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Practical insights on product development and sourcing.

The first sample is rarely the final reference. During product development, sampling, product revisions and production or execution adjustments often happen together. A material may change the weight or feel. A finish may need further refinement. Construction, assembly or functional details may also be adjusted before both sides agree on the final physical outcome. That is where an approved sample becomes useful. It can serve as a shared physical reference for characteristics that are easier to see, touch or compare than to describe in words alone—such as colour, finish, texture, construction, assembly and overall product appearance. For example, an approved sample can show the accepted colour direction, the final physical configuration after construction changes, or how a closure, fit or assembly is expected to function. But an approved sample is not the entire production specification. It should work alongside the agreed written information for the project, such as material specifications, dimensions and tolerances, artwork files, testing requirements and inspection criteria where relevant. The approved sample does not replace written specifications or inspection criteria. It works alongside them as one important part of the agreed production reference. Follow L&L for practical sourcing and product-development insights.

Why can a quote change after sampling—even when the project is moving forward as planned? An initial quote reflects the product definition available at that stage. If sampling changes that definition, some of the assumptions behind the original quote may need to be reviewed. Material changes can affect more than material costing. Finish compatibility, production method, sampling requirements and, where relevant, supplier or factory suitability may also need another look. Construction or performance changes—such as making a product stronger, lighter, more heat resistant, differently sealed or structurally different—can reopen discussions around tooling, construction, material choice, production approach, sampling and costing. Packaging or quantity changes can also affect the commercial picture. Packaging cost, packing method, production planning and other assumptions used in the original quotation may need to be updated. This does not mean every sample revision changes the price. The important point is that the final quotation should reflect the product, packaging and requirements that are actually moving into production—not an earlier version that changed during development. Follow L&L for practical sourcing and product-development insights.

A product change rarely changes just one line in the specification. It can reopen decisions that were already discussed earlier in development. ❇️ Change the material? Costing, sampling, finish compatibility, performance expectations and the production approach may need to be reviewed. Depending on the project, supplier or factory suitability may also need another look. ❇️ Change the colour or finish after T2 / T3? The same change that was easier to manage earlier can reopen sampling and approval. Another sample cycle may leave less room in the original production schedule and affect subsequent shipment planning. ❇️ Change the function or performance requirement? Making a product lighter, stronger, more heat resistant or structurally different may require another review of material, construction, sampling, costing and production approach. ❇️ Change the packaging? Artwork and branding may be only part of it. Packaging samples, packing configuration, carton arrangements and shipment planning may also need attention. A product change is rarely isolated. When one decision changes, the connected decisions should be reviewed as well. The goal is not to freeze every specification at the beginning. It is to understand what may need to be reopened when the project changes. Follow L&L for practical sourcing and product-development insights

What makes an RFQ useful to a sourcing team? Clarity, not simply length. The most useful inputs help explain the context behind the request: ❇️ Intended use — helps clarify what the product is expected to do. ❇️Target market — provides context for market-specific expectations and considerations. ❇️Target price or commercial range — helps frame which development directions may be relevant to explore. ❇️Material and performance expectations — gives teams a clearer basis for discussing suitable options and trade-offs. ❇️Quantity and timeline — adds important context when considering sourcing and production approaches. ❇️Branding or packaging requirements — where relevant, these can influence how the overall product proposal is developed. Not every detail needs to be final from day one. But the clearer the commercial and product context, the more focused the sourcing conversation can become. Follow L&L for practical sourcing and product-development insights. #Sourcing #Procurement #ProductDevelopment #OEM #SupplyChain

A better OEM / ODM discussion starts with a better brief. Five areas are worth defining early: 1. Intended use What is the product expected to do, and in what context will it be used? 2. Target market Where will the product be sold or distributed? 3. Target price range What commercial range should the development work toward? 4. Material & performance requirements Consider the material direction, functionality, durability, care and other relevant expectations. 5. Quantity & timeline Expected volumes and timing can influence which sourcing options are practical to explore. - Not every detail needs to be finalized before the first conversation. But defining the key requirements early helps reduce ambiguity and makes product-development discussions more focused. Follow L&L for more practical sourcing and product-development insights.