Buyer Guides
What to Prepare Before Starting an OEM / ODM Project
Project Checklist · 4 min read · Published 2026-08-27 · Updated 2026-10-11
You can start an OEM / ODM discussion with a product idea. A finished formula is useful when you have one, but a clear ingredient direction and a few specific questions are enough for an initial development conversation.
The first brief should tell the manufacturer what you want to make, where you plan to sell it and which decisions you need help with.
Write a brief the manufacturer can work with
Describe the product in a sentence. For example: “A flavored powder for adults who already mix a drink at breakfast; single-serving stick packs preferred.” This fictional example explains the use setting without promising a health outcome.
Keep the first version short. Use “required,” “preferred” and “please propose” beside the relevant fields. The difference helps the supplier suggest alternatives without reopening a decision your team has already made.
Describe the customer and use setting
Name the audience, sales channel and routine you are designing for. A retail shelf, an online subscription and a distributor order may call for different pack counts, display information and shipping arrangements.
Explain which feature of any reference product you like: flavor, pack opening or portion presentation. Attach it as a reference, with that feature identified, rather than asking for a copy of its formula or claims.
Share the format and ingredient direction
State whether you have an approved formula, a draft, an ingredient shortlist or only a product idea. Attach the current file when you can share it. Include any required ingredients, exclusions and proposed amount per serving.
If the format or serving is undecided, say which choices you want compared. The format guide and formulation review checklist can help you narrow the questions.
Bring packaging into the first conversation
Share the preferred pack type and count or net contents, if known. A reference image is useful before artwork exists. Include whether your team will supply the packaging or wants sourcing options.
For a powder, describe how it will be measured or portioned. For a gummy, discuss opening, resealing and the number of pieces. Ask which pack choices need to be settled before the sample or quote can progress.
Name the market and the people approving the work
List each destination country and required language. Identify who approves the formula, sample feedback and artwork. One person should consolidate comments so the manufacturer does not receive conflicting changes.
For a US project, the FDA labeling guide provides labeling context, while FTC guidance addresses health advertising claims. Use the applicable destination review for other markets.
Your first enquiry checklist
| Field | What to include |
|---|---|
| Product | Working name, intended audience and use setting |
| Formula | Current file or ingredient direction; required and excluded ingredients |
| Format and serving | Preferred format, serving preference and alternatives to compare |
| Sensory goals | Flavor, sweetness, texture and references for the first sample |
| Pack | Type, count or net contents, artwork status and sourcing responsibility |
| Market | Destination, label languages and sales channel |
| Order planning | Estimated first quantity, its unit and desired arrival date |
| Next step | Development advice, sample discussion or a preliminary quotation |
You do not need to fill every field before making contact. State the gaps and ask what the supplier needs next. A preliminary quote can be useful if its assumptions are written down; use the RFQ guide when comparing commercial offers.
Example: a first powder brief
Suppose your team wants stick packs for online retail but has no final formula. You can share the ingredient shortlist, ask for two flavor directions and explain how the drink will be prepared. Leave serving weight and pack dimensions for development review.
Agree which question the first sample will answer. If you are comparing sweetness, use the same preparation method for both versions. The sampling guide explains how to record that feedback.
Questions buyers often ask
Do I need a finished formula to begin?
No. Describe the product idea, preferred ingredients and format. Ask which options can be developed and which information is needed for the first sample.
Do I need final artwork?
No. A pack preference or reference is enough to discuss the direction. Component dimensions, label content and artwork need agreement before printing.
Send the brief and your questions
Contact VITHELO with the information you have. Say whether you want to explore an idea, review an existing formula or prepare a quotation. The OEM / ODM project path shows how those starting points connect.