Choose the development scope
Start by deciding whether an existing ceramic shape meets your needs. A different glaze, decoration or pack may be enough to create the range. If a new shape is required, provide drawings or physical references and discuss tooling, sample stages and feasibility. OEM and ODM labels are less useful than a written list of what is being developed and who supplies each design element.
Prepare production-ready artwork
Provide editable artwork where available, logo placement, intended print size and color references. State which surfaces carry the decoration, including the base mark and packaging. The team should review the proposed process before promising a color match or finish. Keep version numbers so the approved artwork can be identified when samples and production are reviewed.
Approve the full product experience
Review the ceramic sample, decoration and packaging together. Check how the item sits in its insert, whether the pack can be opened cleanly and whether labels remain readable. For reactive glazes, agree an acceptable visual range. Record changes in one approval log instead of leaving different decisions across email threads.
Agree the commercial and repeat-order details
Ask how quantity splits, artwork versions and pack types affect the quotation. Confirm responsibility for tooling, retained samples and design files in the written order terms. For repeat orders, reference the approved sample and record any new material, decoration or packing changes. MOQ and lead time should be confirmed for the final brief rather than treated as universal numbers.