Want to Actually Stand Out Online? Do This

Most small businesses selling products online have the same problem.

They’re reselling items that hundreds, if not thousands, of other shops are selling too. And that leads to one thing, namely, a race to the bottom on price. And for the small business, there are few things worse than competing on price. 

But that’s what will happen if your only differentiator is being, say, a little cheaper or shipping a little faster. That won’t really help you build a real, thriving, highly-profitable brand or small business. 

So what do you do?

Flip the script, that’s what.

What if, instead of competing on price, you offered something no one else could? Something different. Something better? 

Enter OEM

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Essentially, OEM allows you to find a great product and customize it, make it better, make it your own. 

And no, OEM is not just for big brands or tech companies. OEM is one of the best-kept secrets in small business e-commerce. Used right, it lets even the smallest seller stand out, increase profit margins, and build a real brand.

Here’s how it works: You start with a product that’s already selling well. Something in demand. Maybe it’s a  portable blender, or a pet grooming brush, or a kitchen tool. Whatever it is, you like it but also see a way to make it even better or otherwise make it your own by customizing it.

Enter your OEM. You then work with the OEM, the manufacturer of that product, and you do just that, you customize it. Maybe you change the color, or upgrade the material, or tweak the function, or add your own branding and packaging. 

And that’s the beauty of OEM. You are creating something new-ish – something exclusive to you – but without starting from scratch.

OEM Magic

Another great thing about using OEM is that it ensures the highest quality of product. OEM partners adhere to stringent quality standards that typically involve rigorous testing and certification. The end result is that you can rest assured that your OEM product will be a cut above the rest.

And that means that your prices and brand will be a cut above the rest too.

Example: Let’s say you find a basic lunchbox that is selling like crazy. It is fine, but the latch is meh. What if you replaced the latch with a more durable, rubberized version and branded it with a logo targeting outdoor enthusiasts? Now you have a sweet, niche product. 

And yes, you will be able to charge more for it, because it’s better.

This is not just theory. It is exactly what major brands have done for years. The only difference is that now, platforms like my friends at Alibaba.com have made it super easy for small businesses to find and use OEM manufacturers as well. 

Check it out: On Alibaba.com you can research products specifically made by the OEM, the original manufacturer. Alibaba.com identifies those manufacturers right from the first click. You do not need to fly to a factory and China to work out a deal. You do not need to speak Chinese.. And you do not need to order 10,000 units to get your logo on a product. That era is over.

Now, it is possible for someone working from a laptop to create a differentiated product line, build a loyal audience, and generate real income, all by starting with something that already works and making it better.

Building a Brand

And here’s the part too many sellers miss: When you customize a product, you get to control the story. You are no longer selling, for example, “a resistance band.” You are selling the resistance band designed for women over 50 who want to stay active. You are no longer selling “a phone case.” You are selling the only phone case made from recycled ocean plastic with a built-in kickstand, and with your logo.

That, my friends, is not another disposable product. That is a brand.

OEM is not about being fancy. It is about being smart. It gives small businesses an edge that used to be out of reach. It can change your margins, your positioning, and your trajectory, and fast.

So the next time you are scrolling through Alibaba.com or researching new products to sell, do not just ask what is trending.

Ask what could be improved.

That one small change could be the beginning of something a whole lot bigger.