CAT TREES / CUSTOM ROUTES
OEM, ODM or private label cat trees?
OEM, ODM and private label cat trees explained: what each route means, what to send, and what is confirmed per project before sampling.
THE SHORT ANSWER
OEM means the cat tree is made to your drawing or specification. ODM usually means you start from a design developed by the supplier and adapt it. Private label means an agreed product carries your brand labels, artwork and packaging. The routes overlap, so list the exact changes you want; feasibility, sample scope and MOQ are confirmed per project.
OEM: made to your specification
Send a drawing, specification or reference with your changes: dimensions, the material for each component, the finish and the hardware. Structural and material requirements need a model-specific feasibility and sample review before the specification, sample cost and order terms are agreed.
ODM: starting from a supplier design
In an ODM project you select a design the supplier has developed and adapt its finish, size or details. At PRETTY, the cat tree scenes and model directions on this site are development concepts, not stocked models; a direction becomes a purchasing reference only once its model specification and sample are confirmed.
Private label: your brand on the agreed product
Specify the finish or colourway, logo or label positions, the instruction sheet and the retail or shipping packaging. Approve the placement on the sample rather than relying on the artwork file alone, and keep the approved revision with the order record.
List the changes, not just the route name
Buyers and suppliers use these terms differently. Instead of relying on the label, write down what changes from the reference: structure, materials, dimensions, finish, branding and packing. A clear change list keeps the quotation and the sample focused on the same product.
Agree ownership and exclusivity early
If design ownership, exclusivity or restrictions on selling a design to others matter to you, raise them at the brief stage and agree them in writing for the project. Do not assume they follow automatically from the route name.
| Route | You provide | Confirmed per project |
|---|---|---|
| OEM | Drawing, specification or reference with changes | Feasibility, materials, sample scope, MOQ and order terms |
| ODM | A selected supplier design and the changes you want | Model specification, sample and order terms |
| Private label | Selected product plus labels, artwork and packaging | Branding method, placement on the sample, packing and MOQ |
| Mixed brief | Quantities by model, style, colour and size | Minimums at product or variant level |
Common gaps in a buying brief.
Choosing a route name without a change list
Write down exactly what changes from the reference.
Assuming exclusivity
Agree ownership and exclusivity in writing for the project.
YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION
Bring these details to the discussion.
Choose the points you want to review. Your selection will be added to the editable specification notes in your enquiry.
Sample approval recordBlank CSV worksheet · opens in a spreadsheetNEXT STEP