Short answer: in contract manufacturing a maker produces to your design and specification; in private label one company makes the product and another sells it under its own brand. Ask any supplier which one they mean before you compare quotes.
Two definitions, two sources each
Contract manufacturing: a maker produces goods for another company, which sells them under its own label or brand. The maker handles production (Wikipedia; Xometry).
Private label: a brand that a company owns and sells, even though another firm makes the product. In short, it is a brand owned by the company that sells it, made by another firm (Wikipedia; Racklify).
Who decides what
| Question | Contract manufacturing | Private label | How ArtzFolio works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns the design | The hiring company supplies the product drawings and specifications (Xometry) | A brand owned by the company that sells it, made by another firm (Wikipedia; Racklify) | The product is made to your brief; ownership of a design is set out in your written quote |
| Who writes the specification | The brand owner keeps the design and specification (Xometry) | One company makes the product and another sells it under its own brand (Racklify) | You, in a brief; we turn it into a design and prototypes for you to check |
| Whose name is on the pack | The brand owner's name | The brand owner's name; the maker stays in the background (Racklify) | Your label and your packaging |
| What you send | Drawings or specifications | Your brand name and pack plan | A brief: product, rough quantity and whether it carries your brand |
| How a first sample works | Agreed between the parties | Agreed between the parties | Samples are paid; by agreement the cost can be reimbursed or adjusted in the final order |
Five questions to ask any supplier
- [ ] Does the supplier make to my specification, or add my label to a catalogue item?
- [ ] Who owns the design and the artwork once the order is made?
- [ ] Whose name appears on the product and the pack?
- [ ] Can another buyer order the same item?
- [ ] How is a sample paid for, and does it count toward the order?
ArtzFolio describes itself as a private label and contract manufacturer, and also offers OEM and ODM and white-label supply. See OEM vs ODM and white label vs private label for those terms.
Start an enquiry when your list is ready; we reply within 1 business day, with questions or a quote.
Sources: Wikipedia: Contract manufacturer [V95-PL1-WIKI-CM]; Xometry: contract manufacturing [V95-PL1-XOM]; Wikipedia: Private label [V95-PL1-WIKI-PL]; Racklify encyclopedia: private label product [V95-PL1-RACK]; white label vs private label in home decor [V95-PL1-WL]; OEM vs ODM [V95-PL1-OEM]. As of 2026-11-12. Terms are typical and are confirmed in your written quote.