When you want to get into the OEM smartwatch market, you also need to smarten up. It’s understandable to daunting, but that shouldn’t stop you. So take a deep breath or two.
I’m here to help you be more informed about how to get OEM smartwatches and be one step closer to a confident decision (but I plan on you more steps closer).
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
To buy OEM smartwatches from manufacturers such as IWO or suppliers in Alibaba, usually, the best way to start is to reach out to them. IWO makes this easy through their years of experience， set by active competition, especially in Shenzhen. IWO has helped numerous clients in the past who’ve taken the initiative like you.
The right supplier will be more than willing to guide you. You’ll have enough options when it comes to services, payment, or customizations. You may even get sample products before making a final order.
Knowing some basics before reaching out to them will help you prepare and save you some time. Let me guide you through these tips:
Tip 1: Learn the basic smartwatch specifications
To be successful in this market it helps to get to know your product deeper. With smartwatches, the specifications list usually starts with the display type, size and resolution, CPU, build material, battery, and so forth. Here’s an example comparison chart of major brands.
Check the list below. This is the basic template of specs you’ll usually encounter. These are the points of customization and will be one of your main considerations to dictate the final price. More on that later.
Display:
- The round screen Starts at 1.25”， Square screen Starts at 1.45
- TFT/IPS LCD materials
- Depending on the aspect ratio, usually resolution of around 240-320 pixels (height or width, e.g. 320×240, 320×320)
CPU: Usually variants of MediaTek CPUs, choices of dual- or quad-core
Battery: around 180-200 mAh smallest, as high as 600 mAh
Build material: plastic cheapest; steel, aluminum, zinc alloy costlier options
Storage/RAM: starts at 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of ROM standard minimum for storage
Go ahead and take the time to learn more about these technologies. It would help you a lot in making the best decisions for your goal. You don’t have to learn everything. Later on, you can also inquire more about these with your supplier.
For IWO smartwatch models, browse through their IWO series, Fit series, and Watchphone series product lines.
Tip 2: Smart Watch OEM & ODM Defenition and Process
Smartwatch of ODM Business Model
ODM -original design manufacturer. In short, you provide your product idea to the factory, factory helps you make them and sell them under your brand.
You provide a function and exterior design request, factory design of the function parts(PCBA) of the smartwatch, and smartwatch appearance according to your requests. The ownership of the product belongs to you, and the factory just helps you realize your product idea.
So the product is made largely according to your specifications and you own the intellectual rights.
This allows you complete control over your product’s output. So, the ODM business model can be a high-profit way to do business.
Smartwatch of OEM Business Model
This is also referred to as “private labeling”. As the importer, you are allowing customizations to make the product more fitting to sell under your brand. Further customizations allow you to differentiate your product more. Customize the logo upon turning on of watches, custom LOGO on the watch, custom UI, custom language, custom packing box, custom user manual, and even provide regular updates to the smartwatch software.
One of the best pros to this is that you save time and money because you don’t have to research and design the product. You can upgrade from the existing smartwatch “template” from the Factory.
But you might’ve guessed some of the cons already. The first of which is the fact that you’re not differentiating your product much from other competitors who bought into this business model.
Smartwatch of OEM-ODM hybrid (ODM with OEM aspects)
This is an alternative that has been getting more popular. Brands that focus more on other features beyond specifications, such as style, design, or variety, favor this service.
It’s a good idea to consider this too
As with the two alone, this one has its pros and cons. It has a mix of ODM/OEM’s benefits and drawbacks.
Pros: Less cost than ODM as it starts with a base specification from OEM. And you also have more control than the OEM model, since you can have your way with other aspects of the product (appearance, physical design, etc).
Cons: Your design must be compatible and tested also. Depending on the extent of your custom design, the more you’ll have to coordinate with the manufacturer to make sure it works properly.
OEM & ODM provides this option more often now, offering more customizability to the wholesaler the bigger the order.
There are other considerations also, don’t hesitate to communicate this with your supplier. They have encountered this scenario many times and will be ready to answer you.
Tip 3: Why IWO Smartwatch is Reliable OEM & ODM Smart Watch Manufacturer & Supplier?
There is an option that takes less effort and comes with lots of advantages too. That is to simply make a wholesale buy of tested and proven established products.
IWO brand focuses on smart wearable products, providing micro-brands with a one-stop smart wearable product solution of “design + brand marketing + production”.
IWO is positioned on the brand concept of premium technology and fashion, we provide users with high-quality, trendy smart wearable products.
You can read some testimonies by business owners like you from the IWO website. Feel free also to contact the company regarding your IWO smartwatch concerns.
One of your first considerations is probably the cost and how much you can earn from this venture. That’s fair, of course. This is a business and it all boils down to success in making a profit.
Get to know the IWO Smartwatch in the video below.
Find out how the IWO smartwatch is quality controlled in the article below.
Tip 4: How to estimate smartwatch OEM & ODM customizable costs
What am I paying for?
