Eyewear collection planning is the first real step for a new brand, a retailer, or a label adding frames. At Concept Eyewear, we walk new customers through a clear capsule workflow. First, you choose frame material and type. Next, you set design direction. Then you confirm sampling and technical designs. Finally, prototyping starts after that confirmation.
Moreover, Concept Eyewear is a Hong Kong-based OEM/ODM company with 26 years in eyewear. Therefore, a first program can stay fashion-led and still be manufacturable. In addition, we can support brands that later add Bluetooth or smart eyewear. However, this guide stays on the get-started path for a standard collection.
How do you begin an eyewear collection?
For example, start with four decisions, in order. Do not skip ahead to bulk colorways before the frame type is clear.
- Frame material and type. Choose acetate, metal, or injection.
- Design direction. Bring your own designs, or work with our in-house design team.
- Sampling confirmation. Lock technical designs before tooling or bulk work.
- Prototyping. Prototypes follow only after that confirmation.
In fact, this order protects both timing and cost. Consequently, quotes get sharper when references, designs, and target materials arrive together. Likewise, a target price range helps us tailor suggestions instead of guessing.
Which frame types should you pick first?
Acetate, metal, and injection are the three starting paths. Specifically, acetate and metal share one commercial structure. Injection is quoted differently because molds are part of the project.
Furthermore, acetate and metal are quoted differently from injection. Pricing depends on design complexity and materials. A Mazzucchelli acetate quote is separate from a standard acetate quote. Injection pricing is also separate from mold fees.
In addition, injection mold fees are quoted as separate items. Share the construction early, including any rubber nose pad or temple-end rubber, so those fees can be included in a private quote. Share your target range privately and we will prepare that quote.
Who leads design on a new eyewear collection?
You can lead with finished designs. Alternatively, our in-house design team can develop the direction with you. Either way, send references and the materials you want to hit.
Next, we translate that direction into technical designs. Then we ask you to confirm sampling before prototyping. As a result, the prototype matches an agreed drawing, not a loose mood board.
For process context, see our product manufacturing techniques page. You can also watch the company video on YouTube.
What happens during sampling and prototyping?
Sampling is the checkpoint. Technical designs are confirmed first. Prototyping begins after that confirmation, not before.
However, brands sometimes want color stories before the fit is stable. Instead, confirm the technical design, then build the prototype. After that, color and combination planning is much safer.
Additionally, trade coverage shows why this discipline matters. Vision Monday has reported how independents use private-label collections to stand apart. Similarly, 20/20 Magazine has covered brands that launch eyewear with a manufacturing partner. The lesson is simple. A collection needs a point of view and a factory path.
What MOQ fits an eyewear collection?
For acetate and metal, the MOQ is 400 pieces per model. That 400 includes up to three combinations per style. Each combination should be at least 100 pieces.
Injection MOQ is design-dependent. So do not assume the acetate rule applies to a molded frame. Ask us to confirm the injection minimum with the design.
Overall, we prefer three or more models for a first collection launch. Consequently, the first collaboration looks like a capsule, not a single test style. Still, each model keeps its own minimum.
How should you prepare pricing and a target range?
Price follows design complexity and material. To begin, send references, designs, and target materials. Also share your target range privately.
Then we can tailor suggestions to that brief. For instance, a Mazzucchelli acetate quote is different from a standard acetate quote. Likewise, injection quotes treat mold fees as separate items.
In other words, a useful quote has three inputs. Those inputs are the frame type, the design, and your target range. Share that range privately so the quote can be tailored.
How long is lead time after the design is final?
Lead time is typically 90 to 100 days. The clock starts from a finalized design and runs to production completion.
Therefore, confirm sampling before you promise a retail date. Next, leave room for prototype review inside that window. Finally, do not restart the clock with late design changes.
Meanwhile, export is offered on FOB China or FOB Vietnam terms. Choose the term that matches your forwarder and your market plan.
What should the first collaboration include?
Above all, plan at least three models. Then apply the 400-piece model minimum on acetate and metal. Also keep each combination at 100 pieces or more.
In particular, tell us whether you will supply designs or need in-house design. After that, we confirm technical designs and move to prototyping. Ultimately, the first launch should be a small, coherent eyewear collection.
To learn who we are, visit the Concept Eyewear about page. We are ready to scope a first program when your references and target price are ready.
What should you send before we quote?
First, name the frame type. Say acetate, metal, or injection. Next, attach designs or reference frames. Then list target materials.
Also include your target price range. In addition, note how many models you want in the first launch. For example, three models is the preferred start for a first collaboration.
Furthermore, flag any special parts. A rubber nose pad or a temple-end rubber piece changes the mold list on injection. Therefore, mention those parts in the first note, not after sampling.
Consequently, ask for the unit quote and any mold fees together in a private quote. Meanwhile, acetate and metal quotes follow the design and the material, including whether Mazzucchelli acetate is requested.
How does Concept Eyewear support the first launch?
We are an OEM/ODM partner, not a stock catalog house. So the eyewear collection is built around your direction. Still, the workflow stays the same for every new customer.
To sum up, confirm material, design, sampling, and prototyping in that order. Then hold the 400-piece minimum on acetate and metal. Finally, plan 90 to 100 days from a finalized design to production completion.
In short, a clear brief beats a vague one. Send the references, the materials, and the price range. After that, we can shape a practical eyewear collection for your first launch.
