A Buyer Guide to OEM and Private Label Hardware

Start From the Size Ladders That Already Exist

Most private label programmes do not need new tooling. They need an existing size ladder, a chosen finish and a packing spec. Work out which of your sizes already exist in the range and quote only the gaps as tooling items. That is usually the difference between a programme that launches and one that stalls on a tooling quote.

Drawing Sample or Both

We can work from a drawing, from a sample, or from both together. A physical sample settles questions about feel, edge condition and finish that a drawing never answers cleanly. Where you have both, send both.

Samples and What They Cost

Samples under US$20 in value are free if you have a DHL, TNT, UPS or FedEx account or agree to pay the freight cost. Above US$20 we ask you to cover the sample and freight cost, and we ship after receipt of payment. Settle this at the enquiry stage so sampling does not become the delay.

Minimum Order and Mixing

We have a very small minimum order quantity and the quantity can be negotiated. Because the lines run in the same press shop, one order can mix models, sizes and finishes, which is what lets a first programme launch across a range rather than one part number.

Label Packing and Incoterm

We provide private label and our own label. Agree the carton marking, the retail packing and the incoterm before production rather than after: EX Works, FOB, CIF, DDU or DDP, by sea, rail or courier. The packing spec depends on the mode, so deciding the mode late means re-packing.