Everything You Must Know About White Label Products China!

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Many people want to launch their brand, but the production costs have broken their dreams. White label products in China might be the answer. It offers an affordable and efficient way to bring your brand to life. However, it all depends on how you approach this concept!

Today, you will figure out what white label means. You’ll learn everything about this unique concept. 

What Are White Label Products?

White label products refer to goods manufactured by another company on your behalf. These products are generic or unbranded. Thus, they allow you to rebrand them as your own.

Like any other entrepreneur, you might dream of launching your brand. But setting up and running a factory might be a big obstacle. White label products in China can save you in this scenario.

Imagine this: excellent products are already made but with no branding. Think about blank t-shirts, phone cases, notebooks – anything you can imagine! You have enough space to add your logo to these products.

Moreover, you have the freedom to design killer packaging. You can even tweak the product a bit to make it your own.

You get all the benefits of making branded products without starting from scratch. No massive upfront costs, no factory headaches! It’s like a shortcut to getting your brand out there lightning fast.

“Using a private label manufacturer, you can save your company a considerable amount of time and money.”

Source: Alibaba

Pros and Cons of Selling White Label Goods

What to Look Out for When Sourcing White Label Products in China?

Image Source: Pexels

White label products are standard in various industries involved in global sourcing. However, you must contact a genuine supplier to start production. Consider these factors to ensure a successful sourcing of these products.

1) Quality Check

Consistent high quality is paramount. Look for suppliers with established quality control processes and certifications. You can ask for white label product samples to test the product. It will let you ensure the white label product matches your brand’s standards.

We understand the importance of verifying potential manufacturing partners’ capabilities. 

Owlsourcing’s quality assurance services include on-site factory audits and inspections. These are often conducted by our team of experienced auditors. Our rigorous assessments evaluate several factors, including;

• The manufacturer’s facilities
• Production processes
• Quality control systems
• Operational capabilities

2) Price Breakdown

Beyond the product cost, you should also consider shipping fees and customs duties. Negotiate differences. It will show what amount you will pay at each shipping stage. You can hire a China shipping agent to handle it on your behalf.

3) Minimum Order Quantities

MOQs can be a challenge, especially for startups. We have already discussed how to find a low MOQ Alibaba supplier.

You can think about collaborating with other businesses to reach the MOQ. You can negotiate this factor with suppliers. Ask them to allow smaller orders to test the market.

4) Time-Frame

Lead times in production and delivery can vary. They depend on product specifications, order size, and current production capacity. Tell your timeline to the supplier.

5) Communication Across Cultures

Language barriers can be the main issue, especially when sourcing products from China. Use translation tools cautiously, as they can generate wrong translations. Instead, you can consider working with a China sourcing service provider. 

6) IP Protection

Safeguard your brand identity. You must research Chinese intellectual property (IP) laws. Consider registering your product trademarks and patents in China if needed.

Thus, working with a supplier who respects IP rights is a must. They have a proven record of ethical manufacturing.

7) Brand Value

Brand values are crucial. Pick a supplier who aligns with them. Check their labour handling to ensure ethical production standards.

8) Payment Terms and Financing Options

Negotiate payment terms that work for you. You can explore options like letters of credit or escrow services to mitigate risk. Research potential financing options for upfront costs if needed.

9) Product Liability

Understand product liability laws in your target market. Make sure the supplier offers product liability insurance. It protects your business from any unforeseen issues.

10) Build Long-Term Partnerships

White label product sourcing is a journey, not a one-time purchase. Focus on building solid relationships with reliable suppliers. Clear communication will help in this regard. Timely payments and mutual respect are pivotal. They will foster a successful partnership for long-term brand growth.

How to Customize White Label Products in China?

So, you’ve chosen China for your white label product sourcing! Now comes the exciting part – making these pre-made products your own. Here’s how to turn the blank canvases into masterpieces. They should represent your unique brand:

1) Note Your Needs

It is where your creativity shines! You can customize various aspects, like logo, packaging, etc.

Branding is about adding your logo, tagline, and brand colors to the packaging. You can do this for the product if it applies.

