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Tel/Wechat/Whatsapp +86 13926285591
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Email hanke@opeetv.com
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Tel/Wechat/Whatsapp +86 13926285591
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Email hanke@opeetv.com
How to Start Your Own TV Brand with OEM Manufacturer in 2026
The global TV market continues to grow, especially in emerging regions where demand for affordable and reliable televisions is rising fast.
Thanks to OEM manufacturing, distributors and electronics traders can now launch their own private label TV brands without building factories.
This guide will walk you through the business opportunities, market logic, and practical steps to start your own TV brand successfully.
Why Starting a Private Label TV Brand Is a Smart Business Move
Starting a private label TV brand is not just a trend. It is a strategic move driven by market demand and supply chain evolution.
Growing Global Demand for Affordable TVs
As the global TV supply chain becomes more mature, television technology continues to advance rapidly. Screen sizes are getting larger, while display and system technologies such as Mini LED, OLED, motion enhancement, voice control, and smart operating systems like Android TV, Google TV, webOS, and Whale TV are becoming more sophisticated.
These innovations have pushed major international brands to focus heavily on premium product lines, resulting in significantly higher retail prices.
However, a large segment of consumers is still primarily concerned with affordability and practical functionality rather than advanced features. For many households, a television only needs to provide stable performance, standard 60Hz refresh rate, suitable resolution, reliable signal reception for local broadcasting, and basic smart connectivity for streaming online content. Expensive high end specifications are often unnecessary for daily viewing needs.
This gap between premium focused global brands and mass market demand creates a strong opportunity for private label TV brands. By working with OEM manufacturers, distributors and importers can offer cost effective televisions that match local consumer needs while maintaining healthy profit margins.
Taking Ghana as an example, a market with a population of over 30 million, more than 10 private label TV brands have already emerged in recent years. Local brands such as Sigma, DolphineBay, and Nasco have successfully established their presence by focusing on affordable television products tailored to local consumer needs.
Most of these brands position their products in the entry level and mid range segments. Their TVs typically adopt AOSP based smart systems, which will be explained in detail later in this article, allowing them to offer essential smart features while maintaining competitive pricing.
Although these companies are not international brands, their private label televisions have gained strong local market recognition through practical product positioning, accessible pricing, and wide offline distribution networks.
This proves that emerging markets still offer significant opportunities for new TV brands that focus on affordability and localized demand.
Here is the article link for the example private label TV brands:
Why Emerging Markets Prefer Private Label Brands
International brands do not always establish exclusive retail networks in every country. In many emerging markets, consumers rely more heavily on local electronics distributors and appliance retail chains that have built strong community trust and long term customer relationships.
Compared with global brands, local retailers are often more accessible and responsive in terms of after sales service. When a television sold under a retailer’s own private label brand requires maintenance or support, customers can deal directly with the store where they made the purchase, making the service process faster and more convenient. This localized service advantage significantly increases consumer confidence.
Price competitiveness is another important factor. Even when televisions use the same smart TV platforms such as Google TV, private label products are often priced lower than international brands due to differences in procurement models, brand premiums, and channel costs. Retailers that develop their own brands can better control margins and offer more attractive pricing to end users.
A typical example can be seen in Peru. Hiraoka, one of the country’s largest electronics retail chains, has developed its own private label brand Miray, covering televisions, fans, air conditioners, and other home appliances. The brand strategy was introduced several years ago to strengthen its competitiveness against international manufacturers.
From the product comparison, a 50 inch 4K Google TV model under the Miray brand is priced approximately 60 US dollars lower than a comparable QLED model from TCL. For many consumers in price sensitive markets, this difference is significant enough to influence purchasing decisions.
Because Miray products are backed by Hiraoka’s nationwide retail network, customers also feel assured about warranty coverage and after sales support. This combination of competitive pricing and trusted local service makes private label brands particularly attractive in emerging markets.
OEM Manufacturing Makes Entry Easier Than Ever
By 2026, the global television manufacturing ecosystem has become highly integrated and efficient. China has developed the world’s most complete TV supply chain, where LCD panel suppliers, motherboard manufacturers, speaker producers, optical component makers, and plastic housing factories operate within closely connected industrial clusters.
This concentration of specialized suppliers enables OEM and ODM manufacturers to coordinate production with exceptional speed and cost efficiency. For brand owners and distributors, launching a private label TV brand is no longer a complex industrial undertaking. Instead, it has become a streamlined commercial process.
