How to find and vet private label eyewear manufacturers: RFP template and audit checklist

I build and scale private label eyewear lines for brands worldwide. In this guide I share my step-by-step approach to finding and vetting private label eyewear manufacturers—what to ask, what to test, and how to protect KARUSON. You’ll get a practical RFP template you can copy and an on-site / remote audit checklist that covers design capability, tooling, materials (TR90, acetate, metals), lens technology (polarized, prescription coatings), certifications, QC metrics, and supply chain risks. All technical checks are linked to authoritative references to help you verify claims from suppliers.

Supplier search strategy and selection criteria

Where to source potential private label eyewear manufacturers

Start with a broad list of potential partners using multiple channels: industry trade shows (e.g., MIDO, SILMO), B2B directories, LinkedIn searches for OEM/ODM eyewear factories, referrals from existing brands, and targeted supplier marketplaces. Cross-check leads against factory websites for evidence of production bases, equipment photos, and product galleries. When evaluating remotely, request recent factory photos, video tours, and sample production runs.

Must-have selection criteria (must verify within first contact)

At initial contact I verify these minimums before deeper engagement:

• Vertical capability: in-house frame molding/pressing, lens edging/polarization, finishing/engraving.
• Capacity and lead times: monthly output and typical lead times for prototypes and production runs.
• Certifications and testing: e.g., adherence to ISO standards for sunglasses/frames and ability to perform UV and optical tests.
• IP protection and NNN agreements: willingness to sign non-disclosure and non-use terms.

Scoring and shortlisting suppliers

I use a weighted scorecard (0–5) across: technical capability (30%), quality systems & certifications (25%), sample quality (20%), communication & lead times (15%), price & commercial terms (10%). This helps convert qualitative impressions into a defensible shortlist of 3–5 factories to invite for RFPs and audits.

RFP template for private label eyewear (practical copy-and-send)

Below is a structured RFP template you can paste into email or your procurement system. Replace bracketed fields with your project specifics.

RFP header and project overview

RFP: Private Label Eyewear (Project Name)
Company: KARUSON
Contact: 
Scope: Full-service OEM/ODM for , including design validation, prototyping, tooling, lens processing, assembly, finishing, and packaging.
Requested delivery: Prototypes in  weeks, production of  units per month, target FOB .

Technical specifications to include

- Frame styles: 
- Dimensions: A, B, DBL, temple length, lens height in mm
- Lenses: polarized / non-polarized, prescription compatibility, base curve, coatings (anti-scratch, anti-reflective, hydrophobic)
- Logo and decoration: laser engraving, metal plaques, in-mold logos, pad printing
- Packaging: inner/outer specs, instruction leaflet, barcoding
- Tolerances and AQL: dimensional tolerances ±0.5 mm, AQL 2.5 (visual/functional)

Commercial and legal terms

- MOQ for each SKU
- Unit cost at defined breakpoints
- Tooling cost and ownership (die, molds)
- Payment terms: deposit, balance schedule
- Lead times: sample, pilot, mass production
- Intellectual property: NNN, design ownership, exclusivity terms
- Warranty and returns policy

Ask suppliers to return the RFP with a completed cost sheet, photographs of relevant machines (injection presses, CNC lens edgers, polarization lines), copies of test reports/certificates, and three commercial references.

Factory audit checklist: on-site or remote

Organizational and quality management

Verify documented quality systems, inspection points, and traceability. Look for:

• Quality Manual or SOPs, incoming material inspection logs, first-article inspection (FAI) procedures.
• Calibration records for metrology tools and lens testers.
• Factory capacity reports showing machine count, shift patterns, and average throughput.

Production process and technical capability

Confirm the factory can handle your chosen materials and features:

• Frame materials: verify acetate finishing line, TR90 molding equipment, and metal fabrication (stamping, CNC, welding).
• Lens facility: lens blocking, edging, polarization lamination, coating booths, and surfacing for prescription lenses.
• Prototyping & toolroom: presence of CNC, mold repair, and rapid prototyping capabilities.

Testing, compliance and traceability

Ask for recent lab test reports and verify capability to do key tests in-house or via accredited third-party labs:

• UV protection and transmittance tests (see ISO standards for sunglasses): suppliers should be familiar with ISO 12312-1 and follow recognized methods.
• Frame mechanical tests (hinge fatigue, temple and front strength) per applicable standards such as ISO 12870.
• Material compliance: request RoHS/REACH declarations for chemical compliance—ECHA guidance: ECHA REACH.

