If you're planning to develop your own line of hair accessories—be it scrunchies, clips, headbands, or bridal veils—you’ll quickly run into this critical question: how much do custom designs actually cost at OEM factories?
Custom design fees at OEM factories typically include mold costs, sampling charges, logo setup fees, and packaging development—ranging from $50 to $500+ depending on complexity.
In this article, I’ll break down the structure of custom fees, what’s usually negotiable, and how to get the best value from your OEM supplier.
What Services Are Included in Hair Accessory Customization?
Before we dive into pricing, let’s clarify what “custom design” means at the factory level. It’s not just a logo on packaging—it involves design, materials, tooling, and branding tailored to your vision.
Most OEM factories break down custom services into four stages: design conceptualization, sampling, mold/tooling, and branding.
What Is Covered Under "Design Conceptualization"?
This stage includes your initial ideas, sketches, or mood boards being translated into digital mockups. Factories like Techpacker help streamline this with tech packs. At HairAcc, we use AI-assisted CAD software to visualize clip shapes, fabric folds, or embellishment layouts.
What Does Sampling Usually Include?
Sampling involves material sourcing (e.g. velvet, resin, silk), labor time, and prototype creation. Some factories may waive sampling fees for large orders, but most charge $80–$200 for initial development. See MakersValley to understand sample stage cost ranges in fashion manufacturing.
How Are Tooling and Mold Fees Calculated?
Tooling is one of the largest fixed costs in hair accessory OEM projects. It refers to the custom mold creation used for producing items like claw clips, snap pins, and logo-engraved embellishments.
Mold fees can range from $150 to $800 depending on complexity, size, and number of cavities.
When Are Mold Fees Necessary?
You need molds when creating new shapes from scratch—like a custom butterfly clip silhouette or logo-shaped pin. Factories with in-house CNC teams often reduce these costs. Suppliers listed on Made-in-China or 1688.com usually offer breakdowns during quoting.
Can Mold Fees Be Refunded or Shared?
Some factories refund mold fees after a bulk order is placed. Others allow mold-sharing across SKUs with minor adjustments. At HairAcc, we often subsidize mold fees for repeat clients. Learn more from ThomasNet about tooling negotiation in contract manufacturing.
What Are the Common Logo and Branding Setup Costs?
Custom branding transforms a generic product into a recognizable piece of your brand identity. But setting up for private label production has its own costs—depending on your technique and packaging style.
Branding fees range from $30 for simple screen setups to $200+ for metal embossing dies or woven label printing.
What Are Typical Branding Techniques and Costs?
- Silkscreen printing: $30–$80 for the first run
- Woven labels: $0.03–$0.08 per piece + setup fee
- Laser engraving on clips: $100+ die charge
- Embossing or metal plate logo molds: $150–$300 per design
For reference, branding suppliers like Dutch Label Shop and UPrinting offer custom solutions for fashion startups.
Can I Provide My Own Labels or Tags?
Yes. You can send your branded labels or stickers to the factory. However, you may still be charged a handling and application fee. HairAcc offers both in-house label production and integration of client-supplied materials into the assembly line.
How Do Packaging and Logistics Affect Final Custom Fees?
Packaging isn’t just an afterthought—it’s part of the design cost equation. Whether you're running an Amazon FBA brand or stocking boutique shelves, your packaging must reflect your brand while being cost-efficient and compliant.
Custom packaging fees usually range from $0.10–$0.50 per piece, with additional charges for barcoding, inserts, and outer labeling.
What’s the Cost for Custom Retail Packaging?
- Custom printed cards: $0.08–$0.20 each
- Hangtags with string: $0.10–$0.30
- Zip pouches with logo: $0.20–$0.40
- Foil stamping or spot UV: add $0.05–$0.15/unit
Check packaging suppliers like Noissue or PackMojo for inspiration on budget vs. premium options.
Are There Fees for DDP or Label Application?
If your goods ship under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms, factories often include prep services like barcoding and inner carton labeling. However, specialized compliance (e.g., Amazon FNSKU labels or EU product disclosures) may cost extra—typically $0.03–$0.08/unit. Logistics companies like Flexport can estimate these based on your route and product type.
Conclusion
Custom design services from OEM hair accessory factories aren’t one-size-fits-all. From sampling and mold creation to logo branding and packaging, each fee contributes to a product that truly reflects your vision. By understanding what these costs cover—and how to negotiate or bundle them—you’ll be better equipped to build a high-quality, brand-ready product line. At HairAcc, we simplify every step of the process with transparent pricing, fast sampling, and scalable customization for brands worldwide.
