Mistake #1: Choosing a Factory Based Only on Price

It’s tempting to select the manufacturer with the lowest quote. But this is the single riskiest decision you can make.

l The Consequence: Drastic compromises in material quality, poor construction, inconsistent output, and communication breakdowns. The “savings” evaporate through defects, chargebacks, and brand damage.

l The Solution: Vet for reliability, not just cost. Demand to see certificates, request references from past clients, and always—always—order a pre-production sample to physically evaluate quality and craftsmanship. Consider using a sourcing partner who has already pre-vetted factories for stability and compliance.

Mistake #2: Rushing (or Skipping) the Sample Stage

Viewing the sample as a mere formality is a recipe for disaster. This is your only chance to catch flaws before investing in thousands of units.

l The Consequence: A mass-produced batch that doesn’t match your vision. Issues with function, finish, sizing, or material feel become incredibly expensive to fix post-production.

l The Solution: Implement a rigorous sample approval protocol. Test the sample thoroughly, as a user would. Provide detailed, written feedback with photos. Only approve production once a golden sample—signed off by you and kept for reference—is locked in.

Mistake #3: Overlooking Hidden Costs and Logistics

The factory’s unit price is just the beginning. Failing to plan for the full journey from production line to customer doorstep destroys margins.

l The Consequence: Sticker shock from unexpected fees for molds, packaging, quality inspections, international shipping, insurance, and import duties. This can render your entire business model unprofitable.

l The Solution: Demand a full landed cost breakdown before committing. This should include manufacturing, packaging, quality control, documentation, all freight fees, and estimated duties. Plan your logistics and customs strategy in tandem with your production timeline.

Build on a Foundation of Clarity, Not Guesswork

OEM success isn’t about luck; it’s about systematic diligence. By prioritizing verified partners over the lowest bid, investing time in the sample process, and mapping total costs upfront, you transform manufacturing from a major risk into your most powerful brand-building tool.

Transitioning from a great product idea to a flawlessly executed, profitable SKU requires expertise. Partnering with a service that manages this complex process end-to-end—from factory vetting and sample coordination to quality assurance and landed cost transparency—allows you to avoid these mistakes entirely, saving time, capital, and your brand reputation. Focus on building your brand, and let experts handle the intricacies of production.

How our sourcing process works?

"See how this works in practice in our How it works overview."