- Combined experience of the founding team
We coordinate development and manufacturing from Spain and China to reduce the operational distance between your team and the factory.
Real experience
From concept to a product ready for production
Case published on our projects page: a Spanish personal care brand that wanted to manufacture its own line instead of buying catalogue product.
- Context
- A Spanish personal care brand already selling in retail and online that wanted to manufacture its own line in Asia instead of buying catalogue product.
- Need
- Move from a product idea and a few visual references to a manufacturable line, with its own packaging and the documentation required to sell legally in the European Union.
- Development
- Translating the brief into technical specifications, sourcing and comparing factories with experience in cosmetics for Europe, managing samples and adjusting format, materials and finishes until the reference sample was approved.
- Production
- Prior audit of the selected factory, sign-off of technical and packaging sheets, control of the production calendar and direct follow-up in Chinese with the factory team.
- Quality and compliance
- Review of the documentation required from the manufacturer, verification of labelling against European requirements and coordination with the client's appointed compliance contact before authorising shipment.
- Outcome
- The client now has its own line manufactured to its specifications, a single point of contact for product, quality, documentation and transport, and a repeatable process for future reorders.
For companies that want to develop their own product
The fit depends on the product, level of development, expected volume, market and the resources your team already has.
- Brands
- Distributors
- Retailers
- Manufacturers
- Companies with their own product
- Innovation, product or purchasing departments
Frequently asked questions about manufacturing a product in China
- Can I start if I only have an idea?
- Yes, as long as we can define the need clearly enough to determine what kind of development and manufacturer the project requires. In some cases design or engineering specialists will also be needed.
- What is the difference between OEM and ODM?
- Broadly speaking, OEM is used when manufacturing starts from specifications or developments defined for the project, while ODM starts from a platform or product previously developed by the manufacturer and allows certain levels of customisation. The actual scope depends on each factory and product.
- Do I need to make a mould?
- Not necessarily. It depends on whether the product uses existing components and structures or needs specific parts. If tooling is required, cost, ownership, use and terms must be defined before payment.
- How many samples are needed?
- There is no universal number. It depends on product complexity, the level of customisation and the changes required to reach an approvable reference.
- Can you find the factory?
- Yes. We can identify and validate manufacturers compatible with the product and then coordinate development and production.
- Can you work with my current factory?
- Yes. We can join an existing project without needing to change supplier.
- Do you manage packaging and branding?
- Yes, when it is part of the scope we can coordinate packaging, labelling, manuals and other customisation elements available for the project.
- Do you review certifications and requirements?
- We coordinate the documentary review and the requirements applicable to the product and market together with manufacturers, laboratories and specialised professionals where relevant. EC HolaHome is not a laboratory or a certification body.
- Do you also manage importing?
- Yes. When the full project is contracted we can coordinate freight, documentation, customs clearance and delivery.
- How does a project start?
- With an initial review of the product, starting point, volume, market, level of customisation and objectives. With that information we define the next step and the scope required.
You can find more information in these resources: China sourcing agent · Services · How we work · Quality and compliance · Finding suppliers in China · Import cost calculator · Projects
Your product
Do you have an idea or product you want to manufacture in China?
Tell us what you want to develop, what information you already have and which market you want to sell in. We will review the starting point and tell you the most sensible next step.
We usually reply in less than one business day.