Developing a new product is a complex process that involves more than just innovation and design. For any product to be successful, it must be manufactured at scale, within budget, and to the customer’s satisfaction. This is why it’s crucial for startups and established companies to find the right manufacturing partner with the right people and processes.
In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips for finding a manufacturer to make your products. We’ll cover topics such as mapping out the ideal manufacturer profile, how to find out who manufactures a product, local sourcing vs. global sourcing, and what risks to consider when choosing a manufacturer. We’ll also discuss the benefits of partnering up with an expert to ensure your product is manufactured with the highest quality.
Key Takeaways
- Finding the right manufacturing partner is crucial for the success of any physical product.
- Mapping out the ideal manufacturer profile and considering the risks involved in choosing a manufacturer are essential steps in the process.
- Partnering up with an expert can help ensure your product is manufactured with the highest quality.
Map Out the Ideal Manufacturer Profile
When searching for a manufacturer to produce your products, it is important to consider several factors to ensure that you find the ideal manufacturer profile. This section will discuss the factors to consider when looking for a manufacturer, including engineering capabilities, design options, cost, and size.
Engineering Capabilities
If your business requires new product development, it is essential to find a manufacturer with strong engineering capabilities. This will ensure that your manufacturer can develop new products and make modifications to existing ones according to your specifications.
Design Options
It is also important to consider the range of designs that a manufacturer offers. A manufacturer with a wide range of designs will give you more options to choose from, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your business.
Cost
When it comes to cost, you must decide whether you want your manufacturer to focus on low cost or high quality. It is important to note that a low-cost manufacturer may not always provide high-quality products, and vice versa. Therefore, it is essential to find a balance between cost and quality.
Size
The size of a manufacturer is a crucial criterion to consider. Manufacturers fall into three tiers, and their performance and pricing will vary greatly. If your order is small, you may need to work with a trading company that will place your order in a Tier 1 factory. If your order is not large enough to be of interest to a large factory, go with Tier 2. If your order is considered large, then Tier 3 can be beneficial to you.
In conclusion, when looking for a manufacturer, it is important to consider their engineering capabilities, design options, cost, and size. By doing so, you can ensure that you find the ideal manufacturer profile that meets your business’s needs and requirements.
How to Find Out Who Manufactures a Product?
Finding out who manufactures a product can be difficult, especially without internal contacts or industry knowledge. However, there are a few methods that can be used to uncover the manufacturer of a specific product.
One way to find out who manufactures a product is to order a sample from the seller. By examining the tags on the item, it may be possible to determine who either distributes or manufactures the product. This method can be time-consuming and may not always yield results.
Another method is to search Google or visit the seller’s website. Many sellers list their vendors on their website, generally somewhere in the footer or right underneath it. Additionally, the titles of some of the items they are selling may feature the name of the distributor or supplier as the item was created by that given supplier in the first place. Simply googling some of the company’s distributors may also yield results.
Custom data websites such as Panjiva, importgenius, and Descartes can also be used to find out what manufacturer a brand uses. By inputting the brand name into the website, it is possible to uncover the manufacturer of the brand. However, these websites may require a subscription or payment to access the information.
Asking for referrals from people related to the industry via LinkedIn can also be a useful method. These professional networks may have suggestions and connections to manufacturers that can be useful in uncovering who manufactures a specific product.
Finally, searching on B2B platforms such as Alibaba, Tradeling, eWorldtrade, and Amazon can also be a good source to connect with direct manufacturers. Different top brands usually list their items on these portals and find buyers for their trading needs. If lucky enough, it is possible to find out what manufacturer a brand uses.
In conclusion, finding out who manufactures a product can be a challenging task, but by using a combination of these methods, it is possible to uncover the manufacturer of a specific product.
The Truth of How to Find a Brand’s Manufacturer
When it comes to finding a brand’s manufacturer, there are a few strategies that can be employed. First and foremost, it is important to understand that most companies outsource their products and have more than one factory producing their finished goods. Therefore, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact manufacturer of a product.