Working with experienced Chinese OEM partners allows buyers to manage everything from product design and component sourcing to assembly, quality control, packaging, and shipment through a single supplier. The process is increasingly similar to placing a large scale customized order, with integrated one stop manufacturing solutions that significantly reduce operational complexity.
In fact, most private label TV brands currently active in emerging markets rely on OEM or ODM production in China. Industry estimates suggest that more than ninety percent of such brands source their products from Chinese manufacturers, benefiting from mature supply networks, flexible customization capabilities, and competitive production costs.
This highly developed manufacturing ecosystem has lowered the barriers to entry, making it easier than ever for distributors, retailers, and importers to establish their own television brands.
What Is an OEM TV Manufacturer
Before launching a private label television brand, it is important to understand how TV manufacturing partnerships work. Many importers, distributors, and retailers hear terms such as OEM, ODM, and OBM when communicating with factories, yet these concepts are often misunderstood.
Each model represents a different level of involvement in product development, branding, and manufacturing responsibility. Choosing the right cooperation model directly affects your investment scale, time to market, product uniqueness, and profit margins.
Understanding these manufacturing frameworks will help you select the most suitable strategy for building your own television brand. For entry level of private label TV brands, OEM manufacturing is a good choice.
OEM vs ODM vs OBM Explained
In the television industry, OEM, ODM, and OBM represent three distinct manufacturing and branding models. They differ in terms of product ownership, design responsibility, and brand control.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) refers to a cooperation model where the buyer provides brand identity and market strategy, while the manufacturer produces televisions according to the buyer’s specifications. The factory handles sourcing, assembly, testing, and quality control, but the final products are sold under the buyer’s brand name. This is the most common model for distributors building private label TV brands.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) means the manufacturer not only produces the televisions but also provides existing product designs and technical solutions. Buyers can select ready made TV models and customize certain elements such as logo printing, packaging, or software interface. This model shortens development time and is suitable for buyers who want faster market entry with moderate customization.
OBM (Original Brand Manufacturer) refers to manufacturers that develop, produce, and sell televisions under their own brand names. In this case, the factory controls product planning, branding, marketing, and distribution. International TV brands typically follow this model.
| Model | Full Name | Brand Owner | Designer | Customization | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM | Original Equipment Manufacturer | Buyer | Buyer + Manufacturer | High | Distributors building private label TV brands |
| ODM | Original Design Manufacturer | Buyer | Manufacturer | Medium | Importers wanting faster market entry |
| OBM | Original Brand Manufacturer | Manufacturer | Manufacturer | Low | Established global TV brands |
What Services a Professional TV OEM Factory Provides
Regardless of whether the cooperation model is OEM, ODM, or OBM, brand identity customization remains a core objective for buyers. Effective branding allows distributors and retailers to strengthen market recognition and differentiate their products from competitors.
For most television projects, customization can be applied across multiple product components and user touchpoints. These branding elements not only enhance visual identity but also influence consumer perception of product quality and professionalism.
Typical customizable items include branded packaging cartons, logo printing on the TV bezel, startup boot logos, system user interface logos, user manual and its multilingual, and remote control branding. The selection of these elements often varies depending on regional market preferences and product positioning.
For example, consumers in Latin American markets tend to prefer colorful retail cartons and dual remote control configurations. In contrast, premium large screen television models are more likely to use durable kraft packaging to emphasize product protection and high end positioning.
Below are the most common branding customization options provided by professional TV OEM manufacturers.
Branded Packaging Carton
Customized TV packaging cartons are generally available in two material options: kraft cartons and color retail cartons. Each type serves different product positioning and market preferences.
Kraft cartons typically feature a clean and minimal printing style. They are widely used for large screen televisions where structural strength and transportation protection are prioritized. This packaging style also helps reduce printing costs and improves loading efficiency.
Color retail cartons, on the other hand, emphasize product presentation and retail appeal. They usually include detailed product images, feature highlights, technical specifications, and brand visual elements to enhance shelf impact and communicate product value more effectively.
Below is an example from the Philippines market. The well known local brand ACE offers both color cartons and kraft cartons for its 55 inch TV models to meet different distribution and retail needs.
