Part 1 – Project Overview
Lead Time
Guangdong Shieldon Technology Co. Ltd collaborated with their client to develop a custom oyster knife. The project, which started in June, included several key stages.
Initial discussions covered design details such as display box sizes and materials. Mandy Fung and the client ensured clear communication to meet expectations.
As the project progressed, logistics like printing and shipping were carefully managed. Feedback from the client led to adjustments in artwork and display solutions.
Despite challenges with currency exchange and delivery logistics, the products arrived on time. The client was satisfied with the efficiency and quality, paving the way for future orders.
Paano dumating ang proyekto
In an OEM partnership, Shieldon worked with a European entrepreneur to create custom displays for oyster knives. The project focused on efficient design and logistics, and clear communication ensured that it met the client’s specifications and timeline.
Design details were finalized, and logistical challenges like currency exchange and printing were quickly addressed, ensuring timely product shipment. The entrepreneur was pleased with the quality and punctuality of the displays and praised the smooth process.
After the successful delivery, Shieldon provided strong after-sales support, opening the door for future collaborations. The entrepreneur’s positive feedback highlighted the importance of clear communication in OEM projects.
This partnership achieved its goals and set the stage for future growth, showing how international collaboration in design and technology can drive mutual success.
Part 2 – Reason why the customer chose us
Supplied the testing experience
Shieldon offers OEM customers a thorough oyster knife testing service to ensure quality and satisfaction. This includes prototype development and rigorous testing to help clients assess performance and make necessary adjustments before mass production, ensuring the final product meets high standards and customer expectations.
The testing process focuses on functionality, durability, and design elements that improve user experience. Shieldon works closely with clients, incorporating feedback and improving to deliver a superior product and foster strong partnerships.
With expertise in production and quality assurance, Shieldon streamlines development, minimizing delays and ensuring a smooth market transition. This service gives customers confidence in the product’s quality and reliability, supporting their business success. Shieldon’s commitment to excellence drives continuous process refinement and exceptional service.
Supplied HRC presentation
Guangdong Shieldon Technology demonstrated its expertise in creating a high-quality oyster knife for a French customer. After considering both ebony and POM for the handle, Shieldon selected ebony for its stability, density, and elegant look despite its longer procurement time compared to POM.
Shieldon prioritized quality assurance, showcasing comprehensive heat treatment and hardness tests to ensure the materials’ durability and suitability. These tests helped confirm the product met high standards.
Effective communication and collaboration were key in overcoming production challenges, such as incorporating decorative studs and achieving a polished finish. By aligning the design with the customer’s vision, Shieldon delivered a product that exceeded expectations.
Supplied goods delivery tracking
Shieldon offered innovative packaging solutions, including display boxes to hold and showcase the knives. The compact displays, which could hold 24 knives, were easy to assemble and transport, enhancing product appeal while supporting the customer’s marketing and sales needs.
Shieldon ensured transparent goods delivery tracking throughout the process, building confidence in the supply chain. Despite some logistical challenges, effective communication led to the timely delivery of goods in perfect condition.
This partnership underscores Shieldon’s commitment to quality, customization, and customer satisfaction and sets the stage for future collaborations.
Shieldon looks forward to continuing business with its French partner, providing precision-crafted knives to enhance its market offerings.
Supplied after-sale service
Shieldon supplied innovative display boxes and ensured timely delivery, overcoming logistical challenges through effective communication.
The focus on quality and customer satisfaction extended to after-sales service for specimen and display boxes.
The companies’ collaboration was smooth, setting a positive foundation for future partnerships. Both parties expressed satisfaction, and Shieldon looks forward to continued business and mutual success.
Supplied production education
Shieldon explained the importance of blade thickness and the balance needed for durability during stamping. They discussed the challenge of achieving sharpness without losing structural strength, helping the client understand the technical limitations.
Shieldon guided the client in selecting POM handles based on their stability and ease of production for materials. They also offered different coating options to mimic a wood-like appearance while addressing sustainability concerns.
