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Last week I opened my inbox and smiled a little.
Vietnam buyers rarely start with “cheapest.” They start with “feel.”
They’ll phrase it differently, but the real question is usually the same:
Can I launch fast, keep quality stable, and start with the models Vietnam customers actually like?
In Vietnam projects, most buyers don’t begin with a spreadsheet. They begin with a feeling.
A typical message I get looks like this:
“I want it more bouncy… but not out of control.”
Or:
“I want the hit sound to feel premium, not hollow.”
After a few messages, the same three questions show up again and again:
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Can you tune it to feel more elastic, but still stable in mass production?
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If I reorder in 30–60 days, will the next batch feel the same?
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Which core gives that premium “fast” feel in Vietnam, Gen 4 style, full-foam, or EVA+EPP?
That’s why Vietnam is not only about “premium.”
It’s premium feel plus repeatable consistency.
The Vietnam 3-SKU lineup that sells
Here’s the cleanest starting line I recommend for Vietnam, especially if you want to sell faster and avoid confusing your customers.
| SKU role | Best for | Core + process | Surface | Thickness | Business role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry model | Beginners, clubs, schools, quick turnover | Cold-press PP honeycomb | Fiberglass or T700 | 13mm or 16mm | Volume driver |
| Profit model | Your main seller + easiest repeat orders | Thermoformed PP honeycomb + foam-injected edge | T700 / raw-carbon style | 14mm or 16mm | Margin builder |
| Flagship model | High-elasticity premium buyers | Gen 4-style thermoformed / full-foam / EVA+EPP (Gen 5 style) | Raw T700 + premium options | 16mm | Brand builder |
My honest take: Vietnam is not a “low-price-only” market.
Many buyers care a lot about quality, and players notice feel differences fast.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for Vietnam brand owners, retailers, distributors, club buyers, school buyers, and event organizers who want:
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Premium paddles that feel elastic and “fast”
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Specs that stay consistent across batches
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A practical OEM plan that launches smoothly
What’s happening in Vietnam right now
From public reports and industry signals, pickleball in Vietnam is growing quickly and organized play is becoming more visible.
That timing matters.
This is the stage where premium SKUs start winning, because buyers begin caring about consistency and brand trust, not only a low quote.
From what we see in Vietnam inquiries and repeat orders, the market is moving premium, and one word shows up constantly:
Elasticity.
Vietnam buyers want paddles that feel lively and fast, but still stable in mass production.
What’s especially popular in Vietnam right now, based on our real sales conversations:
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Thermoformed paddles as the premium baseline
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Gen 4-style thermoformed core paddles
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Strong premium interest in full-foam core thermoformed paddles
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EVA + EPP (Gen 5-style) projects for higher elasticity and tuned response
Because this preference is so clear, we developed a Vietnam-tuned high-elasticity version, tuned specifically for what Vietnam players like to feel. Market feedback has been very strong.
The 3 product lines, explained simply
Entry model: stable, easy to sell, low complaint risk
If your customers are beginners, clubs, or schools, keep your first SKU simple.
A stable cold-press build usually sells faster than a complicated spec sheet.
Typical choices:
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Cold-press PP honeycomb core
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Fiberglass face (forgiving) or T700 face (value upgrade)
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13mm or 16mm
Profit model: thermoformed main seller that gets repeat orders
This is usually the “engine” SKU in Vietnam.
It feels premium immediately, and it’s easier to explain in sales.
Typical choices:
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Thermoformed PP honeycomb core
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Foam-injected edge
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14mm or 16mm
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T700 / raw-carbon style face
Flagship model: where Vietnam’s elasticity preference converts best
This is where Vietnam’s premium feel preference shows the strongest conversion.
If you sell to high-level players, or you want a premium story that feels different immediately, this is where you place:
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Gen 4-style thermoformed core projects
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Full-foam thermoformed core projects
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EVA + EPP hybrid (Gen 5 style) projects
This is also where our Vietnam-tuned high-elasticity version fits naturally
Specs Vietnam buyers accept fastest
Cold-press common sizes
These are the most common cold-press sizes we see for entry-level and club-friendly projects:
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400 × 200 × 10mm
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400 × 200 × 13mm
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400 × 200 × 16mm
For more performance-focused players, a very common choice is:
- 417 × 190 × 13mm or 16mm
Thermoformed sizes we run most
These are the thermoformed sizes we run most often:
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417 × 190 × 13mm
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417 × 190 × 14mm
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417 × 190 × 16mm
Other sizes can be customized, but confirm early.