In addition to carton materials, several structural details can also be customized based on regional logistics habits and retailer requirements. Handle design options such as die cut grip holes and reinforced plastic handles vary depending on transportation methods and consumer carrying preferences.
Barcode management is another important consideration in OEM packaging. Some buyers require barcodes to be pre applied at the factory before shipment, while others prefer to label products after arrival for internal inventory management.
A common industry practice is for manufacturers to retain barcode records for each production batch. This allows efficient product tracking and simplifies after sales service by identifying the exact unit or shipment lot when technical support is required.
TV Bezel Logo Printing
Logo printing on the TV front bezel is one of the most visible branding elements for private label televisions. A well designed logo presentation enhances brand recognition and improves the overall product appearance.
Two common logo application methods used by OEM manufacturers are UV crystal stickers and silk screen printing. Each method offers different advantages depending on production planning, visual preference, and cost considerations.
UV Crystal Logo Stickers are pre produced transparent logo labels with a glossy raised surface. They are applied directly to the TV bezel after assembly.
This method offers several advantages. Installation is fast and flexible, making it suitable for orders with multiple brand variations. The three dimensional glossy finish gives the logo a premium appearance, and there is no need to modify the TV housing during production. It also reduces manufacturing complexity and shortens lead time.
However, UV crystal stickers may have slightly higher material costs compared to traditional printing methods, and improper surface cleaning before application can affect adhesion quality.
Silk Screen Printed Logos are applied directly onto the bezel surface during the manufacturing process. The logo is printed onto the front frame before the unit enters the assembly line.
The main advantage of silk screen printing is durability. The printed logo becomes an integrated part of the bezel, making it resistant to peeling and suitable for long term use in commercial environments. It also offers a clean and minimalist appearance preferred by some brands.
On the other hand, silk printing requires production planning in advance. Manufacturers must prepare dedicated bezel components with printed logos before assembly begins. This reduces flexibility for mixed brand orders and may increase minimum order requirements.
Due to easier installation and greater production flexibility, most buyers prefer UV crystal logo stickers for private label TV projects.
Remote Control Branding
As the primary accessory used together with televisions, remote controls serve as an important touchpoint for reinforcing brand identity. Attention to remote control details can significantly enhance overall product recognition and user experience.
For example, televisions powered by Google TV can be paired with customized voice remote controls featuring distinctive designs and ergonomic structures. A unique remote appearance and comfortable hand feel help consumers associate everyday usage with the brand, strengthening brand memory over time.
Similar to bezel logo applications, remote controls can also be customized through silk screen printing or UV crystal logo stickers, allowing flexible branding solutions based on cost targets and design preferences.
Below is an example of WebOS remote control with air mouse.
Startup and System UI Branding
Startup screens and system interface branding are fundamental elements of private label customization. These software level brand touchpoints ensure that users see the brand identity immediately when powering on the television and during daily operation.
Common customization options include static or animated boot logos, branded startup screens, custom launcher logos, and brand themed system interface designs. Manufacturers can also pre install designated applications to match local market preferences and business requirements.
These visual elements create a consistent brand experience across the hardware and software interface, strengthening product professionalism and improving brand recognition.
Multilingual User Manual Branding
Professional OEM services typically provide multilingual user manual customization to meet the regulatory and language requirements of different markets.
Although many consumers may not frequently read or retain printed manuals, a well designed user guide still contributes to overall brand presentation. Clear layout, localized language, and consistent visual identity help reinforce brand professionalism and enhance the customer’s first impression of the product.
Customized manuals also ensure compliance with local market regulations and reduce after sales communication costs by providing standardized product guidance.
How OEM Reduces Your Investment and Risk?
Partnering with an experienced OEM manufacturer significantly lowers the financial and operational barriers to entering the television business. Instead of investing heavily in factory construction, equipment procurement, and technical team building, brand owners can leverage existing manufacturing infrastructure to start operations more efficiently.
One of the most important advantages is capital cost reduction. Establishing a television production facility requires substantial investment in assembly lines, testing equipment, aging rooms, warehousing space, and skilled engineering teams. By cooperating with OEM manufacturers, these fixed costs are converted into flexible procurement expenses, allowing businesses to preserve cash flow and allocate budgets to marketing and distribution.
OEM partnerships also reduce technical risks. Television production involves complex processes such as panel compatibility testing, motherboard integration, software optimization, signal stability verification, and long term reliability testing. Experienced manufacturers operate standardized quality control systems that minimize defect rates and ensure consistent product performance.
