A great idea is a great idea regardless of whether or not you own the means to production. There are countless vendors who can fulfill your product requests, but relying on a third party company to make your product means that the quality and consistency of their labor is a reflection on your brand. That’s why it’s important to choose your manufacturer carefully. Here are a few things to consider being picking a manufacturing partner.
Weigh the Advantages of Domestic Vs International
There are strengths to both domestic and international partners, and the one that’s right for you will come down to you company’s demands. Domestic providers benefit from geographic proximity, allowing you to get your shipment more quickly, and you can be assured that their intellectual property right laws are in line with your business. Going international gives you a much wider pool to draw from, and you can usually get the results at a fraction of the cost. Just keep in mind that there may be a language barrier, and it may be hard to gauge the quality of the results.
Scour the Directories
Manufacturers are in high demand, and a number of online directories have popped up to help aspiring entrepreneurs. Both domestic and overseas directories are available. If you’re serious about finding the best manufacturer, don’t be afraid to dive right in with a Google search. Just be sure to be thorough in your search. Getting a full understanding of a manufacturer’s reputation can require significant research, and you’ll want to dig through pages and pages of search results.
Consider an Automated Fabrication Company
While manufacturing was once the province of skilled laborers, advancements in robotics have given businesses more options for more precise results at reasonable prices. For instance, CNC laser cutting machinery can run scheduled operations 24 hours a day without human oversight. These sorts of products may cost you a little more, but it can be well worth it. You can spend less time worrying about human error causing defects and know that you’ll get your orders fulfilled on time.
Drawing from Your Personal Network
Fostering good relationships in the community is integral to running a successful business, and your bench of contacts can be a valuable resource when looking for a manufacturer. A trusted personal experience can carry a lot more weight than an online review, and they can help fill you in on the details of the manufacturer’s process. Friends and family can help, but it might also be worthwhile to build a network of industry contacts on Facebook and other social media platforms. If you contact manufacturers who can’t fulfill your needs, don’t be afraid to ask them for recommendations.
Just remember that the quality of your products can have a significant impact on your business’ reputation. Take the time to do your research, and you’ll be rewarded.
