How to Find Reliable OEM and ODM Partners at Canton Fair 2025

The Canton Fair 2025 will take place in Guangzhou this October, once again welcoming thousands of global buyers to connect with Chinese manufacturers. For businesses looking to expand their product lines or launch new collections, one of the biggest opportunities lies in finding reliable OEM and ODM partners.

But with thousands of exhibitors under one roof, how can you quickly identify trustworthy partners and avoid common sourcing pitfalls? This guide will walk you through practical steps to find the right OEM and ODM suppliers at Canton Fair 2025.

Understanding OEM and ODM at Canton Fair

Before diving into sourcing, it’s essential to clarify what OEM and ODM mean in the Canton Fair context:

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): You provide the design, specifications, or requirements, and the factory manufactures accordingly. This is common for customized kitchenware, furniture, or fashion accessories.
• ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): The supplier provides ready-made designs or develops new ones for you to brand and sell. This is especially valuable for toys, holiday products, or home décor where creativity drives sales.

At the Canton Fair, you’ll find thousands of both OEM and ODM suppliers across product categories such as kitchenware, lighting, toys, furniture, home products, pet supplies, apparel, and personal care items.

Why Canton Fair Is the Best Place to Source OEM/ODM Partners

• Diverse Product Categories – From home appliances to fashion accessories, it’s a one-stop sourcing event.
• Direct Access to Factories – Most exhibitors are manufacturers, not traders, which reduces middleman costs.
• Face-to-Face Negotiations – Meeting suppliers in person builds trust faster than email exchanges.
• Customization Opportunities – Many exhibitors showcase both standard and customizable products, giving buyers flexible options.

Key Steps to Find Reliable OEM/ODM Partners

1. Do Pre-Fair Research

Check the Canton Fair exhibitor list and identify suppliers in your product categories. Shortlist companies with OEM/ODM mentioned in their profile.

2. Ask the Right Questions

When visiting booths, go beyond product samples. Ask:

• Do you offer OEM/ODM services?
• What is your MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?
• What certifications do you hold (ISO, CE, RoHS, FDA, etc.)?
• Can you provide references from past international clients?
• How long is your production lead time?

3. Evaluate Production Capabilities

Reliable partners will have clear answers about factory size, production lines, R&D team, and customization process. Take note of exhibitors who can show past OEM/ODM cases.

4. Check Quality Control Standards

Strong OEM/ODM partners should have in-house quality assurance systems and comply with international standards. Ask whether they conduct third-party inspections.

5. Compare Multiple Suppliers

Don’t sign with the first company you meet. Compare pricing, flexibility, communication, and customization capability across different suppliers.

6. Follow Up with Factory Visits

The Canton Fair is just the first step. A follow-up factory audit is essential to verify the supplier’s true capabilities.

How Market Union Supports Your OEM and ODM Sourcing

For many international buyers, navigating Canton Fair can feel overwhelming. That’s where Market Union steps in as your sourcing partner.

We provide:

• OEM/ODM Manufacturing Support – Connect you with reliable factories across kitchenware, lighting, toys, furniture, home products, pet supplies, holiday goods, apparel, and personal care.
• Supply Chain Integration – Manage production, quality control, and logistics to ensure smooth delivery.
• China Buying Office / Factory Agent Services – Act as your local partner to negotiate with suppliers and monitor production.
• Co-Branding and Product Development – Collaborate on new designs that fit your market needs.
• Travel & Fair Assistance – Including hotel booking and airport transfers during Canton Fair, making your visit hassle-free.

With years of experience helping global retailers and brands source from China, Market Union reduces risks and helps you find the right OEM/ODM partner efficiently.

If you’re planning to attend and want a reliable partner by your side, Market Union can support you every step of the way — from fair navigation to factory selection and product development.

Contact us today to plan your sourcing journey at Canton Fair 2025 with confidence.