Supply chain stability is another key benefit. Professional OEM factories maintain long term relationships with panel suppliers, chipset providers, and component manufacturers, ensuring steady material availability and better cost control even during global component shortages.
In addition, OEM cooperation shortens time to market. With mature production workflows and ready technical solutions, manufacturers can quickly transform product concepts into mass production models, enabling brands to respond faster to market opportunities.
By reducing capital requirements, minimizing technical uncertainty, stabilizing supply chains, and accelerating product launches, OEM manufacturing provides a safer and more efficient path for building a private label television business.
Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Own TV Brand
After understanding market opportunities and OEM manufacturing models, the next step is turning your brand concept into a practical business plan. Launching a private label television brand involves clear market positioning, product planning, branding decisions, and supply chain coordination.
The following step by step guide outlines the essential stages to help distributors and retailers enter the TV business efficiently and confidently.
Step 1 – Define Your Target Market
Before selecting products or designing branding elements, it is crucial to identify your primary target market. Different customer groups have distinct purchasing priorities, pricing expectations, and product requirements.
Home User Market(Consumer Electronics)
The home user segment focuses on everyday entertainment needs for families and individuals. Consumers in this market typically prioritize affordability, durability, screen size options, and smart streaming features.
Products for this segment are usually sold through retail stores, supermarkets, online platforms, and regional distributors. Competitive pricing and practical features play a key role in attracting mass market buyers.
Commercial Project/Tender Market
The commercial and tender segment serves institutional and large scale procurement projects such as hotels, hospitals, schools, residential real estate developments, and government programs.
Buyers in this category pay more attention to product reliability, bulk pricing, long term supply stability, certification compliance, and after sales service support. Compared with the consumer market, project based procurement often involves centralized purchasing and standardized product specifications.
Television models designed for this segment usually emphasize durability, easy maintenance, and compatibility with project installation requirements.
Step 2 – Choose the Right TV Product Line
After defining your target market, the next decision is selecting the appropriate product line. Different TV categories serve different customer segments, price levels, and sales channels. A clear product positioning strategy helps balance market competitiveness and profit margins.
Television product lines can generally be divided into the following categories:
Entry Level and Budget TVs
This category targets price sensitive consumers and mass market demand. Products focus on essential viewing functions with practical configurations such as standard refresh rates, reliable display panels, and basic smart features. These models are ideal for developing markets, supermarket retail channels, and distributors seeking high sales volume with competitive pricing. Appropriate TVs for this market are normal TV(without any OS), and Android Open Source Project TV(AOSP).
Mid to High End TVs
Mid range and premium televisions emphasize advanced display technologies, refined product design, and enhanced smart entertainment experiences. Features may include ultra high definition resolution, slim bezel designs, larger screen sizes, voice control systems, and improved audio performance. These products are suitable for brand focused retailers and urban consumer markets where customers are willing to pay more for better performance and aesthetics. Appropriate TVs for this market are Smart TV(Google, YaOS, WebOS, etc) equipped with better SoCs and technology such as miniLED, high refresh rate, and QLED.
Specialized and Niche TVs
This segment serves unique application scenarios that require customized product structures. Examples include mirror televisions designed for bathrooms, outdoor televisions built for high brightness environments, and compact TVs developed for vehicles and recreational transport usage. These specialized products face less direct price competition and offer attractive margins for targeted project based sales.
Step 3 – Decide on Screen Sizes and Specifications
Once the target market and product category are determined, the next step is to define practical product specifications. This process transforms general market positioning into concrete technical requirements.
Different market segments typically correspond to different configuration priorities. Entry level markets often prefer compact screen sizes such as 32 inches, Full HD resolution, and AOSP based smart systems that balance functionality and affordability. These specifications are suitable for cost sensitive consumers and high volume retail channels.
Mid range and premium markets tend to prioritize larger screen sizes, 4K ultra high definition resolution, and enhanced display technologies. In certain cases, advanced optical solutions such as QLED panels are adopted to improve brightness, color performance, and overall viewing experience.
Specialized television products require additional functional considerations based on usage scenarios. For example, karaoke televisions may involve dedicated audio optimization and customized karaoke application development to support interactive entertainment features.
Professional OEM manufacturers typically provide detailed specification proposals based on the buyer’s target market and pricing strategy. These documents outline hardware configurations, software solutions, accessory options, and compliance standards for customer confirmation before mass production.
