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In the dining industry, ceramic tableware custom is a utilitarian option and an important brand recognition tool. From high-end hotel to specialty restaurants, home brands or gift houses, customized tableware can potentially boost brand identification and market competitiveness. However, when choosing customized ceramic tableware, most companies face a decisive question: ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing), which one is more applicable to my business?
In this article, we will critically examine in detail the difference between ODM and OEM, the advantages of each of them, and lead you to get the most appropriate to the need of ceramic tableware custom program.
What are ODM and OEM Ceramic Tableware Customs?
In the choice of ceramic tableware customization, ODM and OEM are two common modes of cooperation. They have their characteristics:
ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) – Existing design, rapid customization
ODM means the manufacturer provides existing designs and products that customers can directly choose and customize for their brand. Simply put, the ODM model is for companies that want to launch products quickly but don’t want to design from scratch.
Features of ODM ceramic tableware customization:
- Mature design, fast time-to-market: The manufacturer has already developed a series of tableware styles, and the enterprise only needs to choose the right style and make a small customization (e.g. brand logo, color, packaging, etc.).
- Reduced development costs: no need to pay extra for product development and mold making, suitable for companies who want to save budget.
- Suitable for mass purchasing: Because the molds and production lines are already mature, the production efficiency is high and suitable for mass customization.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) – personalized customization, built from scratch
The OEM model is more flexible, where the customer provides a design or concept and the manufacturer produces according to the customer’s needs. Compared with ODM, OEM pays more attention to personalized customization, and can create ceramic tableware that fully meets the brand positioning.
OEM ceramic tableware customization features:
- Completely independent design: Enterprises are free to choose the shape, material, color, process, etc., to create a unique product.
- Brand exclusivity: OEM products are produced to complete customer specification, and will never be identical with other brands on the market.
- For high-end brands or specialty restaurants: For businesses with specific design needs for their products, such as high-end restaurants, hotel brands or customized tableware brands.
How to Choose the Best Suited Ceramic Tableware Custom Program For You?
Companies can consider the following factors while choosing between ODM or OEM ceramic tableware customization:
Budget: ODM is more economical, OEM is more flexible
If you have a limited budget and want to launch high-quality branded ceramic tableware quickly, then ODM is the more cost-effective option. On the contrary, if you want to create a completely unique product and are willing to invest more cost, OEM customization will be more in line with the demand.
Delivery time: ODM is faster, OEM needs longer lead time
The ODM model has a short lead time because it uses existing products, making it suitable for companies with fast market demand. OEM customization involves design and development, mold making, sampling, production testing and other aspects, so the delivery time is usually longer.
Design needs: standard style vs. personalized design
If your brand requires unique design, such as shaped plates, special glaze effect or products with strong brand identity, OEM is a better choice.
If you are more concerned about functionality and practicality, and do not emphasize the uniqueness of the product appearance, ODM model can already meet your needs.
Production quantity requirement
Most manufacturers usually have a high MOQ for OEM ceramic tableware customization because of the additional development cost. ODM customization usually has a lower MOQ, which is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises or companies trying brand customization for the first time.
Applicable scenarios: your business type determines the choice
- Restaurant chains, hotels, cafes → ODM is more suitable, can quickly batch customize branded ceramic tableware.
- High-end catering, designer brands, gift companies → OEM is more suitable, to create personalized, high-end brand tableware.
- Start-up brands, e-commerce sellers → ODM can be chosen first to test the market, and then gradually upgraded to OEM.
How to Find A Reliable Supplier of Ceramic Tableware Customization?
Whether you choose ODM or OEM ceramic tableware customization, it is crucial to find an experienced manufacturer with reliable quality. Here are a few key criteria for choosing a supplier:
- Production experience
Choose a ceramic manufacturer with years of experience to ensure that it has proven processes and production capabilities. - Quality certification
Ceramic tableware needs to comply with food safety standards, such as FDA, LFGB, SGS and other international certifications to ensure safety in use. - Customization capability
If you need OEM customization, can the supplier provide a one-stop service from design development to production? Can they meet your special process requirements? - Deliverability
Confirm whether the supplier has enough production capacity and stable supply chain to ensure on-time delivery. - Customer reputation
Check the supplier’s past cooperation cases or customer reviews to understand its strength and service quality.
About Yongjian
Yongjian is a professional manufacturer of exquisite ceramic tableware, specializing in wholesale tableware and flexible customized solutions. We offer ODM and OEM ceramic tableware customization to meet different customers’ needs.
Why choose Yongjian?
- 20 years of ceramic manufacturing experience, mature craftsmanship and excellent quality
- ODM fast customization, rich product styles available, efficient delivery
- OEM personalized customization, support exclusive design, unique shape, special technology, etc.
- Strict quality control, all products comply with food safety standards
- Global supply chain support, ensuring efficient and stable bulk purchasing.
Regardless of whether you are a hotel, gift shop, restaurant chain, or e-commerce business, Yongjian can provide you with professional custom ceramic tableware solutions. If you need a stable ODM or OEM ceramic tableware factory, please feel free to contact us for custom quotes and samples!
