YIWU & CHINA SOURCING
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CHINA SOURCING / PRIVATE LABEL & PACKAGING
Make the product feel like your brand.
A logo is one part of private label. Materials, colour, packing and instructions all contribute to the finished product. Define the changes early so your sample and quotation reflect the same version.
PROJECT DELIVERABLES
What you can expect to receive.
Align your logo, product details and retail packaging before production begins.
01
A written customisation scope
02
Artwork and packing approval checkpoints
03
Sample revisions and open issues
04
A SKU and carton labelling plan
THE WORK BEHIND THE ORDER
A scope you can review.
Choose the tasks you need, the approval points and the records that will be handed over.
01 / SCOPE
Choose the right level of customisation.
Adding a logo to an existing product is different from changing a material or creating a new mould. Start by identifying which parts of the product must change and which can stay standard. This helps suppliers quote accurately and avoids paying for tooling before the idea is tested.
- Existing item with logo or branded packing.
- Existing product with a colour, material or component change.
- A product set assembled from several standard items.
- New development that may require tooling or specialist engineering.
02 / SCOPE
Build the artwork handover.
Artwork should be supplied in a usable file format with logo placement, dimensions and colour references. Supplier proofs should show the final design on the actual product or packaging layout. A verbal request for a greener colour leaves too much room for interpretation.
- Supply vector logo files where possible.
- Specify print size, position and colour references.
- Review text, barcode content and destination labelling.
- Approve the proof revision used for production.
03 / SCOPE
Confirm retail and shipping packaging.
Retail packaging protects the product and presents the brand. The outer carton protects the retail pack in transport. Confirm the material, inserts, pack quantity and carton marks as separate specifications. If transport testing is needed, agree the test and acceptance criteria first.
- Agree retail box construction and inserts.
- Check that the product fits without unwanted movement.
- Record packed dimensions and weight.
- Match carton labels with the SKU-level packing list.
04 / SCOPE
Approve a complete pre-production version.
The approval reference should include the product, logo, accessories and packing. If these are approved at different times, keep one revision record so the factory uses the latest accepted files. Changes after approval can affect price and timing.
- Review the complete product and pack together.
- Photograph and record the approved reference.
- Log changes with dates and version numbers.
- Reconfirm cost and production timing after a material change.
AGREE THE NEXT STEP
Set the task.
Keep the decision visible.
- Define the product and the version to be reviewed.
- Agree responsibilities, costs and exclusions.
- Record approvals and unresolved questions.
BEFORE YOU START
Questions about private label & packaging.
It depends on the product, logo method, colour and packaging. A stock item with a simple logo may have a different MOQ from a custom-colour product with printed boxes. Ask for an MOQ breakdown.
Send the concept and required performance first. New tooling or specialist engineering must be assessed separately; feasibility and ownership terms should be agreed before development starts.
CHOOSE A BRANDING ROUTE
Match the decoration to the product.
These are options to assess with the proposed supplier. Suitability, minimum quantities and setup costs depend on the material, artwork and production method.
Swipe across to read all columns →
| Route to discuss | Useful considerations | Approval to request |
|---|---|---|
| Printing on a finished item | Surface texture, coating, curved area, ink colours and readable detail. | A decorated sample showing actual size, position and colour. |
| Engraving or embossing | Substrate, surface finish, depth, contrast and effect on the product. | A physical sample; a digital render cannot establish the finished effect. |
| Woven, sewn or applied labels | Attachment method, seam location, label size and handling in use. | A labelled product with approved text and placement. |
| Tags, sleeves & paper inserts | Print quantity, paper construction, folding and fit around the item. | A fitted proof with the final artwork revision. |
| Retail or presentation boxes | Inner dimensions, opening direction, insert, protection and transport volume. | A complete packed sample using the approved product. |
FROM ARTWORK TO A PACKED SAMPLE
Four approvals worth separating.
01
01 / Product reference
Confirm the exact item and dimensions before the packaging supplier builds an insert or dieline. A small change to a lid, handle or folded bag can change the required box. Keep any product revision visible to the packaging supplier.
02
02 / Artwork proof
Approve file version, logo size, print colours, language, barcode and mandatory buyer-supplied text. Identify whether you are reviewing a screen proof, printed proof or decorated sample. Approval of one format does not establish everything about the others.
03
03 / Packing construction
Check board, closures, insert fit and assembly with the real product. Review how the item is removed and whether parts rub, move or become difficult to access. Confirm whether the box ships flat or assembled.
04
04 / Finished set
Approve the product, accessories, card and pack together. Record the packing sequence and final photos. If assembly is included, agree how incomplete sets, spare components and defective packs are counted and reported.
YOUR ARTWORK HANDOVER
Send files that a supplier can work from.
A clear artwork package reduces repeated interpretation. Provide the logo in an editable vector format when available, plus a visual reference of the intended result. Keep a separate note for colours, dimensions and placement instead of relying on a small image embedded in an email.
For a mixed order, create an artwork map: product code, packaging code, destination or language, file name, revision and approval date. The buyer approves brand rights, wording and final claims; production should follow the approved file rather than an informal earlier draft.
- Logo files, brand colour reference and any minimum clear space.
- Actual product dimensions and the approved packaging dieline.
- Final text, language versions and barcode data supplied by the buyer.
- A named approver and a rule for handling any artwork change.
GIFT-SET DEVELOPMENT
Approve the fit before approving the print run.
A bottle, notebook and tote may each look correct alone but fail to fit the proposed presentation box. Build a physical set with the actual product dimensions first. Check insert cut-outs, product orientation and how the folded tote affects closing height.
Then confirm the printed pack, assembly instructions, component counts and outer-carton protection. If a bottle model changes, reopen the fit approval. Reusing an old insert without checking can turn an apparently minor substitution into rework across the whole gift set.
LET’S MOVE YOUR IDEAS FORWARD
Ready to source your next range?
Send a product photo or link, quantity and destination. We’ll work through the sourcing, branding and shipment questions with you.