Step 4 – Customize Your Brand Identity
After finalizing product specifications, the next step is to develop a clear and consistent brand identity. Strong branding helps your television products stand out in competitive retail environments and builds long term customer recognition.
Brand customization is not only about placing logos on products. It involves creating a unified visual style across packaging, hardware appearance, system interface, accessories, and promotional materials. Consistent brand presentation improves professionalism and strengthens consumer trust.
Different markets may also prefer different branding styles. Mass market retail products often adopt eye catching packaging and bold logo designs to attract attention on store shelves. In contrast, commercial project markets usually prefer clean and minimalist branding to reflect a professional image.
By working closely with OEM partners, brand owners can ensure that all visual elements follow a coherent identity strategy, delivering a more memorable and credible brand experience.
Step 5 – Arrange Certification and Compliance
Before televisions can be legally sold in different countries, they must comply with local safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and energy efficiency regulations. Certification requirements vary by region and product category, and failure to meet these standards may lead to customs delays or market access restrictions.
Professional OEM manufacturers usually assist buyers in preparing the necessary compliance documents and test reports according to destination market regulations.
To simplify the process, the following table outlines common certification requirements across major TV import markets.
| Country / Region | Required Certification |
|---|---|
| Mexico | NOM |
| Saudi Arabia | SASO |
| European Union | CE / CB |
| Australia | SAA |
| South Korea | KC |
| Philippines | PS |
| Chile | SEC |
| More markets | To be updated |
Step 6 - Arrange Sample Testing
Before moving into mass production, sample testing is a critical step to ensure the final product meets your market expectations and technical requirements.
OEM factories will produce pre-production samples based on the confirmed specifications. These samples allow you to evaluate product performance, hardware stability, software compatibility, and overall build quality.
During this stage, buyers typically test:
• Picture quality and display performance
• System stability and software compatibility
• Interface ports and connectivity functions
• Industrial design and material quality
• Packaging protection and accessory completeness
For project-based orders or government tenders, additional field testing may also be required to verify long-term reliability.
Any issues identified during testing can be optimized before bulk production, significantly reducing financial risk and avoiding costly rework.
Step 7 - Mass Production and Quality Control
Once the samples are approved, production moves into the mass manufacturing stage.
Professional OEM factories operate standardized production lines to ensure consistent product quality and stable output capacity. From raw material inspection to final assembly, every step follows strict quality control procedures.
Key quality control processes usually include:
• Incoming materials inspection
• Mainboard and panel aging tests
• Whole unit functional testing
• Appearance and structural inspection
• Packaging drop and vibration tests
For large commercial projects and government tenders, additional quality standards and third-party inspections can also be arranged upon request.
A reliable OEM partner not only ensures on-time delivery but also maintains consistent product quality across every batch, protecting your brand reputation in the market.
Step 8 – Shipping, Delivery & After-Sales Support
After production is completed, the factory will arrange shipment based on client’s delivery plan. OEM suppliers typically support sea freight, railway transportation, and air cargo depending on order urgency and destination requirements. Packaging methods can also be adjusted to meet retail, project, or tender standards.
Reliable OEM partners will assist with export documentation, customs clearance files, and loading supervision to ensure goods arrive safely and on schedule.
After-sales support is equally important for long-term brand development. Most professional factories provide spare parts supply, technical troubleshooting guidance, and remote firmware support. For large-scale commercial projects and government tenders, extended warranty terms and dedicated service solutions can also be arranged.
Strong logistics coordination and dependable after-sales service ensure client’s products remain competitive and the product users stay satisfied.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a TV Brand
Starting a private label TV business does not require building a factory from scratch. With today’s mature supply chain and professional OEM support, brand owners mainly invest in product procurement, certification, logistics, and marketing. Among these, product cost is the core component that determines your pricing strategy and profit margins.
Product Cost Structure
1. Display Panel
The LCD/OLED panel is the most expensive part of a TV and typically accounts for the largest portion of the total cost. Panel pricing varies based on size, resolution, refresh rate, and seasonal market demand.
2. Mainboard/Motherboard
The mainboard determines the TV’s performance and smart features. It includes the processor, memory, WiFi module, input/output ports, and the operating system solution such as AOSP or licensed smart TV platforms.
