An OEM sofa manufacturer builds a sofa you designed, to your specification, and ships it under your brand. You own the design and the customer; the factory owns the frame, foam, springs, sewing and upholstery. Done well, nobody downstream can tell who made it — and that is the point.
This guide explains how the process runs at a Thai factory, what you need to bring, and where private-label sofa projects usually go wrong.
OEM or ODM — which one are you buying?
OEM — you supply the design: drawings, CAD files, reference images or a physical sample. The factory engineers it for production and builds it.
ODM — you supply a brief (style direction, end use, target price, fabric preference) and the factory designs it. Our in-house design team sketches 2–3 directions, you pick one, and it becomes your product.
Many brands use both: ODM for the first collection, OEM once they have an in-house designer. See our OEM & ODM services for the full comparison.
What to send for an OEM quote
- Overall dimensions, seat height, seat depth and arm height (or a reference piece to match)
- Drawings, CAD or clear reference photos from several angles
- Fabric or leather — your own material, or a description we can source against
- Comfort target: firm, medium or soft seat; loose or fixed cushions
- Quantity per model and target delivery date
- Labelling and packaging requirements (brand labels, hang tags, carton or crate)
You do not need a technical drawing package to start. A clear reference and a size brief is enough for us to quote; the specification is fixed during sampling.
The process, step by step
- Send drawings or references → specification confirmed and quoted
- Physical sample built for approval, in the production fabric where possible
- Adjustments, then written sign-off — the sample becomes the production reference
- Production run, with every unit checked against the approved sample
- Your brand label applied; packed for domestic delivery or crated for export
Lead time is typically 8–12 weeks from sample approval, depending on volume and fabric sourcing. Minimum order is 10 pieces per style.
Why the minimum order matters for a new brand
Overseas factories commonly ask for container-scale quantities per model. A new brand cannot commit to that before it knows which model sells. A low per-style minimum lets you launch with a small run, photograph it, sell through, and re-order the winners.
That is how our private-label sofa launch ran: three models developed from moodboards, an initial run of 20 units each, samples signed off three weeks after the first meeting.
Re-orders should be repeats, not redevelopments
Ask any OEM partner what they keep on file. We hold cut files, foam specification, spring type, seat depth and the fabric reference for each model, so a second run is ordered by model name and matches the first. Without that, every re-order drifts.
Who stays anonymous
In private label, the factory does not appear on the product. Pieces ship under your label and packaging. If you need a non-disclosure agreement before sharing drawings, raise it at the first enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MOQ for OEM sofas in Thailand?
At Factory Source Thailand it is 10 pieces per style. Some factories require far more; ask per model, not per order.
Can I supply my own fabric (COM)?
Yes. Customer’s own material is accepted; we will confirm the yardage needed per model during sampling.
Do you make wooden or metal furniture too?
No — upholstery only: sofas, lounge chairs, ottomans and modular seating.
Can you export my sofas?
Yes. Export orders are crated for shipping; see our guide to exporting upholstered furniture from Thailand.