One option is to contact the company directly and ask who produces their product. However, it is unlikely that they will disclose this information. Another approach is to become part of the industry by attending trade shows and hiring an agent to locate and approve the plant or plants producing the desired product. This method can be time-consuming and costly, but it can lead to valuable connections and insights into the manufacturing process.
Another option is to examine the shipping box of the product in question. Often, the manufacturer’s mark will be visible on the box, providing valuable information. In some cases, a shipping document may even be attached to the box, revealing additional details about the product’s origin.
It is important to note that if one is attempting to manufacture a similar product or assign blame for a failed project, it is unlikely that the manufacturer will provide this information. Additionally, the costs of manufacturing are typically closely guarded by companies and manufacturers alike.
In conclusion, while it can be challenging to identify the manufacturer of a particular product, there are strategies that can be employed to uncover this information. By contacting the company, attending industry events, or examining shipping boxes, one may be able to gain valuable insights into the manufacturing process and make informed decisions about their own products.
How to Find Manufacturer of A Product?
1. Use Alibaba
Alibaba is a popular online marketplace that connects individuals with manufacturers from China. It is possible to use Alibaba to find existing products as well as to connect with manufacturers to create custom products. To find a manufacturer on Alibaba, one can simply search for the products they are interested in and browse through the various suppliers and manufacturers. It is also possible to look for other China online wholesale websites.
2. Use Free Online Website to Find Manufacturers Directories
Another option to find a manufacturer for a brand is to use free online supplier directories. These directories act as manufacturer catalogs that contain profiles for hundreds or thousands of manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers. Some of the most popular directories for both domestic and overseas suppliers include:
- ThomasNet – quote and buy online platform
- Maker’s Row – Made in US products
- MFG – Manufacturer directory
- Kompass
- Council of Manufacturing Associations Member Organizations
- Gobizusa
- Dollardays.com – electronics, office, food, and more
- Liquidation.com – well respected and a variety of product conditions
- Big Lots – US and Canada – closeout deals
- Tuesday Morning – luggage, electronics, toys, home, and garden categories.
- Gabes – branded closeout stock
- SaleHoo – membership
- World Wide Brands – paid directory
- Price Master – lots of different categories
- Lotus Light – health, beauty, and other categories
For UK wholesalers and distributors, some of the popular directories include:
- Esources – directory – free and paid options
- The Wholesaler – directory
- Gem Wholesale – stockist
- The Wholesale Forums
3. Search on Google
While Google is a powerful search engine, many suppliers have not kept pace with the internet or Google’s algorithm changes. Their websites are usually old, sparse on information, and have poor search engine optimization. To find a manufacturer of a product on Google, one may need to explore page two of Google search results and beyond. It is also important to use a variety of search terms, including words like “wholesale,” “wholesaler,” and “distributor” may be used interchangeably, so one should search for all of them. It may help to make oneself familiar with Google’s search shortcuts to improve the quality of one’s searches and, thus, the results.
4. Use Referrals
One of the best leads to find a manufacturer can come from referrals. One should not be afraid to ask connections in their professional networks if they have any recommendations or if they know someone who might. It is important to look for individuals who have found success in an area one would like to pursue and see if they’re willing to share their contacts. Social networks have made it much easier to get the word out, so one should make sure to use these channels. Join Facebook groups and other online communities of ecommerce business owners and see if anyone there has a glowing review. As one starts to uncover suppliers, even if they aren’t the right fit, one should be sure to ask them if they can point in the right direction.
5. Use NAICS Codes
One way to find where a product is manufactured is by searching for the NAICS code. NAICS is the North American Industry Classification System, and pretty much every single manufacturing industry and product one can think of is attached to a NAICS code. Sometimes manufacturers and suppliers list products by their NAICS code, which can make manufacturers and suppliers easier to find, especially if one is using professional directories. The NAICS directory can be found at the local library or online. It is important to properly vet the potential manufacturer. Once one has narrowed it down to a few possibilities, one should dig deeper in their research to make sure they’re credible. One can check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there have been any complaints filed, browse the manufacturer’s Facebook page reviews, and use those Google search tricks to query the company name + reviews to see if any red flags come up.