3. Optical Structure and Mechanical Parts
This includes the backlight module, diffuser sheets, metal frame, plastic cabinet, and overall structural assembly. These components affect brightness uniformity, durability, thermal performance, and overall product appearance. For more detail please read the article below
| Backlight Type | Color Performance | Max Brightness | Local Dimming | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELED | Medium | Medium | No | Lowest |
| DLED | Good | Good | No | Low |
| Mini LED | Good | High | Yes | Medium |
| QLED | Very Good | High | Depends on backlight | Medium |
| QD Mini LED | Excellent | Very High | Yes | High |
4. Packaging Materials
Packaging includes cartons, protective foam, plastic bags, user manuals, labels, and pallet solutions. Retail-oriented products may require color printed cartons, while large-size TVs often use reinforced kraft cartons for safer transportation.
Certification Fees
Before confirming an order, brand owners should first verify whether the OEM factory already holds the certifications required for the target market. Many countries enforce mandatory compliance approvals for televisions. For example, South Korea requires KC Certification, while Mexico requires NOM Certification.
If the manufacturer already possesses valid certifications for your destination market, the compliance cost is usually included in the EXW product price, which saves both time and additional investment.
If the factory does not hold the necessary certification, the brand owner must negotiate how the certification expenses will be shared. In most cases, the cost is split between both parties or embedded into future orders.
Certification timelines also vary significantly depending on region and testing complexity. For example, CE Marking typically requires about one month for testing and documentation, while NOM approval often takes two months or longer due to local testing and representative requirements.
Understanding certification readiness early helps prevent shipment delays, unexpected costs, and market entry risks.
Branding & Packaging Cost
Fortunately, for most standard OEM orders, branding and packaging costs are already included in the EXW price, so buyers rarely need to budget extra for them. Additional packaging expenses usually arise only in SKD or CKD projects, where separate packing and component handling are required.
Shipping Cost
Shipping cost is a major factor when calculating the total landed cost of a TV project. For most overseas markets, TVs manufactured in China are transported by sea freight because it offers the best balance between cost and capacity. For regions such as Central Asia and Russia, land freight such as rail or truck can be more economical and sometimes faster.
Packaging efficiency directly affects freight expenses. When each TV carton is designed with compact dimensions, more units can be loaded into a single container. This higher loading capacity spreads the total shipping cost across more units, significantly reducing the freight cost per TV and improving overall profit margins.
Marketing & Distribution Budget
Marketing expenses may include online advertising, social media promotion, product photography, promotional videos, and participation in local electronics trade shows. These activities help new brands build visibility and gain distributor trust.
Distribution costs mainly involve working with local wholesalers, retail chains, and e commerce platforms. Some distributors may require listing fees, promotional support, or shared advertising budgets. In emerging markets, allocating funds for in store displays and promoter incentives can also help increase sales.
For startup brands, marketing and distribution spending is usually flexible. It can be adjusted based on target market, sales channels, and growth strategy.
Advanced Guide – CBU vs SKD vs CKD: Choosing the Right TV Import Business Model
Import policies and tariff structures vary significantly across different countries. In some regions, importing fully assembled televisions can result in high customs duties and reduced profit margins.
To lower import taxes, many buyers choose to import televisions in semi knocked down or completely knocked down forms, allowing products to be assembled locally before entering the retail market.
Selecting the right import model depends on local regulations, labor costs, assembly capability, and long term business strategy. Understanding these differences helps brands maximize profitability and improve market competitiveness.
What is CBU TV Import
CBU import refers to Completely Built Unit trade, which is the most traditional and straightforward form of television importing.
Under this model, the OEM factory fully assembles the televisions before shipment. The products are delivered as finished goods that are ready to use immediately after unpacking.
All core components, system installation, quality testing, and packaging processes are completed by the manufacturer. Buyers simply import the finished TVs and distribute them directly to retailers or end users.
Because no local assembly is required, CBU import is the simplest business model and is ideal for markets with lower import duties or for distributors without local manufacturing capability.
What Is SKD TV Import and Assembly
SKD, or Semi Knocked Down, TV import is designed for markets where high import duties make CBU shipments costly.
In the SKD model, the OEM factory pre-assembles most of the television components—cabinet, screen, backlight, and accessories—except for the mainboard. The partially assembled TV is then shipped to the buyer.
