You can launch your own Sunglasses brand with as few as 50–100 pieces per style.No new mold fees. 3–4 weeks from sample approval to delivery. This is possible through a Light Custom manufacturing model — you start with an existing frame design, then customize colors, lenses, logos, and packaging to match your brand identity.
Below is the complete guide covering every step, cost factor, and decision you will face.
What Is Light Custom Sunglasses Manufacturing?
Light Custom is a budget-friendly, fast-turnaround service built around ready-made frame molds. Instead of paying thousands of dollars to open new molds, you select from a factory's existing frame library and customize the surface-level elements.
| What You Can Customize | What Stays the Same |
| Frame colors and patterns | Frame shape and dimensions |
| Lens type (polarized, UV400, tinted) | Base mold structure |
| Logo placement and technique (laser, printing, hot stamp, metal plate) | Material type (within the selected frame category) |
| Temple tip colors | Manufacturing process |
| Packaging — case, cloth, box, hangtag | |
This model was designed for independent brands, startups, and small seasonal collections that need professional-quality custom eyewear without the heavy upfront investment of full OEM mold development.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Sunglasses Brand?
There is no single price. Your total investment depends on six factors:
| Factor | Low End | High End |
| Frame material | TR90, basic acetate | Mazzucchelli acetate, titanium |
| Lens type | Standard UV400 tinted | Polarized + AR coating, Zeiss lenses |
| Logo technique | Pad printing | Gold hot stamp, metal inlay, 3D embossed |
| Packaging | Standard case + cloth | Custom rigid box, branded pouch, retail-ready |
| Order quantity per style | 100+ pieces | 50 pieces (higher per-unit cost) |
| Shipping method | Sea freight | Air express |
The biggest cost lever is MOQ. At 50 pieces per style, your per-unit cost will be approximately 30–50% higher than at 300 pieces. At 100 pieces, the premium drops to around 15–25%. This is because setup labor, material prep, and QC time are largely fixed — spreading them across more units lowers the per-unit cost.
Step-by-Step: From Idea to Delivery
Step 1: Choose Your Frame Style
Start with a clear vision of what you want to sell. Browse the factory's existing catalog or share reference images. You are not locked into one material category — most factories offer acetate, metal, TR90, titanium, and combination frames.
Key decisions at this stage:
- Material: acetate (premium feel, rich colors), TR90 (lightweight, flexible), metal (minimalist, durable)
- Shape: cat-eye, round, square, aviator, geometric, oversized
- Target customer: men, women, unisex, sport, luxury
Step 2: Select Customizations
Once you have chosen your base frame, decide what to customize:
- Frame colors: Pick from solid, tortoiseshell, gradient, marble, or layered acetate patterns. Most factories keep a library of 200+ color references.
- Lenses: Choose polarized (best for outdoor brands), UV400 tinted (fashion-forward), photochromic (premium), or anti-blue light (digital lifestyle). Specify color, gradient, and coating (AR, scratch-resistant, hydrophobic).
- Logo: Select placement (outer temple, inner temple, lens, tip) and technique. Pad printing is the most affordable; laser engraving and metal plate logos signal higher quality.
Step 3: Approve Your Sample
After you submit your specifications, the factory produces a pre-production sample — typically within 7 days.
What to check on the sample:
- Frame color accuracy against your reference
- Lens tint and coating quality
- Logo placement, size, and clarity
- Overall finish — check for rough edges, hinge smoothness, temple alignment
If adjustments are needed, the factory revises and sends a second sample. Once approved, production begins.
Step 4: Production and Quality Control
Light Custom production takes approximately 3–4 weeks from sample approval. During this time, the factory:
- Prepares raw materials (acetate sheets, lenses, hardware)
- CNC-cuts and hand-polishes each frame
- Assembles hinges, temples, and lenses
- Runs in-house QC tests (lens impact, frame durability, UV transmission)
- Applies logos and packaging
Quality checkpoints to confirm with your factory:
- 100% manual inspection of every finished pair
- Compliance testing against your target market standards (FDA for US, CE/UKCA for EU)
- Third-party inspection available upon request
Step 5: Packaging and Shipping
Your frames arrive in your chosen packaging — from simple poly bags to full retail-ready boxes with branded cases, cloths, and hangtags.