6. Sourcing Company
If one is a newbie and is ready to develop private label products, a sourcing company is also a good choice. They will help one understand the entire process from development to receipt, and once one has a basic understanding, they can learn to do the whole thing themselves.
Local Sourcing vs. Global Sourcing
Overseas Sourcing
When it comes to manufacturing, companies often wonder whether it’s better to work with manufacturers near them or overseas. The answer is not straightforward.
The Advantages
Many U.S. companies manufacture their goods overseas due to lower labor costs. Additionally, there are many overseas manufacturers to choose from, particularly in China, which is a manufacturing hub. However, it’s important to note that there are other Asian countries with strong economies that can be considered as well. You can find overseas manufacturers on directories like Alibaba, but it’s important to ensure that they are trustworthy and reliable long-term partners.
The Disadvantages
Even with a good overseas factory, there are several issues to deal with, including quality control, labor, intellectual property theft, sluggish shipping, payment disputes, and import, customs, and compliance processes, each with multiple steps and middlemen involved. Frequent trips overseas can be costly, and it’s harder to identify problems before making payments when you don’t have a local presence to oversee and manage the manufacturer. Remote management is also difficult, especially with time zone differences and language barriers.
Local Sourcing
Finding a local supplier can help businesses save time and money. Here are some of the top reasons why you might consider sourcing locally instead of an international manufacturer.
The Advantages
Local sourcing is great for public relations, as it demonstrates your investment in the local community. Local suppliers will also benefit from serving and being proud of the local community. Additionally, local sourcing enables you to see exactly what you are paying for, as you can travel to suppliers for development, management, and site inspection purposes. Sourcing specialty products from local suppliers becomes much easier as you can visit them regularly to explain your requirements face-to-face. Shortening supply chains may also lead to greater predictability of lead times.
The Disadvantages
However, local sourcing also has its disadvantages. Close ties with local suppliers can lead to ethical issues when selecting suppliers. If you terminate your contract with a local supplier, it could generate bad publicity locally. Additionally, you may not be able to find quality products in your own country, and economic impacts in your home country may affect deliveries and supply chains. You may also develop resistance to change, especially when you need something innovative and new. The suppliers you choose may also depend on you as their main source of income.
10 Questions to Ask Overseas Suppliers
If you have identified potential suppliers, it’s crucial to ensure that they are telling the truth and that they are reliable. You can use the following questions to ask overseas or local suppliers:
- How do you handle quality control?
- Do your employees and company have any certifications?
- Do you make anything in our industry?
- Is most of the production going to be done in-house, or will you have to outsource some?
- Does production cost go over what you’ve quoted?
- Who owns injection molds if they’re hard tooling?
- How much do you need for the minimum order?
- What incoterms can you offer?
- What is your payment process?
- Will I be able to talk directly to the production manager in charge of my product?
- Do you have any reference companies in my industry or nearby?
- Who pays for rework or fixing the process if we don’t get what we expected?
Even if you place a one-time order, it’s important to take a little time to check that the potential supplier is legitimate. You don’t want to be the victim of a scam.
How to Best Position Yourself as an Attractive Partner to Manufacturers
To ensure that the factory you contact takes you seriously, be as professional as possible. Make them understand that you are serious by already having a professional e-commerce site set up for them to browse. Keep any emails concise and clear, describing the product you want to manufacture, including materials and dimensions. Your request should be simple and easy to understand. You also need to ask about pricing for several different quantities related to your business. Avoid requesting quotes for lots that are too small to be credible, but at the same time, don’t promise more than you can handle.
What Risks Should You Consider When Choosing A Manufacturer?
