How to brief a Chinese factory on a range extension
Anchor the extension to an approved existing product. Give each variant a matrix of shared and changed features, its forecast and target cost, compatibility checks and release evidence. Ask the factory to confirm assumptions and unresolved changes before sampling. Cambridge China Bridge can coordinate this brief with its staff in China.
Start with an approved baseline
Name the existing product, approved sample, drawing revision and BOM that form the baseline. Explain what the extension is for and where it will be sold. Use the existing specification for unchanged details; our product specification guide explains how to define them.
Give each proposed variant a distinct product code. Mark every feature as shared, changed or unresolved, with an explicit reference for anything carried over. Ask the factory to acknowledge the matrix and list uncertainties, tooling changes and proposed substitutions before quoting.
Build a matrix the factory can quote against
Use a separate row for each variant in your working matrix. The template below shows the fields to complete. Attach drawings and acceptance criteria where a cell cannot explain the change clearly. A blank cell means unresolved, not permission for the factory to choose.
| Field | What to record |
|---|---|
| Variant identity | Product code, description, destination market and baseline revision |
| Shared features | Retained materials, components, interfaces and processes, with baseline references |
| Changed features | Exact changes to dimensions, finish, function, accessories, labels and packing |
| Quantity forecast | Opening order expectation, repeat demand, forecast period and confidence |
| Target cost | Currency, delivery basis, included items and separately quoted development costs |
| Compatibility | Products, accessories and revisions it must work with, plus pass criteria |
| Release evidence | Required records, reviewer, approval status and unresolved issues |
Separate forecasts from purchasing commitments
Show opening demand and expected repeat demand by variant, rather than only a total for the range. State the forecast period, confidence and whether demand replaces sales of an existing product. Identify common components that could be purchased together and variant-specific materials that could become unwanted stock.
Label forecasts as planning information and state what written approval authorises material buying or production. Ask for minimum order quantities by variant, colour and shared component, and for the effect of changing the mix. Agree responsibility for unused materials before authorising purchases; see our forecast and call-off guide.
Give each variant a target unit cost with a currency and delivery basis. Specify whether packing, accessories and testing are included. Ask the factory to separate recurring unit costs from tooling, development and sample charges, and explain any saving that depends on sharing parts or producing variants together.
Define compatibility and evidence coverage
State what must remain interchangeable with the existing range: mating parts, mounting points, accessories, consumables, packaging or software where relevant. Name the relevant revisions and test new parts with retained existing products as well as new assemblies. Record the combinations tested and the pass criteria; see our mating parts guide.
For products within the UKCA or CE regimes in Great Britain, manufacturers must prepare a technical file. For each changed configuration, ask the compliance reviewer to identify which existing evidence applies and what further assessment is needed. Do not assume a family name proves coverage; our colours and sizes test report guide addresses that question.
Release each variant against a recorded decision
Before sampling, agree the brief, quote assumptions and test plan. Before production, require the approved sample, frozen drawings and BOM, compatibility results and compliance review outcome. Before shipment, require inspection results, approved labels and packing, and a record showing that outstanding defects have been resolved. Name the buyer's approver for each stage.
Keep a release record for every variant linking the evidence to its exact revision. Hold variants with unresolved issues even if others are approved. Distinguish approval to make samples, start production, ship and offer for sale; state which decision each approval covers. Any later change should reopen the affected checks and receive written approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can I brief the factory using only the existing product?
Use it as the baseline, but identify its approved revision and record every shared, changed and unresolved feature for each variant. Similar appearance does not define what may change.
Should I forecast quantities for each variant?
Yes. Show opening and repeat demand, the forecast period and confidence by variant. Label forecasts clearly and state what approval authorises material purchases or production.
Can existing test reports cover the new variants?
Ask the compliance reviewer to compare the changed configurations with the reports and document coverage or further assessment needed. Do not accept a shared range name as proof.
Can approved variants ship while another is on hold?
Agree separate release decisions by variant. Check that shared components, mixed packing and unresolved defects do not affect the approved goods, and record exactly what may ship.