Blog

The initial decision for brands looking to create custom action figures, statues, and collectible crafts is between OEM and ODM manufacturing. Both models have their pros and cons, and the choice should be based on your design skills, timeline, budget, and overall brand objectives. Having served more than 250 renowned brands over more than 19 years in the manufacturing sector, MornsunGifts has helped clients in the USA, Europe and Australia with product development. This is a realistic breakdown to consider when making your decision.

Understanding OEM: Your Design, Our Craftsmanship

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing): the brand provides the idea and design, while the factory manufactures the product. We don't make the art, 3D files, or even the detailed specifications—you do. We have more than 10 professional product designers, graphic designers, 3D designers and sculptors who handle tooling, prototyping, and production support.

Brands with a built-in creative department or IP would be best suited to this model. Customize your designs with OEM's full control over aesthetics and positioning, whether you are creating a line of religious crafts, fairy and angel figurines or cartoon bobbleheads. We have a monthly output of more than 1,500,000 units and a facility of 5,719+ m², and are able to guarantee your vision will be reproduced at a consistent scale.

Understanding ODM: Proven Designs, Faster to Market

ODM (Original Design Manufacturing): brands can adapt an existing factory design (in terms of color, material, packaging or minor structure tweaks—and sell it under their own brand. This approach can significantly shorten development times and lower initial investment.

ODM is best suited to fast-paced seasonal product lines. Our ODM capabilities are well suited to adapting holiday collections, including Santa Claus figures, snow globes, nutcrackers, Halloween skulls and pumpkins, Easter bunnies and egg decorations. With the help of a few clicks, retailers and gift brands can create an instant, themed collection of photo frames, fridge magnets, bookends, eyeglass holders, and decorative home favors without getting bogged down in complicated tooling programs.

Comparing the Two Models: Cost, Speed, and Control

Typical for OEM is the higher initial investment in tooling and prototyping, but it provides a product that is unique and therefore better differentiated from other products. It gives a reward to brands that have a clear design direction and longer product life cycles like architectural model figurines, stadium models and fantasy terrain miniatures.

ODM reduces the time-to-market and cost of entry, offering appeal for new category trials or seasonal fill-ins. The consequence is that the base designs are not unique. Some brands are successful in using a combination of both ODM and OEM, with the former used for seasonal products and the latter for signature collectibles.

Material Considerations: Ceramics vs. Resin

The type of material that you select can impact the kind of model that is optimal. Each ceramic piece is a testament to the artistry and wisdom of the artisans, embodying the timeless beauty of clay and fire, and the enduring legacy of ceramics. Resin, on the other hand, is more popular for intricate details and rich designs because it can be used for more complex shapes, and it is more efficient to produce. Resin OEM projects are ideal for highly detailed human figurines, busts and religious art. Either model can succeed with classic ornamental items such as ceramic flowers and keepsake statues.

Quality Assurance Across Both Models

Quality is a must regardless of which route you take. Whether it's trophy or medal programs or miniature building models, our scientific team and strict quality control guarantee that every product conforms to international standards. A customer service team with more than 10 years of experience will guide you through sampling, approvals, and delivery so you can focus on marketing and sales.

Which Model Is Right for Your Brand?

Use OEM if you have your own designs, collectibles you only want one of, or a long-term IP based line. If you need to be quick, budget conscious and have a successful seasonal design, choose ODM. Many brands benefit from a mix of both models.

We have over 19 years of experience in producing bisque, terracotta, resin, and ceramic arts and crafts and are able to assist with both avenues—selling your action figure and decorative craft ideas in the marketplace around the world.