Most distributors hesitate to commit to OEM because the process feels opaque. Here’s the timeline of a typical 5,000-pc custom car-mount project we shipped last month.
Week 1: Spec lock
You send us a reference product or sketch. We respond within 24h with a quote, MOQ, and a proposed BOM. We finalize logo placement, colour, packaging artwork.
Week 2–3: Tooling
For a new mould we need 14–20 days. For minor cosmetic changes (logo, colour), we skip tooling and go straight to engineering samples.
Week 4: Engineering sample
You receive 3–5 samples by DHL. We expect 1–2 rounds of feedback before sign-off.
Week 5–7: Pilot run
A pilot batch of 100–200 pcs runs on the actual line, packaged exactly as the mass order will be. You sign off the pilot before we proceed.
Week 8–10: Mass production
5,000 pcs takes about 18 working days on our line. QC inspection happens at three checkpoints: incoming components, in-process assembly, and pre-shipment AQL 2.5.
Week 11: Shipment
FOB Guangzhou or DDP to your door. Documents (CO, BL, packing list, invoice, certs) issued the day the container is sealed.
Total: 10–11 weeks from spec lock to container leaving Yantian. Faster if tooling already exists.