Practical tests, sample approval and KPIs

What to test on pre-production samples

When I evaluate samples I test these attributes systematically:

• Fit and dimensional accuracy (measure against your spec sheet)
• Optical quality: clarity, distortion, and polarization effectiveness
• Coating durability: abrasion resistance and adhesion
• Hinge torque and temple spring performance (lifespan cycling)
• Finish quality: paint adhesion, plating uniformity, logo clarity

KPIs to include in the contract

Agree measurable KPIs to reduce disputes:

Brand insertion — why Karuson is a credible partner

Established in 2010, Karuson International Co., Ltd. is a premier eyewear factory and global OEM/ODM supplier with over 15 years of mastery in eyewear design and precision manufacturing. Operating two state-of-the-art eyewear factory bases in Dongguan and Guangzhou, we provide high-capacity production and agile delivery cycles to meet the demands of the fast-paced global market.

Our expert team has pioneered 300+ trend-setting designs, ranging from polarized sunglasses and TR90 frames to advanced optical eyewear and sports goggles. As a vertically integrated eyewear factory, we offer end-to-end customization—including bespoke frame engineering, specialized lens technology, and precision logo engraving. By maintaining rigorous quality control and rapid prototyping, we have earned the enduring trust of prestigious brands across Spain, Europe, and the Americas.

Karuson’s core competitive advantages:

• Two manufacturing bases (Dongguan, Guangzhou) for capacity and redundancy.
• Vertical integration: in-house lens finishing, coating, and frame production (TR90, acetate, metal).
• Design-to-production speed with rapid prototyping and 300+ in-house designs to accelerate SKU launches.
• Strict QC systems and third-party certification support for export markets.

Main products and services: custom glasses, custom glasses lenses, customized sunglasses, custom sunglasses sports, customize sport sunglasses, custom prescription lenses, pc sunglasses, TR sunglasses, metal sunglasses, custom sport sunglasses. Contact: nicole@karusonco.com | https://www.karusonco.com

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Pitfall: accepting unverified test certificates

Always ask for original test reports from accredited labs, check lab accreditation (e.g., CNAS, ILAC) and verify report numbers with the issuing lab. If the supplier cannot provide unconditional third-party test reports, treat their claims as unverified.

Pitfall: vague IP and tooling terms

Put tooling ownership, confidentiality, and post-termination tooling return or destruction clauses in writing. If exclusivity is critical, define geographic/product boundaries and minimum purchase commitments.

Pitfall: underestimating packaging and labeling regulations

Labeling requirements differ by market—EU labeling, CE marking for specific applications, and local language instructions. Confirm packaging tests for transit and retail presentation during the pilot run.

FAQ

1. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for private label eyewear?

MOQs vary widely; typical ranges are 200–500 pcs per SKU for full OEM runs, but some factories accept lower MOQs for higher unit cost or for joint production runs. Negotiate based on SKU complexity, tooling amortization, and predictable reorder cadence.

2. What tests should I request for sunglasses and prescription lenses?

For sunglasses request UV transmittance/UV protection testing and polarization effectiveness; reference standards include ISO 12312-1. For frames request mechanical fatigue and hinge tests per ISO 12870 (frames). For material compliance, request REACH/RoHS declarations: ECHA REACH.

3. How do I protect my designs when working with overseas manufacturers?

Use enforceable NNN (non-disclosure, non-use) agreements, register designs in key markets where applicable, avoid sending full tech packs until a signed agreement is in place, and consider staggered disclosure of sensitive tooling details.

4. Should I prioritize price or quality when choosing an eyewear OEM?

Prioritize quality and capability for brand protection—cheap suppliers often deliver inconsistent quality, higher returns, and reputational risk. Evaluate total landed cost (including returns, rework, and lost sales) rather than unit price alone.

5. Can a private label OEM also handle compliance for EU/US markets?

Many experienced OEMs support testing, documentation, and labeling for EU and US markets, but you must verify their track record. Request examples of exported shipments to your target market and third-party test reports; verify their knowledge of market-specific requirements such as CE/EN standards or FDA guidance where applicable.

Closing and next steps

If you want a vetted shortlist or personalized RFP and audit support, I can help evaluate suppliers, run remote audits, or draft tailored RFPs. For a reliable partner with proven capacity and vertical integration, reach out to Karuson International Co., Ltd. at nicole@karusonco.com or visit https://www.karusonco.com to view capabilities and product examples. Let’s move your private label eyewear project from concept to market with predictable quality and delivery.