You can customize product packaging to suit your brand. The packaging should reflect your brand and resonate with your audience. You can also tweak products to some extent. It depends on the product and supplier. You can customize things like color and appearance or add small design elements.

2) Ask for Samples

You must request prototypes or samples before committing to a large order. It allows you to:

• Assess the quality visually. Ensure the customization meets your expectations for color, material, and finish.
• Test the product’s functionality. This way, you can ensure the white label product matches your vision.
• Make adjustments. If needed, give feedback to the supplier for more improvements.

Sample ordering can be a daunting task. You might know this if you have read – Buying Product Samples from China: Your Ultimate Guide! It often comes with logistical hurdles and communication barriers. 

However, Owlsourcing specializes in simplifying the procurement of product samples from Chinese manufacturers. We have developed a streamlined process to handle this difficult task.

3) Ensure Accuracy

Keep your brand vision from getting lost due to the wrong translation! Ensure the quality of the white label products match your vision.

Communicate your desired customizations with the supplier. You can use detailed descriptions, visuals, and reference samples whenever possible. You can also consider having inspections during production. 

How to Find Reliable White Label Manufacturers in China?

China has many white label suppliers. But, finding a genuine partner can feel overwhelming. 

Even today, there is no ignoring the fact that China is the powerhouse of the manufacturing world as far as competencies, competitiveness, and overall product range including white-label, and private-label merchandise are concerned.

Here’s a look at ways to find appropriate manufacturers:

1) Research methods

Start with Alibaba, the go-to platform where most retailers go to source their goods from China. Other B2B platforms like Global Sources and Made-in-China will also carry listings of verified and vetted manufacturers.

Although Alibaba has the widest selection, these other platforms allow for filtering suppliers by product type, certification, and location.

2) Trade Shows

For an offline approach, consider large trade fairs such as the Canton Fair in Guangzhou and the Private Label Fair Asia in Shanghai.

Through events, one will be able to meet the supplier in person and inspect the products themselves, creating an opportunity for establishing relationships.

Besides, a number of minor, specialized fairs cover special segments: for example, China International Beauty Expo (CIBE) and China International Furniture Fair (CIFF).

3) Yiwu Wholesale Market 

Yiwu Wholesale Market is the largest in the world, located in Zhejiang province. The market works all year round and is very suitable for small businesses because of the low prices and modest MOQs.

However, many vendors are trading companies rather than direct manufacturers, while quality could be a concern with very low prices.

Yiwu is especially good at watches, bags, shoes, accessories, and textiles but not the right place for more specialized goods like electronics or cosmetics. The region also hosts its own trade show, the Yiwu Fair.

4) Sourcing Agents

If you’re new to importing, consider hiring a sourcing agent with a physical presence in China. Experienced agents (e.g., OwlSourcing) help identify reliable manufacturers, inspect factories, ensure product quality, and manage logistics.

This reduces risks like delays or subpar products and gives you greater control over the sourcing process.

5) Always Verify

Check a supplier’s legitimacy. You can do this by verifying their business registration and licenses. Research their production capabilities.

You can also check their communication style and responsiveness. Do they answer emails and address your questions? Consider if they support your language. Otherwise, you will need a translation tool.

6) Build a Relationship

Build a good partnership with your supplier. You can do it with clear communication and timely payments. A strong relationship with a supplier is critical in white label product sourcing. 

Read More:

• How to Find Chinese Private Label Manufacturers for Amazon FBA
• How to Customize Product Packaging for Amazon FBA Private Label Product
• Buy from China and Sell on Amazon: Comprehensive Guide
• Amazon FBA Prep Service
• Buying Product Samples from China: Your Ultimate Guide

Final Thoughts!

Now, you can find a reliable white label supplier in China. Remember, the supplier must share your vision and support your brand journey. Use white label products in China as a stepping stone to your brand’s success. 

However, a lack of planning or cutting corners can lead to pitfalls. Sometimes, you might also come across the wrong suppliers. In such cases, hiring a reputable sourcing agent can solve your issues. They can handle the entire sourcing process.

It includes finding China white label manufacturers, inspecting their factories, and more.