Clear communication was crucial; Shieldon kept an open dialogue, allowing the client to give feedback and improve. This included adjusting blade sharpness and handle design based on user testing, ensuring the final product met functional and aesthetic goals.
Part 3 – Story of Manufacturing Process
The customer received three pre-production samples to evaluate appearance and function. They were pleased with the products and found no issues with the production. The samples were also tested for opening oysters, and the customer appreciated the durability of the plastic handle. Unlike wood or metal handles, it was resistant to wear, impact, moisture, and various environmental conditions, making it ideal for use in water or with corrosive substances.
However, plastic handles have some downsides:
- Scratches and scuffs: Plastic can get scratched or scuffed from regular use, leading to marks that can accumulate and make the handle look worn.
- Surface wear: Plastic may fade or dull over time, especially with exposure to harsh conditions or UV light, affecting its appearance.
- Fingerprints and smudges: Plastic can show fingerprints and smudges easily, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its look.
A video was provided to show the mold closing line during the plastic injection molding process.
The blade edge for the custom OEM oyster knife was designed to be sharp enough to cut the root of the oyster meat but not razor-sharp. After a month of discussions and multiple modifications, the customer’s preferred blade shape was finally achieved.
Constant communication in OEM projects ensures the final product meets the customer’s vision and needs, fostering collaboration, trust, and satisfaction.
This iterative process improves design and functionality, leading to a successful outcome.
A regular hunting knife was used to achieve razor sharpness, and it was suitable for cutting wood, paper, and other materials during hunting.
However, the oyster knife didn’t require such sharpness. The team initially tried to make it razor-sharp but later realized this wasn’t necessary.
The team explained the advantages and disadvantages of razor sharpness to the customer.
Razor sharpness allows for minimal cutting effort. It is achieved by honing the blade to a fine angle, typically between 15 and 20 degrees. Maintaining this sharpness requires regular honing and careful use.
The research was conducted during the OEM oyster knife project to understand how people typically use their oyster knives in daily work.
The design of this item incorporated folk wisdom, demonstrating the value of learning from traditional knowledge in modern production.
Learning from traditional practices gave insights into crafting a blunt tip for specific blades. This design improves safety by reducing the risk of accidental punctures and increases durability, as blunt tips are less likely to chip or break.
In applications like rescue tools, the blunt tip allows for prying or maneuvering without causing harm, showing how integrating folk knowledge leads to practical innovations in blade design.
In the design process of a custom knife, communication with the client led to the decision to remove jimping from the blade. While jimping was originally considered to enhance grip, concerns about weakening the blade and complicating manufacturing led to its removal.
This decision improved the blade’s durability and aesthetics, aligning with the client’s requirements for thickness and sharpness. The change simplified production and improved the blade’s performance, resulting in a more efficient cutting tool.
Multiple prototyping phases ensured the product met design and functionality expectations.
Prototyping helped identify design flaws, manufacturing challenges, and usability issues early. This iterative process allowed for improvements based on real-world testing and client feedback.
Prototypes also allowed the assessment of materials and production methods, reducing risks and costs. Thorough prototyping improved product reliability and customer satisfaction, ensuring successful full-scale production.
Frequent and detailed communication with the customer is crucial for success in an OEM project, especially in foreign trade. This helps bridge cultural and language differences, preventing misunderstandings.
Regular updates through emails, photos, and videos allow customers to stay connected and confident.
It also ensures that design, materials, or production changes are communicated and agreed upon quickly, fostering flexibility and adapting to challenges based on customer feedback.
Though simpler than knife production, packaging design still required attention to detail. Initially, there were no clear ideas, so material options were presented to the customer. The customer’s photos helped identify a direction.
The goal was to find cost-effective packaging that matched the oyster knife and didn’t require expensive materials or quick printing. After discussing the issue with the customer, a few ideas were generated.
A Kraft box with UV printing was shown to the customer, along with a recommendation for a rigid Kraft gift box with an EVA tray.
The box could include instructions or stickers. Since most OEM/ODM customers did not have branded packaging, a graphic design team was available for support.
However, the premium gift box was too costly for the customer, so they opted for common toothpaste boxes with euro-holes. After reviewing, the customer provided French text for the packaging.
