OEM and ODM Ceramic Dinnerware of MOQ Difference

When it comes to sourcing or custom ceramic dinnerware, one of the most important considerations for buyers in selecting a supplier is the Minimum Order Quantity. Different types of cooperation relationships can have different MOQ requirements. Notably, for purchasers such as brand owners, catering companies, or retail wholesalers, understanding the difference in the MOQ requirements for OEM versus ODM ceramic tableware production can not only allow buyers to optimize their purchasing plan but also limit their exposure to inventory and production risk. This article will examine the differences in MOQ for these two types of production plans, factors affecting MOQ, and how to achieve faster and more flexible production with custom requirements due to the flexible MOQ policy established by Yongjian.

Table of Contents

Brief Overview of the Differences Between OEM and ODM Ceramic Dinnerware

Before discussing the differences in MOQ, it is necessary to clarify the basic premise of the OEM and ODM types of products.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): This is when the customer provides the design, specification, and brand, and the manufacturer manufactures the products as ordered by them. The customer has full intellectual property rights and complete control over the product’s appearance.

ODM stands for Original Design Manufacturer, meaning that the manufacturer provides a design solution, which the customer can choose, modify, or rebrand according to their needs.

Generally speaking, OEM involves independent molds, custom designs, packaging, etc., and has a relatively higher MOQ, while ODM is mostly secondary development based on existing products, offering more flexibility in minimum order quantity and faster ways to enter the market.

Reactive Glazed Bulk Restaurant Dinner Plates Wholesale-1

Main Factors Influencing Differences in MOQs

1. Development and Mold Costs

When it comes to OEM Ceramic Dinnerware, depending upon the art files the customer provides, the manufacture will probably have to cut an entirely new mold to create the product. For example, if you need a mold to create a piece of tableware, costs may run several hundred to a few thousand US dollars. When you add in the time to cut a new mold and get it ready to use, the ability to amortize those costs will greatly affect the final minimum order quantity.

To illustrate, if we say your custom new plate design, which you have to cut a new mold for production, costs $800 to produce the mold, and you order only 100 sets, the cost per set is quite a bit higher than if you order 1000 sets. ODM Dinnerware, on the other hand, is already a finished product using existing molds, so there will be no additional costs for cutting a new mold for the product, which means the MOQ will be much lower. Typically, the MOQ starting amount is only several hundred pieces or less, making it much easier for smaller brands to test the market.

2. Glaze and Decoration Techniques

It offers a wide range of options in both glaze and decoration techniques, including underglaze, decals, spray glaze, gold rims, and hand painting, among others. Each technique affects the production batches and costs.

In the OEM model for ceramic dinnerware, if the customer needs special glazes or personalized patterns, colors need to be matched and printed separately. Normally, this requires a high MOQ over 1000 pieces for process consistency and color difference control.

However, in this ODM Ceramic Dinnerware model, customers can select from the variety of existing glaze and decoration schemes without additional mixing. Yongjian can then reduce the MOQ to a few hundred pieces, offering more flexibility.

Tips: For customers with light customizations (like logo printing or minor color changes) beyond ODM, Yongjian may achieve rapid delivery even with low MOQs.

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3. Packaging and Brand Customization Needs

Commonly, OEM projects involve brand-specific packaging, including box design, labels, and branded instruction manuals. To produce packaging, a minimum printing volume is required to cover the cost. Therefore, OEM Ceramic Dinnerware would have a relatively high MOQ.

In addition, ODM Ceramic Dinnerware usually does not use special packaging and prints simple shipping labels; this generally reduces the minimum order quantity.

For instance, the ODM series of Yongjian supports orders from 300 to 500 pieces, offering flexible options with cartons, kraft paper, or even custom labels to balance the cost and brand recognition.

4. Production Volume and Inventory Management

MOQ is closely related to production line configuration. For OEM orders, Yongjian requires dedicated production lines and separate scheduling to ensure exclusive design and process requirements, which dictates that the MOQ cannot be too low. ODM products can be produced on the same production line as other orders, achieving low-cost mass production through shared molds and processes.

Furthermore, Yongjian maintains a certain inventory of popular ODM products, allowing customers to place small-batch orders flexibly and shorten delivery cycles.

5. Market Positioning and Procurement Strategy Recommendations

For startups or retailers, ODM solutions enable rapid product launches with low MOQ, reducing capital tied up; while for brands with stable sales networks, OEM strengthens differentiation and brand exclusivity.

Recommended Strategy:

For launching new series as a “market test” or “holiday limited edition,” ODM Ceramic Dinnerware is a preferred choice.
For established brands planning to expand their product line or launch a signature tableware series, OEM Ceramic Dinnerware can be used to enhance brand recognition.

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Conclusion

In general, OEM Ceramic Dinnerware has a higher MOQ, which applies to large-scale, branded customization projects. ODM Ceramic Dinnerware is much more flexible in MOQ, especially for small and medium-sized clients or first-time collaborations.

Yongjian Ceramics provides various customized services; the minimum order quantity is according to different products. No matter if it is an OEM or ODM project, we can help clients reach their brand goals with less risk by providing flexible production and inventory strategies.

About Yongjian Ceramics

Yongjian Ceramics, established in 1990, is a major Ceramic Tableware Manufacturer in China. It produces all types of ceramic tableware wholesale, such as plates, bowls, mugs, baking dishes, ceramic spoons, and other similar products. After 30 years of extensive export experience, we continue to offer any of our tableware under OEM Ceramic Dinnerware and ODM Ceramic Dinnerware customization for branded products anywhere in the world.

With modern production capabilities, a dedicated quality assurance scheme, and a low MOQ policy, Yongjian can satisfy wholesale and customized orders from various customers. While MOQ varies per item, we are flexible and adaptable to customized orders whether blended with new products or breaking orders down into smaller shipments. Inquiries regarding specific quotations or sample items should be directed to our sales department.