ODMs are posting record results. What does that mean for small brands’ production slots?
The two biggest Korean ODMs just had record quarters, and reports say factories now run busy year-round as the off-season fades. Good news for the industry, but early-stage brands may feel it differently.
Worries small brands often share
- Minimum order quantities make it hard to size a first run
- Waits for new formula development and stability testing get longer
- Packaging and component delays push back finished-goods dates
- A sense of being bumped down the queue when big clients' orders pile up
Tips commonly passed around
- Start with a smaller specialist ODM or one strong in a specific format instead of the giants
- Adapt a proven stock formula instead of a brand-new one to launch faster
- Begin with standard packaging and switch to custom components after sales prove out
- Plan production backward from the selling season, plus buffer
These are community rules of thumb, and results can differ a lot by product type and contract terms.
If you've worked with an ODM recently: how long did it take to reach your first production run, and which stage was the biggest bottleneck?
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