When choosing a manufacturer, it is important to consider potential risks that may arise from the partnership. Here are some of the risks to consider:
Bad Labor Practices
It is important to ensure that the manufacturing partner you choose treats its employees well. This not only aligns with your company’s values but also mitigates the risk of negative publicity. To assess the working conditions of potential partners, it is recommended to inquire about workers’ pay and safety, as well as compliance with existing regulations.
Prevent Fraud
In countries where corruption is rampant, it is crucial to conduct thorough research before partnering with a manufacturer. To avoid fraud, it is recommended to request financial statements and proof of other partnerships. Regular audits can also help to ensure that partners are acting in good faith.
Intellectual-Property Theft
Protecting your company’s intellectual property (IP) is essential. To prevent IP theft, it is recommended to use multiple suppliers to source materials, trust only established companies, and ensure that legal protections such as contracts, patents, and trademarks are in place.
In the event that something goes wrong in the future, having a comprehensive product-specific contract is crucial. The contract should address foreseeable issues such as product defects and supply chain delays, as well as the direct and indirect costs of producing additional products if necessary. Quality control during production is also important to ensure that products meet the required standards.
When working with a manufacturer, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. By conducting thorough research, using established companies, and having a comprehensive contract in place, businesses can minimize the risks associated with manufacturing partnerships.
Tips for Finding Manufacturer for a Product
When it comes to manufacturing custom products, choosing the right manufacturer is crucial. Referrals from peers can be helpful, but it’s important not to rely on them solely. Each manufacturer has its own perks and ways to make it happen. In this section, we will discuss two common mistakes to avoid when finding a manufacturer for your product.
A Big Mistake to Find a Brands Manufacturer
One common mistake is to choose a manufacturer solely based on price. Some potential suppliers may offer much lower than average prices, but this could be a red flag. Some suppliers may use strategies to raise prices along the way, while others may not know the actual cost of producing your product. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to look at the market price and eliminate any outliers that make the price 20% above or below average. If you are interested in buying above market price to get above average quality, keep the highest price quoted.
Mistake for Finding a Manufacturer to Make Your Product
Another mistake is to partner with a manufacturer too quickly. Small businesses often make this mistake, which can lead to long delays or failure. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to ask questions, check references, and take your time. It’s also important to discuss your product design with the manufacturer’s manufacturing engineers and ensure they understand your product’s requirements. Sourcing agents can be helpful in finding the right manufacturer for your product, but it’s important to choose an independent agent to avoid any conflict of interest. Another option is trading companies, but this can lead to less control and higher long-term costs.
In conclusion, finding the right manufacturer for your product requires careful consideration and research. By avoiding common mistakes and taking the time to find the right partner, you can ensure the success of your product and business.
You’re Better Off Partnering Up With An Expert
When it comes to finding a manufacturer for your product, it can be a time-consuming and daunting task. However, partnering up with a product sourcing company like Supplyia can save you a lot of time, hassle, and expensive mistakes.
Supplyia is a China-based company that helps companies and entrepreneurs develop products from idea to production by providing research, design, and sourcing services. They have a global network of designers, engineers, and manufacturers that you can take advantage of. Once production starts, local representatives can make regular site visits to ensure that the manufacturer delivers on their promises.
One of the advantages of working with a product sourcing company like Supplyia is their understanding of the language and culture. This helps to build trust between the manufacturer and the client. The company keeps you updated throughout the production process with photos and reports.
It is important to take your time when finding a manufacturer, ask questions, and ask for references. By partnering up with a product sourcing company like Supplyia, you can be sure that you are working with reputable manufacturers who prioritize your needs. Knowing these vetted resources and having a network of them can save you a lot of time and hassle, along with expensive mistakes.
In conclusion, working with a product sourcing company like Supplyia can make the process of finding a manufacturer for your product much easier and less risky. They have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to help you through the whole process, from research and design to sourcing and production.