In the competitive global eyewear market, selling generic, off-the-shelf products is no longer enough to secure high profit margins. To truly build a brand that resonates with consumers in the USA and Europe, you need product differentiation. This is where custom made eyeglass frames become your most powerful asset.
Whether you are an established retailer looking to expand your catalog or a startup brand owner unsure of how to navigate the manufacturing process, finding a partner who understands the technical nuances of production is critical.
As a source factory (not a broker), we specialize in turning your concepts into retail-ready eyewear. Whether you need a rapid restock of private-label frames or a completely new mold design, this guide explains exactly how our production line works for B2B buyers.
Why Invest in Custom Made Eyeglass Frames?
When you rely on generic wholesale models without customization, you are competing solely on price. By investing in custom made eyeglass frames—whether through unique colorways, private labeling, or proprietary shapes—you create an asset that cannot be easily price-checked against competitors on Amazon or Alibaba. Brands with proprietary designs typically command 30-50% higher retail margins than those selling generic stock.
Choosing Your Mode (OEM vs. ODM)
OEM: The Fast Track (Private Label)
This is the ideal route if you want to launch quickly and reduce development risks. You select from our extensive catalog of existing models—which we keep in stock—and we apply your branding.
The Process: You simply send us your logo file (AI or PDF format).
Our Service: We provide a digital MOCK-UP within 24 hours, showing exactly how your logo will look on the lens, temple, or temple tip. We confirm the size and position before production begins.
- Lead Time: 7-15 Days. (Includes logo printing via laser, silk screen, or hot stamping).
ODM: Full Customization (Design from Scratch)
This is for brands that want a unique shape that no one else has.
The Process: You provide us with a rough sketch, a mood board, or even a description of the concept.
Our Design Service: Our in-house design team takes over. We convert your concept into professional engineering drawings (2D) or 3D samples.
Sizing Note: Usually, clients request standard sizing (e.g., 52-18-140) to ensure mass market appeal, but the shape and aesthetic are entirely yours.
- Lead Time: 45-60 Days. (Includes mold opening, sample confirmation, and mass production).
Material Selection – Balancing Quality and Cost
Once the design route is chosen, the next critical decision is material. The material dictates the weight, feel, durability, and ultimately, the wholesale price and retail positioning of your custom made eyeglass frames
1. Acetate (Cellulose Acetate)
Positioning: Mid-to-High End / Luxury.
Characteristics: Acetate is the gold standard for fashion eyewear. It offers deep, rich colors and a warm touch.
Manufacturing Insight: We use high-quality acetate (Mazzucchelli, JinYu, Jimei, Zhongao) after 168 hours of barrel polishing and hand polishing. This eliminates the “sharp edges” found in cheap injection plastics, giving your brand a luxury feel.
2. Metal (Stainless Steel & Titanium)
Positioning: Classic / Professional / Minimalist.
Characteristics: Metal frames are sleek, lightweight, and durable.
Manufacturing Insight: For metal frames, the risk is usually plating discoloration. We use high-grade IP (Ion Plating) to ensure color longevity and hypoallergenic properties. Note: Complex metal logos may require separate mold casting.
3. TR90 (Thermoplastic)
Positioning: Sport / Budget-Friendly / Functional.
Characteristics: TR90 is a memory polymer. It is incredibly flexible, impact-resistant, and lightweight.
- Manufacturing Insight: If you are selling sports eyewear or budget-friendly blue light glasses, TR90 is unbeatable for flexibility and weight. It requires injection molding, which is cost-effective for larger volume orders.
Color and Aesthetic Customization
After the shape and material are locked in, we move to color. This is where your brand’s personality shines.
Based on Market Positioning: If you are targeting a conservative office demographic, we might recommend Demi (Tortoise), Black, or Gunmetal. If you are targeting Gen Z fashion, we can produce transparent crystals, bold neons, or mixed laminations.
The Process: You can provide Pantone color codes or physical samples. For acetate, we can source specific patterns.
Trust Factor: We ensure color consistency between batches, a common pain point with lesser manufacturers.
Production Timelines – Managing Expectations
One of the biggest questions we receive is: “When will I get my glasses?” Understanding the lead time is crucial for your marketing calendar.
We pride ourselves on being a source factory with optimized workflows, allowing us to offer some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry.
| Service Type | Complexity | Typical Cycle | Factors Affecting Time |
| OEM (Stock) | Standard Laser Logo | 7-15 Days | Order volume; Logo complexity. |
| ODM (Custom) | New Mold / New Shape | 45-60 Days | 3D Sample approval time; Mold curing. |
| Special | Complex Metal Logos | Custom | Requires specialized mold for the logo itself. |
Factory Insight: Complex metal logos (e.g., raised 3D icons on the temple) are not simple laser jobs. They require their own mini molds, which will require us to recalculate the timeline. We will tell you this upfront in the quote.
Why Choose LBAshades as Your Manufacturing Partner?
The B2B eyewear market is flooded with trading companies and middlemen. Working directly with a source factory like us gives you specific advantages:
Direct Communication: No “lost in translation” moments through a middleman. You speak to the team managing your production.
In-House Design Team: Many factories only manufacture. We design. If you don’t have a CAD drawing, we make it for you.
Abundant Stock: We maintain a massive inventory of semi-finished goods, enabling the 7-15 day delivery for OEM orders that trading companies simply cannot match.
Low Barrier to Entry: We understand the needs of growing businesses and offer flexible MOQ (Minimum Order Quantities) to help you get started.
Ready to Launch?
Creating custom made eyeglass frames doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you need a rapid 7-day turnaround on a private label collection or a 60-day development cycle for a revolutionary new design, we have the infrastructure, materials, and expertise to deliver.
Stop worrying about the technicalities and start focusing on your brand. Let us handle the manufacturing.
Option A (ODM): Send us your sketches or ideas.
Option B (OEM): Browse our catalog and send us your logo for a free Mock-Up.
[Contact Us Today for a Quote]
FAQ Content
Q1: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for custom-made eyeglass frames?
A: As a flexible custom made eyeglass frames manufacturer, our standard MOQ typically starts at 300 pairs per model, with the ability to split this into 3 colors (100 pairs per color). For premium Mazzucchelli acetate collections or complex titanium designs, MOQ may vary based on material availability and tooling requirements. This balance ensures cost-efficiency in CNC programming and high-precision tumbling processes.
Q2: How long does the prototyping phase take for a new optical design?
A: Efficiency is crucial in the B2B eyewear market. Typically, initial 2D/3D technical drawings are completed within 3-5 business days. After CAD files are approved, physical prototypes for TR90 injection-molded frames and acetate frames take approximately 45-60 days to produce, while complex metal frames require 60 days. This ensures rigorous fit testing and nose bridge adjustments before mass production, in accordance with industry standards.
Q3: Can you handle Private Label branding on custom frames?
A: Absolutely. We offer comprehensive Private Label and OEM services. Branding options include high-precision laser engraving, hot-foil stamping, and metal logo inlays (logo under lacquer) on the temples. As a specialized manufacturer, we ensure all branding complies with international standards, including CE marks and UV400 protection labels required for the US and European markets.
Q4: How do you ensure the quality consistency of bulk eyewear orders?
A: Our quality control (QC) process follows the AQL 2.5/4.0 standard. We implement a four-stage inspection:
IQC (Incoming Quality Control): Testing raw material purity.
IPQC (In-Process Quality Control): Checking frame symmetry and hinge tension during assembly.
FQC (Final Quality Control): 100% manual inspection for scratches and alignment.
OQC (Outgoing Quality Control): Verification of packaging and shipping documentation.
