Start from a specification or a new brief

OEM and ODM project starting points
Decision	Existing specification / OEM route	New development / ODM route
Product definition	Provide an identified sample, formula or technical brief for review.	Define the product format, scent direction and market first.
Formula & samples	Confirm supplied information, permitted use and sample equivalence.	Agree development scope, trial feedback and the selected version.
Components	Identify any supplied bottle, pump, artwork and technical data.	Select components around the formula, fill and application.
Approval	Approve the reviewed specification and production scope.	Approve the developed formula, filled sample and final specification.

Put the division of work in writing

Formula & intellectual property: Identify ownership, confidentiality and permitted future use.
Components & artwork: Name the supplier, specification and approval responsibility for each item.
Manufacture & checks: List liquid preparation, filling, assembly, inspection and packing.
Market & shipment: Agree document, export, forwarder and import responsibilities.