Sourcing conversations often blur three terms that mean very different things for your margins, timelines and intellectual property.
OEM — you design, the factory produces
Original Equipment Manufacturing means you supply the design: tech pack, measurements, materials and branding. The factory manufactures to your specification. Choose OEM when you have an established fit and want full control of the product. It requires the most preparation but protects differentiation.
ODM — the factory develops, you brand
Original Design Manufacturing means the factory offers existing bases or co-develops new styles with you, which you then brand and customize. Choose ODM when speed to market matters more than exclusivity. Most successful D2C lingerie launches start here: pick a proven plus size platform, adjust fabrics and colors, test the market, then invest in proprietary OEM designs once sales data justifies it.
OBM — the factory sells its own brand
Own Brand Manufacturing is the factory acting as a competitor. Relevant only as a market signal: if your factory pushes its own label aggressively, your designs may not be safe with them.
Qijin operates OEM and ODM only — we never sell our own consumer label, and customized designs are never offered to other buyers.