Shipping options:
- Air express (3–7 days): Best for small orders under 50 kg. Higher cost but fast.
- Sea freight (20–35 days): Best for orders over 100 kg. Much lower per-unit shipping cost.
- Rail to Europe (15–20 days): A middle-ground option for EU destinations.
Light Custom vs Full Custom: Which One Is Right for You?
| | Light Custom | Full OEM/ODM |
| MOQ | 50–100 pcs per style | 300–500 pcs per style |
| Mold cost | $0 (use existing molds) | $500–$800 per mold |
| Sample timeline | 7 days | 14–21 days |
| Production timeline | 3–4 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Design freedom | Surface-level only | Full frame design from scratch |
| Best for | New brands, seasonal drops, market testing | Established brands, exclusive collections |
| Per-unit cost | Moderate | Lower at scale |
Decision guide:
- Choose Light Custom if you are testing a new brand concept, launching a small seasonal drop, or working with a limited budget.
- Choose Full OEM/ODM if you have a proven design, a growing customer base, and want exclusive frame ownership.
Common Mistakes New Eyewear Brands Make
1. Ordering too many styles at once
50 pieces × 10 styles = 500 pieces minimum. That is $5,000–$8,000 before shipping. Start with 2–3 core styles, prove demand, then expand.
2. Skipping the sample check
Never approve mass production without holding the physical sample. Photos hide texture issues, color mismatches, and fit problems.
3. Ignoring compliance requirements
If you plan to sell in the US, your sunglasses must meet FDA impact resistance standards. For the EU, you need CE marking and REACH compliance. Confirm your factory can provide the necessary test reports before placing an order.
4. Underinvesting in packaging
Your packaging is the first physical experience your customer has with your brand. A $0.50 poly bag signals "budget"; a custom rigid box with a microfiber cloth signals "premium."
5. Choosing the cheapest factory
The lowest quote often means lower QC, slower communication, and more after-sales headaches. Look for ISO 9001 certification, BSCI audit reports, and verifiable brand client references.
Why Shenzhen for Low MOQ Eyewear Manufacturing?
Shenzhen is the global center for acetate eyewear manufacturing. The supply chain density here means:
- Acetate sheet suppliers (Mazzucchelli, Jimei, Jinyu) are local — no import delays
- Electroplating and surface finishing specialists are within the same industrial zone
- Export logistics are streamlined through Shenzhen and Hong Kong ports
- Skilled hand-polishing craftsmen with 15+ years of acetate experience
This ecosystem allows Shenzhen factories to offer lower MOQs and faster turnaround than manufacturers in other regions — because every component is available within a 50 km radius.
Ready to Start Your Brand?
At Mellume, we have helped 500+ eyewear brands launch their first collections through our Light Custom service — starting at 50 pieces per style, with 7-day sampling and 3–4 week production.
Contact us for a free quote and frame catalog →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order quantity for custom sunglasses?
50–100 pieces per style for Light Custom (using existing molds). 300–500 pieces per style for Full OEM/ODM with new molds.
How long does it take to get custom sunglasses samples?
7 days for Light Custom samples. 14–21 days for Full OEM/ODM samples requiring new mold development.
Can I mix different frame styles in one order?
Yes. You can order 50 pieces each across multiple styles. The MOQ applies per style, not per order.
Do I need to design the frame myself?
No. For Light Custom, you select from the factory's existing frame catalog and customize colors, lenses, logos, and packaging.
What certifications do I need to sell sunglasses?
US: FDA impact resistance. EU: CE marking + REACH. Australia: AS/NZS 1067. Confirm your factory provides compliance test reports.
How do I verify a factory's quality before ordering?
Request their ISO 9001 certificate, BSCI audit report, and sample client references. Always order a physical pre-production sample before approving mass production.
Looking for full custom mold development? Visit our OEM/ODM page at mellumeeyewear.com for exclusive design services.