Local assembly is simple and quick: the buyer only needs to open the mainboard compartment, install the mainboard, connect the necessary cables, and close the cover. This approach reduces import taxes while keeping labor requirements minimal, making it a practical solution for price-sensitive markets with high tariffs.
What Is CKD TV Import and Assembly
CKD, or Completely Knocked Down, is a more advanced import model suitable for countries with high tariffs where buyers have their own assembly facilities.
Unlike SKD, where only the mainboard is left uninstalled, CKD shipments break down the television into all individual components, including the mainboard. Essentially, the OEM provides the full Bill of Materials (BOM) to the buyer.
This model requires the buyer to have a complete assembly line, including SMT equipment, to build the TV from scratch. While the setup cost and technical requirements are higher, CKD allows buyers to further reduce labor costs and customize assembly for large-scale operations, making it ideal for experienced distributors or local manufacturers aiming to optimize margins.
Which Countries Prefer Which Import Model?
Different countries favor different TV import models depending on their tariff policies, local assembly capabilities, and infrastructure. Low import duties favor fully assembled TVs, while higher tariffs often push buyers toward SKD or CKD solutions to reduce costs and improve profitability.
Below is a simple reference table summarizing common preferences:
| Country / Market Type | Preferred Import Model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Low-tariff countries | CBU | Fully assembled TVs can be imported directly without heavy duties |
| Moderate-tariff countries with assembly capability | SKD | Partial assembly reduces import tax while keeping labor simple |
| High-tariff countries with local factories & SMT | CKD | Full component shipment allows local assembly to optimize cost and margin |
FAQs About Starting a TV Brand
1. What is the Minimum Order Quantity
Our standard MOQ is usually 100 units per model. For larger TVs, some models can start from 50 units. It’s important to note that MOQ can affect the EXW price because key component suppliers may also impose minimum order requirements.
2. How Long Is Production Time
Typical production time is around one month from order confirmation to shipment. OEM factories prioritize sample approval first, followed by mass production to ensure quality and schedule adherence.
3. Do You Provide Marketing Materials
Yes. We offer free marketing assets for your online and offline promotion, including high-quality product images, videos, and 3D models. These materials help your brand launch faster and present a professional image to your customers.
Start Your TV Brand with a Reliable OEM partner
Launching your own TV brand is easier today thanks to mature OEM manufacturing and global supply chains. The process can be summarized in the following key steps:
Define Your Target Market – Decide whether you are focusing on home users, commercial projects, or tender/government sales. Choose entry-level, mid-range, high-end, or specialty TVs accordingly.
Select an OEM Partner – Understand OEM vs ODM vs OBM services, and leverage their expertise in product customization, branding, and packaging.
Finalize Product Specifications – Set TV size, resolution, smart system, panel type, and optional features based on your chosen market.
Plan Branding & UI – Customize logos, bezel branding, remote controllers, packaging, system interface, and user manuals to strengthen brand recognition.
Ensure Certification & Compliance – Identify required certifications for your target markets and work with the factory to meet local regulations.
Sample Testing – Validate pre-production samples for display performance, system stability, build quality, and packaging before mass production.
Mass Production & Quality Control – Implement rigorous QC checks to ensure consistent product quality and on-time delivery.
Shipping & After-Sales Support – Coordinate logistics, customs clearance, and provide technical and spare parts support to maintain customer satisfaction.
Cost Planning – Understand product cost breakdown, certification fees, shipping, branding, and marketing budgets to optimize margins.
Advanced Import Models – Decide between CBU, SKD, or CKD depending on tariffs, local assembly capacity, and long-term business strategy.
Following these steps with a reliable OEM partner ensures a smooth launch, reduces risk, and positions your TV brand for long-term success.
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Make TV Customization Easy
At Mianhong, we streamline the process to save you time and resources. Get started immediately with our simple three-step approach:
1. Share Your Vision
To get started, simply provide us with a detailed brief of your project. Whether you have specific technical requirements or just an initial concept, our team is ready to review your input and begin the process.
2. Receive Your Custom Solution
Based on your requirements, we will develop a tailored solution and provide you with a specific quote within 24 hours. This commitment to efficiency ensures you can move forward with your project on time.
3. Production & Delivery
Upon receiving your confirmation and deposit, we will immediately initiate mass production. Our team will then manage all subsequent shipping and logistics, ensuring your order is delivered efficiently and on schedule.
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