Direct Factory vs Trading Company for Custom Lighting: Costs, Lead Times & MOQ

# Direct Factory vs Trading Company for Custom Lighting: Cost Breakdown, Lead Times, and MOQ Realities

International buyers sourcing lighting from China frequently grapple with the question: Should you work with a trading company or partner directly with an OEM/ODM manufacturing factory?

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## 1. Comparison: Direct Factory vs. Trading Intermediaries

| Procurement Factor | Direct Factory (Beaulighting) | Trading Company / Middleman |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Price Margin | Factory cost + direct margin (20–30% lower total cost) | Additional 15–35% middleman commission markup |
| Engineering Directness | Direct communication with structural & CAD engineers | Messages relayed through sales reps, risking misinterpretation |
| Customization Flexibility | Custom molds, laser cutting, bespoke powder coating | Limited to catalog modifications from sub-contracted shops |
| Warranty & Spare Parts | 5-year direct factory warranty with spare modules | Dependent on third-party supplier responsiveness |

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## 2. Beaulighting OEM/ODM Capability Matrix
- CNC Laser Cutting & Metal Stamping: In-house tooling for rapid prototyping.
- SMT Circuit Assembly: Automated surface-mount lines for custom LED CCT/voltage boards.
- In-House Testing Laboratory: Spectroradiometer integrating spheres, goniophotometer, salt spray chambers.

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## Contact Beaulighting
- Website: https://www.beaulighting.com
- Email: [email protected] | Tel: +86-13818403203