Indie brand buyers often ask how an OEM relationship actually starts. This guide describes a written path — not a fixed calendar of unverified day counts.
1. Brief
Share category, market, claim language, and hard constraints. A short formula list is enough to start.
2. Scope
Align formula direction, packaging options, and the claims boundary. Scope is where catalog substitution is refused or accepted in writing.
3. Sample
Review development samples against the agreed brief. Sample rounds stay tied to that brief, not to a public catalog wall.
4. Quote
Receive a written commercial confirmation. MOQ, pricing, sampling fees, and lead times vary by formula, packaging, testing, and volume. Final terms are subject to that written quote — they are not hardcoded on this site.
5. Produce
Production begins only after written terms. Public pages keep client names and quantified results private unless authorized.
Next step
If you have a category and market in mind, request a written quote. Commercial detail lives on Commercial Terms.