GETTING STARTED

What is the difference between OEM and ODM?

OEM: you provide the formula, we manufacture it. ODM: we develop the formula from your brief. 90% of first-time buyers use our ODM service — you give us a product concept and we handle formula development. Either way, the finished product carries your brand name and is exclusively yours.

Do I need to have a formula before I contact you?

No. Most clients contact us with a product concept, not a complete formula. You can start with: a hero ingredient (‘I want a PDRN serum’), a positioning (‘barrier repair cream for sensitive skin’), or a reference product you admire. Our R&D team takes it from there.

What is the minimum order quantity?

MOQ starts at 500 pcs per SKU for serums, creams, hair care, and baby care. Sheet masks start from 3,000 pcs. There is no minimum for sampling — you can request a single sample to evaluate before any bulk commitment.

How do I start?

Two ways: (1) Request a sample — tell us your product concept, we quote within 24 hours. (2) Get a quote — if you have a formula or brief ready, we quote directly for bulk. Both are free, no commitment required.

Are you a factory or a trading company?

We are the factory. Dongguan Flavor Sources Technology Co., Ltd. — GMP ISO 22716 certified manufacturing facility in Dongguan, Guangdong, China. 300+ workers, 10 production lines, 20+ years in operation. You can verify this via virtual factory audit — we welcome these within 5 business days.

SAMPLING & FORMULA

How long does a sample take?

Standard formula samples (from our R&D library): 7–10 working days. Custom ODM formula development (from your brief): 10–18 working days. Revised samples after your feedback: 5–10 working days. All sample lead times start from confirmed brief and sample fee payment.

How many revision rounds are included?

Unlimited. We iterate until you approve. There is no extra charge for any revision round. The only thing we ask is specific written feedback — ‘increase thickness by approximately 20%’ is useful; ‘make it thicker’ is not, and leads to more rounds.

Is the sample fee refunded?

The sample fee is not refunded — it is credited. 100% of your sample fee is deducted from your first bulk order invoice of 500+ pcs. Effectively, the sample costs nothing once you scale.

Will you keep my formula confidential?

Yes. Your formula is locked to your brand name in our system on approval and is never shared with or produced for any other client. An NDA is available from your very first inquiry — before you share any product concept.

Can I own my formula?

Yes. Once your bulk order is paid in full, the formula is yours as documented intellectual property. On request, we provide your complete formula documentation — INCI list, concentrations, and processing parameters. We will also sign a Formula Ownership Declaration if required.

PRODUCTION & QUALITY

What is the production lead time?

25–35 working days from confirmed deposit payment to production complete. This covers: raw material IQC, batch production, in-process QC, finished goods inspection, and pre-shipment inspection. Lead times vary by product complexity and order volume.

What quality control process do you use?

4-stage GMP QC: IQC (incoming materials) → IPQC (in-process checks) → OQC (finished goods) → pre-shipment inspection. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is issued for every batch before we request balance payment. Your quality is confirmed on paper before a single unit ships.

What testing is included in the COA?

Standard COA includes: pH, viscosity, appearance (colour, odour, clarity), microbiological testing (Total Plate Count, yeast & mould, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and heavy metals. Stability testing (accelerated and real-time) is available on request.

What happens if bulk quality doesn’t match the sample?

We issue a COA per batch before requesting balance payment — quality is confirmed before shipment. If quality at destination does not match the COA-confirmed specification despite our QC process, we resolve it through our After-Sales Service: replacement production, rework, or refund as applicable.

Can I visit the factory?

Yes. Physical visits are welcome with advance notice — we recommend 2 weeks notice to arrange. Virtual factory audits via video call are available within 5 business days at no cost. A typical virtual audit is 30–45 minutes and covers all production areas and QC documentation.

PAYMENT & PRICING

What are the payment terms?

Standard: T/T bank wire — 30% deposit to start production, 70% balance after pre-shipment inspection passed and COA issued, before freight booking. Alibaba Trade Assurance is available for orders placed through our Alibaba store.

Is it safe to wire money to a China factory?

Our bank details appear only on our official Proforma Invoice and in emails from sales@flavorsources.com — never from any other address. Our bank account details do NOT change between orders. If you receive any message claiming our bank details have changed, call us directly at +86 130 4684 2353 before transferring.

What currency do you invoice in?

Default: USD. EUR, GBP, and AED available on request for European and Middle East buyers. Exchange rates are fixed at Proforma Invoice issue — no rate fluctuation risk after confirmation.

Why is the cheapest factory not always the cheapest option?

Unit cost is typically 30% of total sourcing cost. The other 70%: compliance documentation, QC failures, rework, delayed launches, and re-sourcing friction. On a typical 5,000-pcs order, a USD 0.80/pcs price difference disappears entirely when you account for the full cost stack of a non-GMP supplier.

EXPORT & COMPLIANCE

What documents come with every shipment?

Standard with every bulk shipment: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (CCPIT-issued), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Safety Data Sheet (SDS). All documents provided in both PDF and original paper form as required.

Can your products be sold in the EU?

Yes. We provide full formula documentation (INCI list, concentrations) for your EU CPSR assessor. We can refer you to qualified EU Responsible Persons and CPSR assessors. Products are manufactured to GMP ISO 22716 as required by EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.

Can your products be sold in the US on Amazon?

Yes. We build FBA compliance into every Amazon-bound order: FNSKU label space, suffocation warnings, INCI labeling per FDA 21 CFR 701 (ingredients in descending order, standard US format), and FBA-compliant outer carton labeling. We are registered as a foreign manufacturing facility under MoCRA.

Do you offer HALAL certification?

Yes. HALAL certification is available through our partnered certification body. All raw materials are screened for HALAL compliance. Lead time for HALAL certification: 6–8 weeks from formula confirmation. Critical for Indonesia (HALAL mandate October 2026), Malaysia, and GCC markets.

What Incoterms do you offer?

EXW (ex our factory), FOB (from Yantian or Shekou port, Shenzhen), CIF (cost, insurance, freight to your port), and DDP (delivered duty paid to your address — available for select countries). We work with your freight forwarder or can arrange freight directly.

WORKING WITH FLAVOR SOURCES

Do I get a dedicated account manager?

Yes. Every client is assigned a dedicated account manager who is your single point of contact from first sample through to first bulk shipment and beyond. Your account manager speaks English, manages your project timeline, and is reachable by email and WhatsApp.

What is your response time?

Within 24 business hours for all enquiries, quotes, and revision confirmations — Monday to Friday, GMT+8. WhatsApp responses during business hours typically within 2–4 hours.

How do reorders work?

Your formula is locked after approval. Reorders are straightforward: reference your product name and previous order number, confirm quantity and Incoterms, receive a new Proforma Invoice, pay deposit, and we produce. No re-sampling required unless you want formula changes.

Do you have minimum annual volume requirements?

No annual volume commitment required. We work with brands at every scale — from first-time founders at 500 pcs to distributors at 200,000+ pcs annually. Volume pricing tiers are available as your orders grow.