The Question Is Reorder Volume, Not Brand Ambition
Private label is usually discussed as a branding decision. On a component or a remote, it is a logistics decision: it changes whether your customer reorders from you by name or from the manufacturer, and that changes the reorder conversation.
The volume at which it pays is calculable, and it is lower than most suppliers imply — but the threshold depends on how many references you carry, not on your total spend.
The Break-Even Calculation
| Cost item | Nature | Typical scale | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mould cost | One-off, per new housing | Several thousand dollars | Amortised across the programme |
| Packaging setup | Artwork, barcode, first run | Low to moderate | Adds several days of lead time |
| MOQ increase | Custom SKU usually needs more | 1,000+ pcs versus 100 | Ties up more working capital |
| Lead-time increase | Tooling adds days | 20-25 days versus 7 | Affects stock planning |
| Return on investment | Typically the second order | After the first programme order | Plan for it before starting |
What Costs Money at the Switch
- Mould cost. Usually the single largest one-off, amortised across the programme. It can be several thousand dollars for a new housing.
- Packaging setup. Artwork, barcode setup, and a lead-time extension of several days.
- Minimum order size on the custom SKU. Private-label references usually carry a higher MOQ than the standard catalogue.
- Lead time. From 7 days on a stock reference to 20-25 days including tooling.
What It Buys
- Direct reorder to you. The customer stops shopping the catalogue and starts reordering your reference.
- No trade margin in between. If you are currently buying wholesale and reselling, private label removes one layer.
- Your own packaging and EAN. Which matters only if you run multiple branches or supply to retail chains.
Most successful programmes run private label on their two or three highest-reorder references and buy everything else wholesale. Trying to private-label the whole catalogue is where programmes stall.
Request a Quotation — Private Label Decision
Send your target market, product line and annual quantity. We reply with a written EXW quotation, MOQ, lead time and a sample offer within one business day. MOQ 100 pcs per SKU.
Send Inquiry on WhatsAppEmail: Joanna@rfmando.com · MOQ 100 pcs per SKU · 1 free sample per SKU ($30 DHL, buyer pays) · Lead time 7-15 days · T/T 30/70 · EXW Xiamen
Catalogue references for the specification above: multi-frequency 4-band universal garage door opener remote, private label moulding available from 1,000 pcs and locksmith multi-function car key pin removal and fixing tool kit for private-label programmes. All are MOQ 100 pcs per SKU, 7-15 day lead time, one free sample per SKU, and are supplied on our own PCBA and housing tooling with AQL 5% inspection available.
Where to Order
- RF Remote Controls — garage, gate and RTS compatible handsets
- Eaton DILM Contactors — frames, aux contacts and coils
- Locksmith Tools — duplicators, shells and blanks
- RF Manda — full product range and technical guides
| Term | Means | Who pays what | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW | Ex Works, seller’s premises | Everything is the buyer’s cost | Cheapest on paper, most work for the buyer |
| FOB | Free On Board, port of loading | Export clearance and loading on the seller; main freight on the buyer | Useful for consolidating suppliers |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance and Freight to named port | Freight and minimum insurance included; duty and VAT not included | Convenient, still not door-to-door |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid | Everything including import duty | Most expensive to quote, often cheapest landed |