BUYER RESOURCES / TERMS
Pet product sourcing terms, explained.
Plain definitions of the terms used when sourcing pet products from a factory: OEM, ODM, private label, MOQ, approved sample, KD, CBM and trade terms.
THE SHORT ANSWER
OEM means made to your specification, ODM means adapting a supplier design and private label means your brand on an agreed product. MOQ is the minimum order quantity for a model, style or variant. The approved sample is the revision that defines the batch. KD (knock-down) means flat-packed for assembly. CBM is carton volume in cubic metres, and trade terms such as FOB or DDP set where cost and risk pass.
OEM, ODM and private label
OEM (original equipment manufacturing): the product is made to your drawing, specification or a reference with your changes. ODM (original design manufacturing): you start from a design the supplier has developed and adapt it. Private label: an agreed product carries your brand labels, artwork and packaging. Projects often combine these, so list the exact changes rather than relying on the term alone.
MOQ (minimum order quantity)
The smallest quantity a supplier will produce for a model, style, colour or size. MOQ can apply per variant rather than to the whole order, so ask how it is counted. At PRETTY, MOQ is confirmed per project after reviewing the product, materials and quantity breakdown.
Tech pack, size chart and grading
A tech pack is the written specification of a garment or textile product: measurements, materials, trims, construction and label positions. A size chart lists the finished measurements for each size, with the points they are measured from. Grading is how those measurements change from one size to the next.
Sample, revision and approved sample
A development sample tests a specification; each round of changes creates a new revision. The approved sample, sometimes called the golden sample, is the revision you accept in writing. It becomes the reference for the production batch and for repeat orders.
KD, flat-pack and assembled
KD (knock-down) or flat-pack means the product ships in parts with hardware and an instruction sheet for assembly at the destination. Assembled means it ships ready to use. The choice changes packed dimensions, freight cost and how parts are protected, so it should be fixed in the quotation.
Carton data: dimensions, gross weight, CBM and carton marks
Carton dimensions are the outside length, width and height of the shipping carton. Gross weight is the packed weight including the carton. CBM (cubic metres) is the carton volume, used to plan container loading and freight. Carton marks are the printed or labelled details on each carton, such as product reference, quantity and carton number.
Trade terms (Incoterms)
Trade terms define where the seller hands over the goods and who pays for transport, insurance and duties. EXW: the buyer collects from the seller’s premises. FOB: the seller loads the goods on the vessel at the port of shipment. CIF: the seller also pays freight and insurance to the destination port. DDP: the seller delivers to the named destination with import duties paid. The terms used are agreed in the quotation.
| Term | What to confirm | Where it belongs |
|---|---|---|
| OEM / ODM / private label | The exact changes from the reference | Brief |
| MOQ | How it is counted: model, style, colour or size | Quotation |
| Approved sample | Revision reference and photographs | Approval record |
| KD or assembled | Packed configuration and parts list | Quotation and carton record |
| CBM & carton marks | Carton dimensions, gross weight, marks | Packing record |
| Trade terms | EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP or other agreed term | Quotation and contract |
Common gaps in a buying brief.
Using a term both sides read differently
Write the exact meaning for your order.
Treating MOQ as one total
Ask whether it applies per variant.
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