For first-time founders and new product brands
Start an online product business with the supply chain planned before launch.
Lokaris helps European founders turn a product idea into goods ready for an online store. We shortlist factories, organize samples, develop private-label branding, supervise production, inspect quality and coordinate delivery from China.
Who this service is for
A practical sourcing partner for founders who need a real product, not another store-building tool.
First online store
You know the customer or niche but need help selecting, sampling and buying the physical product.
Private-label launch
You want products sold under your own name, with coordinated labels, packaging and presentation.
New range for an existing audience
You already sell or create content and want to add a controlled product line without managing factories alone.
Two ways to start
Choose speed or deeper differentiation according to your budget and market proof.
Path 01 · Lower development risk
Proven factory model with your branding
Choose an existing product or garment model, then customize color, logo, labels, inserts and packaging. Sampling is faster because the core product already exists.
Best for testing demand, focused first launches and founders who want to learn before funding custom development.
Path 02 · Greater differentiation
Custom product developed from a brief
Develop specifications, materials, construction, colors and packaging around a distinct product idea. This requires more sampling, time and production commitment.
Best when product design is the competitive advantage and the market proposition is already validated.
From idea to inventory
Six decisions turn an online business idea into a controlled first order.
01
Customer and product brief
Define the buyer, problem, product category, sales channel and target retail price.
02
Commercial model
Set the launch budget, expected quantity and acceptable landed cost before choosing a factory.
03
Factory shortlist and samples
Compare suitable manufacturers and approve a physical sample before production.
04
Brand and packaging
Prepare logos, labels, product information, inserts and retail packaging for manufacture.
05
Production and quality control
Monitor the order and inspect the finished goods against the approved specification.
06
Import and delivery
Consolidate the goods and coordinate freight, customs documentation and warehouse delivery.
What to prepare
You do not need a finished specification, but you do need a commercial direction.
A reference product, moodboard or competitor link is enough to begin a structured discussion. These four inputs make the first shortlist much stronger.
Target customer
Who will buy, in which country, and why this product is relevant to them.
Sales channel
Your own store, marketplace, social commerce, wholesale or a combination.
Price and budget
Target retail price, available launch budget and the margin the business needs.
Product references
Links, photos, materials, dimensions or features that define the expected result.
Before importing into Europe
Product compliance and customs are part of the business model, not a final shipping task.
EU importers generally need an EORI number for customs operations. Products sold online in the EU must also meet applicable safety, traceability and labeling requirements; the exact obligations depend on the product category and destination market. Lokaris coordinates sourcing documentation, while the importer remains responsible for confirming legal requirements with qualified local advisers.
Founder questions
Starting an online product business: common questions
Can Lokaris help if I only have a product idea?
Yes. A target customer, reference image, competitor product or desired price is enough to begin. Lokaris turns that direction into a factory shortlist and sampling plan.
Do I need to develop a completely custom product?
No. Many first launches use a proven factory model with custom color, logo, labels and packaging. Full custom development is better when the product itself must be unique.
What is the minimum order quantity?
There is no universal minimum. It depends on the product, material, branding method and factory. Lokaris compares options against your launch budget and desired level of customization.
Does Lokaris build the online store or run advertising?
No. Lokaris manages the physical product and supply chain: sourcing, samples, branding, purchasing, quality control and delivery. Store development, sales and advertising remain with the founder or their digital partners.
What do I need before importing products into the EU?
You need an appropriate business and import setup, typically including an EORI number, plus product-specific compliance, safety, traceability and labeling checks. Requirements vary by category and country.
Your first controlled order
Start with the customer, price and product direction. We will map the supply path.
Share what you want to sell, where you plan to sell it and the budget you want to test.