Private label manufacturing in China: brand, samples and MOQ guide
White label, OEM and ODM explained; trademark, technical specification, minimum quantity, packaging and labels: getting ready to build your own brand.
Private label is more than putting your logo on a ready product: it can mean you define the product’s features and packaging. Before starting in China, settle the brand, the product and the responsibilities; it prevents mistakes that are expensive to fix later.
Which model? White label, ODM, OEM
| Model | How it works |
|---|---|
| White label | Your logo is printed on the factory’s existing product; other brands can sell the same product |
| ODM | The factory’s design and catalogue product, with your brand, packaging and the changes you choose |
| OEM | The design and technical specification come from you; the factory produces to your specification |
The more unique you are, the easier it is to stand out, but the minimum quantity, tooling and development cost rise too.
Prepare your brand before production
- Brand name and logo: check the name is available before going into production.
- Trademark registration: in Türkiye the application goes to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. Plan it before products go on sale.
- Design files: prepare logo and packaging files in the format the factory needs (vector).
- Intellectual property: put in writing that your original designs will not be given to anyone else or used for the factory’s other customers.
Product brief and samples
- Technical specification: write size, material, colour, weight, performance and acceptance criteria. “Something like this” produces different results.
- Reference product: if you have one or know one on the market, attach photos and dimensions.
- Branded sample: do not start mass production before approving a sample with your logo.
- Tolerance: state upfront the difference in colour, size and weight you will accept.
Minimum quantity and cost
For private label the factory sets a minimum order quantity (MOQ) because it prepares printing, tooling and packaging just for you. Clarify these cost items beforehand:
- Tooling or plate fee, and whether it belongs to you after the order
- Printing and packaging extras
- Sample and development costs
- Price difference between the first order and reorders
To see the total with freight and taxes, read our landed cost guide.
Packaging, barcode and Turkish labels
- Barcode: retail needs a product barcode; barcode numbers require membership of the relevant body (for example GS1 Türkiye).
- Turkish label: depending on the product, required details (importer name, instructions, warnings and so on) must be in Turkish. What is needed varies by product group.
- Packaging strength: choose cartons and inner packaging that survive the sea journey and storage.
- Regulated products: toys, cosmetics and food-contact items have document and test requirements; for an example see our toy import guide.
Quality control and shipping
Inspection during production, a final check before shipping and a photo report matter most for private label goods, because replacing a faulty branded product later is much harder than turning away a stock product. Agree the acceptance criteria and sampling level (such as AQL) in writing before ordering.
How Ahenza Global helps
For private label we manage manufacturer selection, logo printing, packaging design, barcode and labelling; see private label manufacturing and quality control and samples. Before choosing a manufacturer, read our factory verification checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between private label and white label?
With white label the factory’s existing product is sold under your logo and others can sell it too. With private label the product features, packaging and sometimes design are yours alone, so you stand out more from competitors.
Can I start production before registering my trademark?
Legally you can, but if someone else has registered the name your products may not be sellable. Check availability and plan the application before production.
Can the minimum quantity be negotiated?
Often partly. You may be able to start with fewer units, but the unit price rises. The more customised the product, the harder MOQ negotiation becomes.
Who owns the tooling?
This must be written into the contract. Settle upfront that the tooling is yours, that it will not be used for other customers and how its cost is paid.
Written by: the Ahenza Global team, an Antalya-based import and export company · Published: 1 October 2026
Related service: Private label manufacturing · Trademark registration in Türkiye: Turkish Patent and Trademark Office
Note: This guide is general information. Regulations, tax rates and procedures change; check current texts and your customs broker before importing.
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