OEM & ODM Luggage Manufacturing Process – From Design to Shipment

The OEM and ODM process of luggage manufacturing involves several important steps to ensure product quality, customization accuracy, and on-time delivery. Below is the standard process from product concept to final shipment.

1. Requirement Confirmation

The process starts with understanding customer requirements. This includes:

• Product size (Cabin size, Medium, Large or custom sizes)
• Material selection (PC, ABS, Polycarbonate composite, Aluminum frame)
• Quantity requirements
• Logo customization (Laser logo, Metal badge, Printing, UV logo)
• Functional requirements (Front opening, TSA lock, brake wheels, USB port)

Based on this information, the supplier evaluates feasibility and provides recommendations.

2. Product Design and Proposal

For ODM projects, the manufacturer provides design proposals based on market trends and customer positioning. This normally includes:

• Product catalogue selection
• Color suggestions
• Structure recommendations
• Customization options

At this stage, customers receive product specifications, pictures, and preliminary pricing.

3. Quotation Confirmation

After confirming the product details, the supplier provides a formal quotation including:

• Unit price
• Tooling cost (if new mold required)
• Sample cost
• Logo cost
• Estimated production lead time

Once agreed, a Proforma Invoice (PI) is issued.

4. Sample Development

Sample production begins after design confirmation. This step includes:

• Logo artwork confirmation
• Color confirmation (Pantone reference)
• Material preparation
• Sample assembly

Typical sample lead time:

• Standard customization: 7–15 days
• Complex customization: 15–30 days

5. Sample Approval

Customers evaluate the sample based on:

• Product appearance
• Function performance
• Color accuracy
• Logo quality
• Overall workmanship

After approval, mass production can begin.

6. Order Confirmation

Customers place the formal order and usually arrange a deposit payment (commonly 30%). The factory then prepares:

• Bill of Materials (BOM)
• Production schedule
• Raw material purchasing plan

This ensures smooth production execution.

7. Mass Production

Mass production includes several key manufacturing stages:

• Shell forming
• Component preparation
• Trolley system installation
• Wheel assembly
• Final product assembly

Typical production lead time is:

30–45 days depending on quantity and customization level.

8. Quality Control

Strict quality control ensures product reliability. Inspections usually include:

• Drop testing
• Handle fatigue testing
• Wheel rolling test
• Lock functionality test
• Appearance inspection

Third-party inspections such as SGS, BV, or TUV can also be arranged if required.

9. Packing and Shipment

After inspection approval, goods proceed to packing:

Standard packing includes:

• PE protective bag
• Dust bag (optional)
• Export carton
• Pallet packing (if required)

Shipping methods include:

• Sea freight (most common)
• Air freight (urgent orders)
• Railway transport (Europe routes)

Trade terms can be:

FOB / CIF / DDP depending on customer needs.

10. After-Sales Service

Professional suppliers also provide after-sales support such as:

• Spare parts supply (wheels, handles, locks)
• Quality issue support
• Re-order assistance
• Product improvement feedback

A reliable after-sales system is essential for long-term cooperation.

Conclusion

A professional OEM/ODM luggage supplier not only provides manufacturing, but also offers design support, quality control, and supply chain management to help customers build strong brands and competitive products.