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Original Design Manufacturer (ODM)

Also known as: ODM

An original design manufacturer designs and produces a product that another company then rebrands and sells as its own.

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An original design manufacturer (ODM) both designs and builds a product, which a buyer purchases and sells under its own brand — often with minor customisation. This lets the buyer bring a product to market without investing in its full design and engineering. ODMs typically offer existing designs that can be tailored, spreading their development cost across multiple customers.

ODM differs from an OEM arrangement, where the buyer owns the design and the manufacturer builds to that specification. Buying from an ODM is faster and lower-risk to launch but gives less control and differentiation, since similar designs may be sold to competitors. Intellectual-property terms, quality control and exclusivity are key negotiation points.

Frequently asked questions

What is an original design manufacturer?
An original design manufacturer (ODM) designs and produces a product that another company rebrands and sells as its own, often with some customisation, avoiding in-house design cost.
What is the difference between an ODM and an OEM?
An ODM designs and makes the product itself for the buyer to rebrand, whereas an OEM manufactures to a design that the buyer owns and specifies.

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