Want a pool table line under your own brand? We compare OEM manufacturing and ODM design, the partnership process and what to prepare before you order.
More and more distributors and club chains want a table line under their own brand rather than reselling someone else's. There are two ways to do it: OEM pool table manufacturing and ODM design. This article helps you choose the right model and prepare the right things before working with a factory.
What is OEM?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) is when you already have the design: drawings, specifications, materials and brand identity. The factory builds exactly to your drawings and standards and puts your brand on the product. This model suits brands that already have a product line and want to switch or expand their supply.
What is ODM?
ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) is when you have the positioning and the factory handles the design. You set the price segment, the market and the style you want; the factory develops the design, selects materials, calculates costs and builds samples. This model suits distributors or club chains without an in-house product design team.
OEM vs ODM at a glance
- Starting point: OEM starts from your drawings; ODM starts from your requirements and positioning.
- Timeline: ODM needs extra time for design, 3D modelling and sample revisions.
- Design rights: with OEM the design belongs to you; with ODM, design ownership must be clearly agreed in the contract.
- Output standard: the same. Both go through the same quality control process.
What can be customised in pool table manufacturing
- Laser-engraved or printed logos on the frame, apron and pocket baskets.
- Timber colour, grain and cloth colour to your sample or a standard colour chart.
- Leg style, pocket basket material and stitching colour.
- Table size: 7ft, 8ft, 9ft or custom dimensions.
- Packaging, labels, assembly instructions and serial numbers in your brand identity.
- Bundled accessories: cues, balls and cue racks in the configuration you choose.
The pool table manufacturing partnership process
- Brief: you send drawings or a description, quantities, target market and target price.
- Quotation and terms: product, packaging, any tooling costs and freight priced separately.
- Design and 3D modelling: a new design for ODM; for OEM, your drawings are digitised and production drawings sent back for approval.
- Sampling: a physical sample with an inspection report.
- Sample approval and contract signing.
- Mass production with regular progress reports.
- Inspection, packing and delivery with a full set of export documents.
What to prepare before contacting a factory
- Your target market and expected retail price.
- First-order quantity and plans for repeat orders.
- Drawings, reference photos or a physical sample if you have one.
- Certification and labelling requirements of the importing market.
- Preferred delivery terms (FOB, CIF…). See our article on exporting pool tables.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for OEM manufacturing?
It depends on the product line and the degree of customisation. The deeper the changes to structure and tooling, the higher the minimum quantity. Send us a specific request for an exact figure.
Can I order one sample table before mass production?
Yes. Sampling is a mandatory step in the process, so you can check real quality before committing to a large volume.
Athena offers OEM manufacturing and ODM design of pool tables in Vietnam. See the full service on our OEM / ODM page or request a quote.
Need manufacturing advice or a quotation?
Athena builds pool tables in Vietnam for clubs, distributors and private labels.