A Comprehensive Guide to the OEM/ODM Process: 6 Key Stages from Initial Inquiry to Final Delivery

In the cosmetics industry, OEM/ODM cooperation has long been a crucial method for brands to develop products. Whether you are an enterprise preparing to launch a private label, or a brand owner, trading client, or cross-border client looking for a stable supply chain, understanding the complete cooperation process is key to reducing trial-and-error costs and improving product launch efficiency.

For factories, truly professional service is not just about "being able to manufacture," but rather stringing together inquiry, sampling, compliance, pilot production, and shipment into a clear, executable, and deliverable process. Especially in 2026, the average e-commerce conversion rate for the Beauty & Personal Care category reached 4.71%, significantly higher than the overall e-commerce average of 2.66%. This demonstrates that regardless of the customer's channel, product development and delivery efficiency directly impact market performance.

Stage 1: Initial Inquiry — Clarifying the Direction of Cooperation

The first step in OEM/ODM cooperation is requirement communication. This stage involves confirming the product category, target market, efficacy direction, price positioning, packaging requirements, estimated time to market, and whether an off-the-shelf solution or custom development is needed.

For the factory, initial inquiry is not just about providing a simple quote; it is about helping the client determine the feasibility of the plan. For instance, assessing whether certain ingredients are suitable for the target market, if the formulation structure needs adjustment, if packaging materials are easily sourced, and if the development cycle meets the launch schedule. The clearer the communication, the less rework is required later.

Stage 2: Project Evaluation — Determining OEM vs. ODM

The second step is to determine the cooperation model. OEM is suitable for clients who already have a mature formula and wish to maintain control over the product's direction; ODM is more suitable for those looking to launch products quickly but lacking in-house R&D resources.

From a market perspective, an increasing number of enterprises are leaning towards the contract manufacturing model to boost development efficiency. According to 2026 industry data, the global cosmetics OEM/ODM market size is projected to reach $72.29 billion. This indicates that the contract manufacturing model continues to expand, underscoring the growing importance of factories' value in product design, R&D support, and supply chain integration.

Stage 3: Sampling and Confirmation — Turning Requirements into Samples

Once the plan is finalized, the factory enters the sampling stage. The focus here is to translate the client's requirements into physical samples and confirm them based on skin feel, scent, stability, and overall user experience.

Sampling is not just about seeing if it "looks like" the concept; it is about verifying whether the sample meets the target market's needs, aligns with the target price point, and is feasible for mass production. For cosmetic products, every adjustment made during the sampling stage can impact subsequent production efficiency and the final product experience.

Stage 4: Packaging and Compliance Confirmation — Preparing for Mass Production

After sample approval, the next step is packaging and compliance confirmation. This stage is critical because packaging, labeling, and claims will directly affect whether the final product can be successfully launched.

Key elements to confirm include the ingredient list (INCI), net weight/volume, directions for use, precautions, manufacturing information, and the required language versions for export markets. For export-oriented clients, preparing for compliance in advance can reduce later modifications and shipment delays. According to international norms, the cosmetic manufacturing process typically needs to comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) requirements, with ISO 22716 being the globally widely adopted standard for cosmetic GMP.

Stage 5: Pilot Production and Quality Control — Ensuring Mass Production Stability

The fifth step is pilot production and quality control. Many clients assume that mass production can proceed directly after sample approval, but in reality, the pilot production stage is the key to verifying production stability.

During pilot production, the focus is on checking filling accuracy, packaging compatibility, batch-to-batch consistency, transportation durability, and the final product's appearance. The goal of this stage is not just to produce the product, but to ensure it maintains stable quality after formal mass production. For the factory, the value of pilot production lies in identifying issues early, avoiding batch-level risks after bulk shipment.

Stage 6: Mass Production and Shipment — Completing the Delivery Loop

The final step is formal mass production, warehousing, and shipment. While this stage appears to be purely execution, it actually determines whether the client can launch, market, and distribute the products on schedule.

Whether the client is targeting overseas markets, offline channels, trade distribution, or direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand sales, shipment efficiency impacts the entire sales rhythm. Especially when market demands change rapidly, the ability to deliver on time often directly determines whether the client is willing to continue the partnership. For the factory, on-time delivery is not just a measure of shipping capability, but a reflection of supply chain management and project coordination capabilities.

Can your manufacturing partner hold this tolerance in production?

A specification that passes on the bench and drifts at scale is a process-control problem, not a formula problem. We treat this as an engineering parameter with a measured control window, not a QA checkbox.

Our lines pair in-process measurement with batch-level documentation, so what is approved in the sample is what ships in the order — reorder after reorder.

By collaborating with Explore our skincare manufacturing capabilities you gain access to industry-leading expertise and innovative formulations that set your brand apart in the competitive global market. Send us your current spec and observed deviation — we will tell you whether it is a formulation fix or a process fix.

OEM/ODM Process Conclusion

The OEM/ODM cooperation process is far more complex than a simple "order—produce—ship" sequence. For brand owners, trading clients, and cross-border clients, every stage impacts the final outcome. A professional factory does not merely provide manufacturing services; it provides end-to-end support, helping clients move from requirement confirmation to final product delivery.

In an increasingly competitive market, a cooperation model characterized by clear processes, timely responses, robust compliance, and stable delivery is what truly helps clients build long-term, sustainable product competitiveness.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between OEM and ODM?

OEM is typically suited for clients who already have a mature product direction and formula, while ODM is more suitable for those requiring the factory's R&D and design support to bring a product to life.

2. What are the general steps in an OEM/ODM cooperation?

It typically includes six stages: initial inquiry, project evaluation, sampling and confirmation, packaging and compliance confirmation, pilot production and QC, and mass production and shipment.

3. Why is the sampling stage so important?

Because the sampling stage allows for early verification of skin feel, scent, stability, and user experience, significantly reducing the probability of issues arising after mass production begins.

4. Why should export-oriented clients prioritize compliance?

Because different markets have varying regulatory requirements for labeling, claims, ingredients, and packaging. Early confirmation prevents costly subsequent modifications and prevents shipment delays at customs.

5. What value can a factory provide throughout the cooperation process?

Factories provide more than just manufacturing services; they assist clients with feasibility assessments, formulation recommendations, packaging material selection, regulatory compliance support, and delivery management.