Packaging design carefully considered details like font, size, color, and placement. Reference photos were used if unclear, or customers could provide their drawings. After several discussions, the customer confirmed the background color, text, and other details.
Packaging design plays a key role in branding by communicating the brand’s identity, quality, and values. It influences consumer perception and purchasing decisions and enhances user experience, making it an essential marketing tool.
Another idea presented to the customer involved a pull-tab design, where users opened the package by pulling a tab.
The tab was designed like the French national flag, with arrows on the surface to indicate the pull direction.
This unique design showcased creativity and experience from over 20 years of OEM projects.
Special packaging designs, such as the ones used for multi-function knives and durable multi-tools, contributed to branding success by reflecting quality and enhancing the product’s storytelling and durability.
The template shown to the customer was used to finalize a toothpaste-shaped box design with a euro-hole at the top. Once measurements were confirmed, a graphic designer created the packaging’s look. While not the most time-consuming aspect of the OEM project, Shieldon handled the packaging with care and professionalism.
Working closely with the client on the oyster knife packaging, Shieldon provided design options and materials while following French packaging regulations. Having secured a distributor, the client aimed to balance quality and cost. Discussions covered details like recycling logos and material labeling. A kraft paper design with a color background matching the brand’s style was proposed.
Through samples and feedback, the final design met the client’s preferences and regulatory needs. It protected the product, improved its presentation, and matched the brand identity, supporting a smooth market entry into France.
During the packaging design process, attention was given to the corner location for printing. The photo revealed an empty corner area, and Shieldon suggested extending the printing area to use this space. The customer appreciated the attention to detail and agreed to the change.
Given the importance of French packaging standards, the design was carefully adjusted to include recycling logos and material indications. This ensured that the packaging met legal requirements while reflecting the brand identity.
The effort in adhering to these standards protected the product and helped establish trust with consumers, making it easier for the client to navigate international regulations.
Shieldon also carefully measured the box’s size to ensure it was large enough to accommodate the oyster knife.
Measurements were carefully taken from all angles, and discrepancies were marked in red on the photo, showing the customer that the team was dedicated to the packaging design and printing.
Although the packaging was not a significant part of the OEM project, the focus was on efficiency to keep the project on schedule.
In addition to the packaging, the client also needed a display card to hang the oyster knife in stores. The design of the display card focused on how to secure the oyster knife so it wouldn’t fall out. Shieldon used plastic strips to firmly hold the knife, ensuring it would be displayed securely as a specimen for customers to touch and feel in the store.
Shieldon proposed engraving the word “specimen” on the blade or handle of certain products to help store staff, and consumers differentiate between products for sale and specimens displayed for display.
This method effectively separated the products meant for display from those for sale. It showcased Shieldon’s thoughtful approach to addressing customer concerns and providing solutions that exceeded their expectations.
By seamlessly integrating design options and regulatory compliance, the team preemptively identified logistical and production challenges, offering solutions that reduced costs while maintaining quality. This foresight and understanding helped build trust and a successful partnership, contributing to smooth project execution and reinforcing the customer’s confidence in entering the new market.
After further discussions about the display design, the customer and Shieldon abandoned the idea. The display method posed risks of the specimen being stolen, lost, or damaged, which would have created more problems for store staff rather than promoting the product.
This situation exemplified the common back-and-forth discussions in OEM projects, where not every idea is accepted. The goal is to find feasible solutions and explain why specific ideas may or may not work.
These discussions often lead to the emergence of new, better ideas, fostering what is known as favorable negotiation.
Shifting away from the hanging display, Shieldon suggested an open box design with a plastic stripe to securely hold the specimen, preventing it from being stolen or lost. This idea was inspired by a concept found in an online store.
The new design was communicated through photos. The plastic stripe fixed across the cardboard held the specimen in place.
The customer appreciated the innovation and loved the design. Once the box shape was finalized, the focus shifted to the printing design, which Shieldon could complete in-house due to the capabilities of the graphic design team.
The customer asked if ropes could replace the plastic stripe, so Shieldon showed mesh bag samples as an alternative.
