“OEM” and“ODM” are two words that almost every customer hears in the custom-made mouse pad industry. A lot of advertisers, brands, wholesalers in the factory, will be asked one sentence:
“Are you going to do OEM or ODM?”
But in reality, many clients don’t have a clear understanding of the two models, and there are even common misconceptions:
OEM is simply OEM
ODM is an OEM
The two are called different names and have little effect on the price
In fact, in the mouse pad customization project, OEM and ODM are not only different in cooperation mode, but also directly affect the way of product development, cost structure, delivery risk, brand control, etc. , and whether it is suitable for long-term cooperation.
As a source factory focusing on mass customization of mouse pads, this article will start from the actual production and cooperation experience, system analysis:
What is the difference between Mouse Mat Oem and Odm? Different types of customers, how should we choose a more appropriate model?
What is a mouse pad OEM? (customer-led customization)
1. Basic definition of OEM
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) . In the mouse pad industry, specifically customers to provide complete or relatively clear product solutions, by the factory in accordance with the requirements of production.
In short: “You Design, I produce.”
2. Typical mouse pad OEM features
Customers should provide some or all of the core information: product size and shape, material requirements (natural rubber, cloth, Pu, etc.) , printing documents (LOGO, pattern, brand vision) , packaging solutions, quality standards and testing requirements.
The key role of the factory is to produce according to the drawing, control the process and quality, and deliver according to the agreed delivery date.
3. The core work of the factory in OEM mode
Factories tend to be more of an enforcer and manufacturer, and the core tasks include:
Evaluate whether the design is manufacturable
Provide process and material recommendations (not leading decisions)
Proofing and mass production
Quality Control and delivery
The final product decision-making power, mainly in the hands of customers.
What is a mouse pad ODM? (factory-led customization)
1. Basic definition of ODM
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) . In the mouse pad industry, especially by the factory-led product design and program, customers in the existing program on the basis of selection or fine-tuning, and then to own brand sales.
Simple understanding is: “I design, you choose + Custom brand.”
2. Typical features of mouse pad ODM
Factory has a mature product solution, material, size, process has been verified.
Customers do not need to design, just to determine the LOGO, packaging, procurement quantity.
Development cycle is short, low risk cooperation.
3. Division of labor between factories and customers in ODM mode
Factory role: not only manufacturer, but also product designer, supplier of structure and material scheme, cost controller and process maturity guaranteer.
Customer Focus: brand presentation, market positioning, sales channels.
Comparison of the core differences between OEM and ODM
| Dimensions of comparison | OEM | Odm |
| Product design rights | Customers | Factories |
| Product differentiation | High (depending on client design) | Medium (based on existing solution) |
| Development cycle | Longer | Shorter |
| Up-front investment | High | Lower |
| Cost control | Depends on the client’s solution | More stable |
| Risk-taking | More clients | Factories take on more |
| For customers | Customers with mature product ideas | Customers who want to get to market quickly |
The difference between OEM and ODM from a“Cost perspective”
Characteristics of OEM cost structure
Core cost components: New Mold or special process costs, multiple rounds of proofing costs, design adjustment costs, uncertainty additional costs.
Core conclusion: it seems flexible, but the hidden cost is higher.
2. Characteristics of ODM’s cost structure
Cost advantage source: factory has mature mold and technology, material procurement scale, low production loss rate.
Core conclusion: the unit price is more stable and the overall budget is easier to control.
Five, from the“Delivery and risk” point of view of the two models
1. Common risks of OEM
The design is not manufacturable and needs to be modified repeatedly
Special materials or processes cause delivery delays
Consistency in mass production is difficult
2. ODM’s core strengths
The process is mature and requires no additional validation
Fast proofing speed, high stability of batch production
More suitable for time-sensitive projects
Six, the choice of different types of customers
1. Advertising Agency/gift agency
Better: ODM or ODM + custom
Reasons for adaptation: short project cycle, cost-sensitive, diverse customer needs.
2. Wholesalers/e-commerce sellers
Better: Odm
Reasons for adaptation: Rapid Market Testing, reducing inventory and development risk.
3. Companies with established brands
Better: OEM
Reason for fit: emphasis on product differentiation, clear brand specifications.
4. Start-up brands or new cross-border sellers
Top Tip: Odm
Why It’s a good fit: test the market before moving to the OEM model.
The Reality: OEM and ODM aren’t mutually exclusive
In practice, many mousepad projects have a“ODM + OEM” hybrid mode, such as:
Based on the factory mature product structure
Customers customize special sizes or materials
The factory helps to optimize the design
This hybrid approach strikes a balance between controlling risk and preserving product differentiation.
How do you determine if the plant is truly OEM/ODM capable?
A truly professional custom-made mouse pad factory typically has the following qualities:
Has a variety of mature mouse pad solution library
Provide clear material and process options
Be able to explain“Why this is the right thing to do” and give professional advice
Be able to identify partnership risks in advance rather than remedy them afterwards
Core judgment points: factories that can do ODM often understand OEM’s core requirements better.
Conclusion: choosing the right model is more important than choosing the low price
In the Mouse Pad Customization Project, OEM and ODM are not absolutely good or bad, only suitable for your stage and goals.
If you’re looking for differentiation and brand control, OEM is a better fit
If you want efficiency, stability and low risk, ODM is more realistic
A reliable source factory will not simply ask you“OEM or ODM”, but will help you decide which is more cost-effective and safer based on your needs.
If you’re planning a custom mouse pad project, feel free to let us know. We will provide professional advice on OEM, ODM or hybrid solutions depending on your market position and budget.
