OEM and ODM are the two ways brands work with a factory. Both end with your label on the product — the difference is who designs it.
OEM: Your Brand on an Existing Model
OEM means the factory makes its own existing model with your logo, colors and packaging. You do not develop new tooling or patterns. This is the fastest and lowest-risk route: the product is already proven, and sampling usually takes only 3–5 days for logo changes.
Best for: first orders, quick market entry, retailers testing a private label.
ODM: A New Design Developed for You
ODM means the factory develops a new model from your drawings, samples or concept — materials, size, color, logo and packaging are built around your brief. This is where real product differentiation happens.
ODM sampling takes longer: material sampling 7–10 days, full design sampling 10–15 days, because patterns and prototypes are made from scratch.
Best for: established brands launching distinctive products, clubs and retailers with a clear spec.
Cost and MOQ Differences
| Factor | OEM | ODM |
|---|---|---|
| Design ownership | Factory’s existing model | New model per your brief |
| Sampling time | 3–5 days (logo) | 10–15 days (full design) |
| Typical MOQ | From 50 pcs | From 100 pcs |
| Unit cost | Lower | Higher, includes development |
| Exclusivity | Shared model, your label | Design can be exclusive to you |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you are starting out or testing a market, OEM gets you to shelf quickly at the lowest cost. If you have a clear product idea and want something competitors do not have, ODM is the route — just budget the extra development time.
At HorseMerch both tracks run on the same production floor, so you can start with OEM and move to ODM as your brand grows.
Related Guides
Need these made for your brand? Send us your product list for a quote — OEM from 50 pcs, ODM from 100 pcs.
Sourcing the products in this guide: browse our saddle pads and covers, see the Premium Cotton Quilted Saddle Pad and High-Performance Moisture-Wicking Saddle Pad, or request a quotation for factory-direct pricing, MOQ, samples and lead times.