A video demonstrated how the tie card packaging was used in a display situation, giving the customer a better understanding of its practical application.
After careful consideration, the customer opted for the tie card with a plastic stripe for the product display. Shieldon, with experience in similar display projects for supermarkets, quickly understood the requirements and proceeded with production.
Clear communication and confirmation ensured a smooth process and extra specimens were made for display purposes. Shieldon consistently aims to think ahead and exceed customer expectations in OEM/ODM projects.
To reassure the client about our expertise, we showcased a successful display box project for multi-functional knives, demonstrating our ability to create functional and visually appealing displays. The box allowed multiple showcasing options, with features for customer interaction, such as opening or rotating the products.
We designed a rotating display platform for a pocket knife line, enhancing visibility and allowing customers to view the knives from all angles. This versatile display was adaptable to various retail environments, reinforcing Shieldon’s commitment to innovative, customizable packaging solutions.
Shieldon paid close attention to details, even when dealing with language barriers. The customer carefully checked the content of the instruction paper before final approval.
A sample was made to ensure accuracy, and once confirmed, production was assigned to the printing factory.
Key considerations for instruction paper printing included ensuring consistent specifications and color tone across pages, sequential printing, and minimal use of auxiliary materials to maintain print quality.
These measures ensured that the final product met both aesthetic and functional requirements.
An example from a previous project was presented to help the customer visualize the display box. This example showcased the flexibility of product placement and display. The design allowed various product sizes and quantities, with options to open or turn products for enhanced display.
Several design options were provided, and the recommended box size could accommodate 12 products and one hanging item.
This draft prompted the customer’s input, which helped refine the design.
Anticipating consumer needs and introducing innovative solutions is key to inspiring new demand, as businesses can shape market trends rather than merely respond to them.
The customer provided feedback on the initial display box draft, requesting a more prominent placement for the specimen. However, sometimes, customer expectations surpass current technology, creating a gap between innovation and feasibility.
Two examples illustrate this:
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Customers seek biodegradable or recycled materials, but balancing sustainability, durability, and cost can be challenging. Businesses must manage these expectations by offering incremental improvements and continuing to innovate.
- Hyper-Personalized Packaging: While digital printing allows for personalization, scalability, and cost-efficiency remain challenges. Companies can meet this demand by offering customizable templates or limited personalization options that balance customer desires with production capabilities.
These examples highlight the need to align visionary goals with practical realities in business.
The customer was presented with examples of previous display boxes, illustrating the folding method and materials used. While the die-cut design could not be shared due to confidentiality, the experience in creating promotional display boxes was demonstrated.
With 25 years of experience in knife and tool production, Shieldon values every opportunity to learn and innovate.
A commitment to continuous learning and enthusiasm for new challenges ensure competitiveness in an ever-changing business landscape.
The display box was nearly finished. The initial design was shown to the customer, with stickers added to highlight the specimens placed on top of the box. The display could hold 12 products in total. Some details, such as organizing the products inside the box and preventing theft, still needed adjustment, but the design met the customer’s requirements.
The customer expressed concerns about the display’s effectiveness in boosting sales. Display boxes and decorative displays in supermarkets are proven tools for increasing sales.
Key factors include:
- Clear Theme Representation: Displays highlight products with a clear focus, drawing attention and helping customers make informed purchasing decisions.
- Profit Margin Assurance: Strategic placement of products maximizes profit margins by combining attractive deals with high-margin items.
- Highlighting Primary and Secondary Products: Display boxes showcase primary products while positioning related items to boost cross-selling and sales.
- Sales-Focused Presentation: Well-organized, visually appealing displays encourage easy product selection and drive sales, while overly complex designs may detract from visibility.
- Seasonal and Promotional Showcase: Display boxes effectively showcase seasonal or promotional items, aligning with current trends to boost sales.
- Enhancing Store Image and Targeting Customer Segments: Thoughtful display design tailors to customer preferences, enhancing the shopping experience and driving engagement.
In summary, display boxes are crucial for strategically boosting sales, leading to improved customer experience and increased revenue.