Let’s get right away to how much it costs to manufacture smartwatches. It largely depends more or less on the following:
Materials used for casing and strap (plastic, alloy, steel, etc.)
CPU (model of the chipset)
Display (type, size, etc.)
Memory size
Sensors
Other customizations (ODM or OEM customizations)
You can try to browse some of the major brands and see what materials they’re using, what chipset and brand, or what display technology they have. You can check following
OEM & ODM Smartwatch video tutorial, which lists models for lots of price points to have a good reference.
Then you can consider what price point you want to place yourself in. And then you’ll know better what smartwatch specifications you can add.
Tip 5: OEM & ODM Smartwatch MOQ
It probably doesn’t need saying, but I’ll go ahead: how large your order is a significant factor that influences your manufacturing expenses. Obviously the more you purchase, the higher you pay. But you also get more value by paying less per unit. Did you know that some suppliers (and depending on the business model) have a set amount of units you can order? Learn about the MOQ requirements for different business models in the article below.
This declared fixed amount of orders from an importer set by the supplier is called the minimum order quantity or MOQ. There is also a corresponding price per MOQ tier. The larger the MOQ is, the lower the price per unit will be. Also, the better you can negotiate the price with them. (Speaking of negotiation, you can try asking for a lower MOQ on your first order. Naturally, you’ll be priced higher per unit, which could be decided according to your negotiation also.)
Aside from a better price, the supplier can also provide better value the higher your MOQ. They can provide you with OEM services, such as being able to customize your units. Here’s an example of OEM services a manufacturer can offer, depending on the lot size or MOQ:
| OEM & ODM Project | Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) |
| User Manual | 1000 Pcs |
| Logo Label On the Box | |
| OEM Packing Box | 3000 Pcs |
| Device/Bluetooth Name | |
| Logo Printed On the Watch | |
| APP | 5000 Pcs |
| Logo Upon Turning On of Watch |
You can customize your product more with larger orders. Each tier of MOQ provides better services, which can create a lot of value for you if you take advantage.
Pricing wrap-up
Keep in mind that this is just a little cost breakdown of manufacturing a smartwatch. Needless to say, you also have to consider the other expenses such as logistics, licenses, certificates, etc. The shipping you’ll have to arrange with your supplier. This would be agreed upon likely as either cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) or free-on-board (FOB).
Keep reading below for other costs to consider.
Tip 6: OEM & ODM Smartwatch L&L: Legal and Licensed
Being legal and licensed means taking responsibility for your product. Your supplier might be one of the most trustworthy contractors in the world, but you’re still accountable for your business. To make a long story short, make sure everything that makes up your product is licensed or free.
Be on top of your bill of materials, making sure that you’re aware of all that’s installed on your smartwatch. Check that all patented components are paid for or allowed.
There’s free software that you don’t have to worry about, like Android OS, but it’s best to be sure. You can’t afford to be hit with legal repercussions especially when your product has already reached your shores.
Licenses can range from a few dollars per unit to a few thousand for a license to sell one model. As you can see this can be expensive, but not as expensive as being hit with penalties.
Keep aware of manufacturing when your supplier has all the licenses it needs to create your product. Unfortunately, it’s a different deal on your end when you import these products. Feel free to communicate with your supplier regarding this.
Tip 7: OEM & ODM Smartwatch C&C: Certified and Compliant
Every country has different requirements for imports. Different departments are dealing with different rules that concern your product. For the US, there are FCC standards, as well as UL. In the EU, you’ll commonly hear about LWD, RED, and RoHS. Even the e-commerce platform you’re using might require documents. The most common among these is Amazon. Here’s a handy guide for labeling regulations in the US, EU, and Australia.
You have the responsibility of accounting for your product standards. But you can also employ an agency to help expedite this process for a significant amount. Consider if it is worth the expense. Another alternative is if you have enough personnel to carry out these responsibilities for you.
There’s also labeling compliance to undergo, depending on the country you’re importing to. You can reach out to a third-party lab for the necessary testing. You’ll find there are more than enough of these laboratories around China or Hong Kong. Check that the laboratory is accredited and has plenty of experience doing business. They will ensure your product is compliant, along with providing you with the necessary documents to present when required.
When your import reaches your country’s customs, here are some documents you might be required:
- Bill of materials
- PCB diagrams
- CE DofC
- Testing results/reports
- Labels and corresponding documents
- User manual
When you get through customs, there could still be other authorities or inspectors that would look for these files. Don’t forget to have easy access to them or have someone responsible. Someone to ensure what’s required by your country and take care of them beforehand. Doing so will help you have a smooth importing process. Find out about smartwatch certification tips in the article below.
Closing
If you’re still on the fence about making the first move, don’t beat yourself up. Try to break down the process into steps you can easily do. Again, one way (free!) you can easily get started: just reach out to a supplier that has caught your interest.
You don’t have to take it all in one go. Bookmark this page. When you’re ready, with suppliers like IWO, you can be honest if you don’t have enough experience. Read some client testimonials, blogs, or product information. Or send a quick message, or chat with them here.
