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Toy Sourcing & Supplier Management
Why Awen Hollek for toy sourcing
In-China + Western program management
On the ground with factories, with briefs, timelines, and decisions kept crystal clear.
Compliance first
Sourcing framed around likely
EN 71 / ASTM F963 / CPSIA
routes and retailer requirements.
Transparent structure
Factory disclosure and no hidden margins. We use trading companies when they add value — and still verify the maker.
Scope of work
🔍 We work with both. Trading can speed OEM buys across categories; direct factories give tighter cost/control and faster engineering feedback. Our rule: full factory disclosure and clear roles.
When a trading company helps
-
Broad catalog → quick OEM
options & quotes -
Small tests or mixed-category orders
-
They already manage approved makers in your category
Watchouts: added margin, opaque maker, slower engineering feedback.
When direct factory is better
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ODM/new tooling or strict compliance targets
-
Tighter cost control and lead-time visibility
-
Repeat runs with stable specs & volumes
Tradeoffs: narrower category focus, firmer MOQs.
Our sourcing hygiene (either path)
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Verify maker: license, location, shop-floor photos/video
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NNN with relevant parties;
Manufacturing Agreement before PO -
Golden sample & AQL bound to the PO
-
Artwork/labels & market compliance considered early
We disclose the factory and any trading margin structure-no hidden middle.
What we do
Supplier scouting
China + wider Asia
(VN/TH/ID/IN). Target the right archetype for your price band, volume, and schedule.
Negotiation
MOQ, lead-time, terms, packaging/labels-eyes on total landed cost.
Real-factory verification
Confirm maker vs trading, category experience, capacity, and baseline compliance posture.
Pilot PO & inline QC
Supervise the first order; set AQL gates and golden sample rules.
Samples & evaluation
Order, consolidate, and evaluate samples with photos/video and practical checks.
Shipping docs readiness
CI/PL, carton marks/barcodes, retailer paperwork-so logistics won't hold up the ship date.
How we work (Sourcing Sprint ~2-4 weeks)
1
Brief
Markets, price bana, MOQ, schedule, compliance notes.
4
Verify maker
Factory vs trading; shop-floor view; prior toy/compliance work.
2
Strategy
Region & factory archetypes; OTS options to cut tooling.
5
Samples
Order & evaluate; discuss early label/pack needs.
3
Outreach
Longlist → qualify; basic capability checks.
6
Recommendation
Intro + terms memo; option for Launch Support to first PO.
Models & fees
Sourcing Sprint
-
2-4 weeks to shortlist & samples
-
Factory disclosed; maker verified
-
Flat project fee
Launch Support
-
Supplier onboarding & term sheet
-
Inline QC & AQL gates to ship date
-
Monthly retainer or project fee
Commission (optional)
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Only when using our supply chain
-
Factory disclosure; no double-dip
-
Otherwise hourly/retainer with your factory
We can also step into an existing supplier relationship to stabilize timelines and quality.
Compliance & legal hygiene
NNN with partners
Manufacturing Agreement
Lab-ready sourcing
Suppliers familiar with EN 71/ ASTM F963 / CPSIA and retailer paperwork-fewer surprises later.
Testing is done by accredited labs; we coordinate scope & samples.
Example categories we source
RC & battery toys
RC vehicles, blasters, basic electronics, rechargeable.
STEM & kits
Activity kits, simple mechanics, packaging with manuals.
Plastics & preschool
ABS/PP toys, role-play sets, puzzles, construction sets.
Outdoor & water
Water blasters, beach toys, durability & material focus.
Plush & L&S
Soft goods with sound/light modules, safe battery access.
Seasonal & novelty
Short windows, fast OEM tweaks, retailer documentation.
FAQs
Do you disclose the factory?
Can you use our existing supplier?
How fast can we reach PO?
China vs SE Asia—how do you decide?
What compliance do you screen for?
How do fees work?
What QC do you set at first order?