The printed cardboard sample was shown to the customer, and most of the printing work for the display box was completed. Printing took about two weeks. To save costs and be eco-friendly, recycled Kraft was used with minimal color on the box’s surface. The box was sturdy enough to display products for years and lightweight enough for easy transport.
The final printed display box was shown to the customer, along with instructions on opening and closing it.
The box was compact for easy transport and resembled Kraft paper when closed. This design impressed the customer by demonstrating the creative capability of the Shieldon graphic team.
While such designs were available online, high costs in the customer’s country made this an affordable solution. The customer appreciated the economical, high-quality service provided.
To avoid errors, photos and videos were shown to the customer to explain how the display box worked. This new design required further explanation, and the customer needed to train his vendors. Photos were the most effective way to communicate this.
Display boxes in retail use innovative designs to enhance product appeal. Examples include:
- Hexagonal Box: 360-degree visibility with tiered levels, clear acrylic, and gold accents for a modern look.
- Tiered Staircase: Rustic charm with polished wood and multiple levels for small to medium items.
- Rotating Carousel: Cylindrical, adjustable platform with LED lighting and a sleek metallic finish for dynamic browsing.
- Modular Cube: Versatile, interlocking transparent cubes for creative arrangements.
- Wave-Form Display: Lightweight materials with a flowing structure to hold items of various sizes.
These designs maximize visibility and create an engaging shopping experience.
The final display box was designed to meet the customer’s needs, market, and retail culture. The box featured French text and image vectors provided by the customer.
Throughout the design process, the team collaborated closely with the customer, identifying areas for improvement, such as correcting typesetting mistakes, ensuring consistent fonts, and adjusting placements based on aesthetic judgment.
This attention to detail built trust, even though the team had never met the customer. Clear communication and reliability are key to establishing trust in today’s digital business environment, enabling effective collaboration across distances.
After almost a year of working together, this OEM project expanded the team’s knowledge and experience.
The display boxes were shipped in separate parcels to different destinations to meet the customer’s urgent needs. The customer required timely delivery for a marketing campaign, knowing that missing the promotional season could lead to missed sales.
International logistics made shipping quick and efficient, with DHL, UPS, and FedEx as preferred partners. After double-checking addresses and recipients, the parcels were delivered within a week.
As the customer prepared his clients for the promotion season, multiple parcels containing display boxes and small specimen materials were shipped. This marked the conclusion of the oyster knife OEM project, which had lasted a year.
The project, which involved over 30,000 words of documentation, was a valuable experience, and the team anticipates future collaborations.
Reflecting on the past, the team had worked on unique OEM projects beyond regular knives and tools, such as premium cigars, refrigerator repair tools, and multi-functional kitchen tools.
Every successful project showcased the team’s capability, patience, and determination. Despite this project ending, the team’s passion for innovation and excellence continues, driving them to create impactful solutions and foster long-term collaborations.
Part 4 – Shipment and Summary
The materials for the display boxes were carefully selected for both durability and aesthetic appeal. Open communication with the client allowed for adjustments throughout the project, ensuring satisfaction.
Once the boxes were completed, logistics partners were coordinated to guarantee timely, secure shipment. Each box was carefully packaged to prevent damage, highlighting the commitment to quality delivery.
This project showcased expertise in custom manufacturing and demonstrated a dedication to client satisfaction through reliable service, ultimately supporting the client’s business goals.
In summary, Guangdong Shieldon Technology worked with a European entrepreneur to develop custom oyster knives, providing a seamless OEM experience. The process included a testing phase to ensure quality and client satisfaction.
The delivery timeline was as follows:
- 3D sample creation: 10 days
- Sample delivery via DHL: 5-7 days
- Mold production: 30 days
- Mold sample production: 15 days
- Production of 5000 knives: 35-45 days
- Estimated delivery: 50-55 days post-production
These timeframes served as a guide, acknowledging that initial orders may require extra time for mold adjustments. Future orders are expected to be more efficient.
This project highlights the importance of effective communication and strategic planning in OEM partnerships, ensuring mutual benefit and laying the foundation for future collaborations.
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