Cold-press custom shapes/sizes usually require MOQ.
Thermoformed custom shapes/sizes typically require a mold fee.
Packaging and bundles: low MOQ start to retail upgrade
Even in a premium-leaning market, you don’t need to start with high-MOQ custom color boxes.
A clean upgrade path usually converts better and reduces early mistakes.
A practical upgrade path many our Vietnam customers use:
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Start with: custom paddle cover or carry bag
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Upgrade to: standard box + sticker label + basic insert
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Finalize with: custom color box + full insert system for premium bundles
Shipping to Vietnam: small parcel vs air vs sea vs DDP
Vietnam is close to China, so you have more flexible logistics options than US/EU projects.
In practice, Vietnam buyers usually choose between these lanes.
Option 1: Small parcel / courier
Best for samples and very small trial orders.
Fastest way to validate market response.
Higher cost per paddle, so not ideal for long-term wholesale.
Option 2: Southeast Asia special line / regional logistics
This is very common for our Vietnam customers.
Many teams already have their own forwarder and prefer a stable regional line.
Usually the most balanced option for regular restocks.
Option 3: Air freight
If you’re doing 100–500 pcs and you need speed, air freight is often the cleanest answer.
It’s not the cheapest, but it protects your launch window.
Option 4: Sea freight
When your order size grows and you want a lower landed cost per unit, sea becomes attractive.
Just plan carton strength, packing method, and buffer time properly.
Where DDP fits
DDP is not a shipping method.
It’s an operational choice: you pay total landed cost and avoid customs and tax paperwork.
If your team doesn’t want friction at import, DDP to door can be the simplest path.
Compare total landed cost, not only freight
Vietnam buyer traps: misleading wording and “fake premium” claims
Vietnam’s biggest trap is not always “too cheap.”
It’s paying for a premium story that isn’t locked in production.
Common traps I see:
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“Gen 4” used as a label, without a defined structure and locked parameters
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“More bounce” promised without controlling stability and long-term bonding risk
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Surface names used as performance proof (T700, raw carbon, Kevlar) without process clarity
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Premium packaging without premium protection (gift box dents become instant distrust)
If the factory can’t define the structure clearly, it can’t repeat it reliably.
Send me this once, and I can quote accurately
To quote fast and accurately, send these items together:
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Selling channel: retail, distributor, or online
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Target customer level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced
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Core and process: cold-press or thermoformed (and preferred thickness)
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Size: choose from standard sizes above (or confirm custom early)
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Surface preference: fiberglass, T700, raw-carbon style, premium options
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Packaging: cover, bag, box, and set contents
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Logo files and color preference
People Also Ask (Vietnam)
Can I buy OEM or wholesale pickleball paddles for Vietnam from a China factory?
Yes. The key is choosing stable specs, locking process versions, and matching the shipping plan to your order size and timeline.
What MOQ is normal for OEM pickleball paddles for Vietnam?
It depends on construction and packaging.
Standard specs and simple packaging start lower.
Custom boxes and custom shapes raise MOQ.
Is DDP shipping to Vietnam available for pickleball paddles?
Yes, and it's fast
Do Vietnam buyers only want low price?
No. Many Vietnam buyers care deeply about quality and feel, especially elasticity and consistency.
Vietnam players care about elasticity. How do I avoid “batch feels different” complaints?
Vietnam customers are very sensitive to feel, so the safest approach is to treat elasticity as a controlled spec, not a vague promise.
Lock the approved sample version, lock the face finish method, set a weight and balance target range early, and confirm a pre-shipment random sampling rule.
If you do these, your Vietnam-tuned high-elasticity positioning becomes repeatable, and your second order becomes easier than your first.
Final note
If you’re serious about Vietnam, don’t start by asking for the cheapest quote.
Start by telling me your channel and the feel you want, especially elasticity.
Your customers feel differences fast, and premium only works when batch consistency is stable.
If you want, I can help you build a clean 3-SKU line, place our Vietnam-tuned high-elasticity version where it fits, and lock specs so reorders stay smooth.
