If you’re planning to launch a product-based business or grow your existing brand, understanding how to source your products is key. Whether you’re selling online, in retail stores, or through distributors, your sourcing model shapes everything — from cost and time to market, to how unique your brand feels to customers.

At Epic Sourcing, we simplify this journey with three clear pathways:

• Hot Source (White Label)
  
•  Out Source (Private Label / Customise Existing Product)
  
•  Secret Source (Product Development / Custom Manufacture)

Each one suits a different stage of your business growth. Here’s how to decide which one’s right for you along with the actual pricing for each package.

1. White Label: The Fast Track to Launch (Hot Source)

White label sourcing is the quickest way to get your brand off the ground. You take an existing, ready-made product from a verified manufacturer, add your logo and packaging, and bring it to market under your brand name.

Think of it as plug-and-play for products — you’re leveraging an existing design that’s already tested and proven to sell.

Best for:

• New brands testing product ideas.
  
• Businesses wanting a quick, low-risk market entry.
  
• Entrepreneurs focusing on marketing and brand building rather than design.
  

Pricing for Epic’s Hot Source:

• AUD $2,499 for businesses looking to source high-quality white-label products. Slap your brand on it.
  
• Order-managing fee: 15% (no minimum spend required)
  

What you get with Hot Source:

• Manufacturer prospecting & verification
  
• Basic product customisation
  
• Custom sample creation
  
• Logo and packaging design
  
• Contract negotiation, manufacturing monitoring
  
• Shipping management and post-purchase support
  

Pros:
✔ Fastest time to market
✔ Lowest upfront investment
✔ Easy to scale and test multiple products

Cons:
✖ Limited design control
✖ Products may be sold by other brands too

If you’re starting out or want to expand your product range quickly, Hot Source gives you the speed and support to move fast with confidence.

2. Private Label / Customise Existing Product (Out Source)

Private label sourcing gives your brand more creative control. You start with an existing product base but now you can customise it. Change materials, adjust design elements, upgrade features to align with your brand identity and customer needs.

This is perfect if you’ve validated a market and now want to stand out.

Best for:

• Growing brands wanting differentiation.
  
• Businesses ready to invest in moderate customisation.
  
• Those looking to enhance quality, materials or user experience.
  

Pricing for Epic’s Out Source:

• AUD $4,999 for businesses looking to take an existing product and customise to create something unique
  
• Order-managing fee: 10% (no minimum spend required)

What you get with Out Source:

• Design file establishment
  
• Manufacturer prospecting & verification
  
• Custom sample creation
  
• Custom logo and packaging
  
• Contract negotiation, manufacturing monitoring, QC
  
• Virtual factory tours/pre-production visits etc.

Pros:
✔ More brand uniqueness
✔ Balanced cost and customisation
✔ Faster to market than full development

Cons:
✖ Some design limitations depending on manufacturer’s capabilities
✖ Slightly higher investment than white label

If you already know your niche but want to elevate your brand’s originality and quality, Out Source is your sweet spot.

3. Product Development: Build Something Truly Original (Secret Source)

When your idea can’t be found anywhere else, product development (custom manufacture) is your path. This model involves designing and developing a completely new product everything from concept sketches to final manufacturing.

It’s the most advanced (and exciting) form of sourcing, where you bring your vision to life.

Best for:

• Established brands ready to innovate.
  
• Entrepreneurs with a unique product idea or patent.
  
• Businesses investing in long-term brand ownership and IP protection.
  

Pricing for Epic’s Secret Source:

• Starting from AUD $8,980 for businesses looking to design, develop and manufacture brand new products
  
• No ongoing management fees once production is handed over
  

What you get with Secret Source:

• Senior project coordinator
  
• Manufacturer capability analysis & verification
  
• Complete prototype development (iterative sampling)
  
• Custom logo & packaging
  
• IP-secure supplier contracts & manufacturing agreements
  
• Multi-stage quality control, factory visits, shipping management
  
• Post-purchase support and project hand-over
  

Pros:
✔ Total creative control and differentiation
✔ Protectable intellectual property
✔ Potential for higher brand value and margins

Cons:
✖ Longer lead times
✖ Higher upfront investment
✖ More complex management process

If you’re building a flagship product or innovating within your industry, Secret Source turns your idea into a market-ready product, supported by expert sourcing and manufacturing coordination.

Which Sourcing Model Is Right for You?

Here’s a side-by-side of the three models:

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