How to Build a Long-Term Partnership With a Silicone Manufacturer

A client called us last month asking the same question we hear at least twice a week: what actually goes into how to build a long-term partnership with a silicone manufacturer? It is a fair question. The answer is more nuanced than most suppliers will tell you.

Where Things Go Wrong

Sampling usually takes 7 to 15 days after mold completion. We recommend ordering at least 5 samples so you can test them properly. One sample gets dropped on the floor, one goes to the marketing team, one gets lost in the mail. It happens.

Our Approach

The difference between OEM and ODM comes down to who owns the design. If you walk in with a fully developed product and drawings, that is OEM. If you pick something from the factory's catalog and put your logo on it, that is ODM. Both have their place, and mixing them up is how projects get delayed.

What This Means in Practice

Here is what we need from you to give an accurate quote: drawings or samples, target annual volume, material requirements, and any compliance standards. Send us just a picture and a vague description, and you will get a vague quote back. The more specific you are upfront, the fewer surprises later.

If you are working through these decisions for your own product line, we are happy to talk it through. Lemeng Silicone has been manufacturing custom silicone products for over 20 years, and we have seen pretty much every scenario. Drop us a line and we will give you an honest assessment, even if you end up working with someone else.