In recent years, pickleball has evolved from a niche pastime into a global sports phenomenon. As the sport rapidly gains popularity in North America, Europe, and even parts of Asia, brands are racing to capture market share. But one question lingers for many companies eyeing overseas expansion: How do you choose the right pickleball paddle manufacturer to support your brand’s global journey?
To answer this, we sat down with the CEO of a fast-growing American pickleball brand who recently completed a factory sourcing tour across Asia. Her story is not just a cautionary tale, but also a playbook for other brands considering OEM or ODM partnerships abroad.
“We visited six factories in three countries,” she shared. “From the outside, they all looked capable—clean production lines, shiny machines, nice sample rooms. But what really mattered were the people, the consistency, and how they handled customization, communication, and delivery pressure.”
Key Takeaways from the CEO’s Factory Selection Tour:
1. Technology and Customization Capabilities Matter
The CEO emphasized the importance of finding a factory with advanced molding and finishing technologies. “One factory impressed us with their CNC precision, vacuum molding, and TPU edge-sealing process. These details elevate the quality and durability of the paddles significantly.”
2. Flexibility for Small Batch Orders
For brands in the growth phase, the ability to place small-volume orders without sacrificing quality is critical. “Some factories weren’t even interested if our order was under 5,000 units. But Dore Sports stood out—they worked with us on a 500-unit pilot batch and delivered on both quality and speed.”
3. Transparent Communication and English-Speaking Team
“We ran into problems with time zone lags and misunderstandings with some suppliers. Dore Sports, however, had a dedicated bilingual team available during U.S. business hours. That made a huge difference.”
4. On-Site R&D and Innovation Drive
Dore Sports isn’t just a manufacturer; they are innovators. They showcased their latest paddle models made from recycled carbon fiber and bio-based resins. This aligns well with the sustainability goals of modern sports brands.
5. Visual Branding and Packaging Support
As brands go global, product presentation becomes just as important as performance. Dore’s in-house packaging design team provided full mockups, helping the CEO's team visualize how the product would appear in retail and online settings.
Dore Sports: Adapting to Market Trends and Technological Demands
To stay ahead in this competitive field, Dore Sports has made key innovations in several areas:
- Material Upgrades: Integrating hybrid carbon/aramid fiber faces and honeycomb polypropylene cores for better performance.
- Eco-Innovation: Launching a new line of paddles using sustainable TPU edge guards and biodegradable composite layers.
- Faster Sampling: Shortening lead time for prototype paddles to just 7–10 days using digital mold simulation and in-house CAD modeling.
- Private Label Services: Offering flexible branding options from custom logos to full-color print paddles and packaging inserts.
This proactive approach has made Dore Sports a preferred partner for many growing brands, especially those aiming to scale internationally without compromising product integrity.
Final Thoughts from the CEO
“Choosing the right manufacturer isn’t just about price—it’s about vision, alignment, and shared commitment to quality. For us, Dore Sports wasn’t just a supplier. They became part of our brand story.”
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
As a one-stop pickleball product supplier, D...
