White-Label vs Private Label vs OEM Software
White-label
One product, many partners. Each partner sells it under its own brand, and customers don't see the original developer. Customization is mostly branding. Typical pricing is a monthly fee per client, a revenue share or a one-off licence.
Private label
One product version for one partner. The developer builds or customizes it for that partner alone, often with exclusive features, so it costs more and takes longer than white-label.
OEM
The software becomes part of another product, such as a payments engine inside an accounting app. End users may never see it. OEM deals are usually priced as a royalty, per-unit fee or revenue share, and need deeper technical integration.
Reseller
The partner sells the original product under the original brand and earns a margin or commission. Customers know who made the software.
How to choose
Choose white-label to sell software under your brand quickly. Choose private label when you need features no one else has. Choose OEM to add a capability inside your own product. Choose reselling to earn margin without taking on the brand.
Definitions vary between vendors, so check the agreement for branding rights, exclusivity, customization, support and IP ownership.
Common questions
Is white-label the same as private label?
No. White-label is one product rebranded by many sellers. Private label is made or customized for a single seller, often exclusively.
Is OEM the same as white-label?
Not quite. In a white-label deal you sell the whole product under your brand. In an OEM deal you build the software into your own product as one component.
Who owns the code in white-label and OEM deals?
The original developer usually keeps ownership of the code and IP. You get a licence to rebrand, embed or resell it. Only a source-code sale or IP assignment transfers ownership.
What is grey label software?
Grey label software sits between white-label and branded: the product carries your brand, but the original vendor's name may still appear in some places, such as a "powered by" note, the login page or support emails.
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