So you have a great idea for a product. You know how to build a fantastic eCommerce website and you know your way around a marketing plan (or know someone who does). But what about the product manufacture itself? You’re going to need to find a manufacturing partner to supply you with stock. It doesn’t matter how good your business set up is, if your products are sub-par or supply is unreliable, then your business will have a very short life span.
4 factors in choosing a product manufacture company
So how do you make sure you are choosing the best product manufacture firm for your business? Here are four things you should do when searching for the right supplier.
1. Decide whether you want to work domestically or internationally
Do you want to work with a supplier based in the same country as you, or look for an international manufacturer? There are pros and cons to both. Someone local (or national) means that you are operating in the same language and in the same timezones, so communication is easier. It’s easier to go and visit see the factory production line for yourself.
Often, international manufacturers based in other countries can often provide better pricing and economies of scale. Of course, if your product requires special production techniques, there may only be a handful of manufacturers that can meet your requirements, and you need to be sure of the production scheduling for manufacturing.
2. Find a product manufacture company that shares your values
Many e-commerce businesses now operate with a very strong ethical ethos. This should extend to your suppliers too. There’s no use in marketing your corporate social responsibility and then using suppliers with less than perfect records in this area. Do your research and make sure that they are a company that you would be happy to be associated with. You don’t want any negative publicity to rebound on you.
3. Check the quality of their products
Product quality is going to be a huge factor in the success of your business. There are a few ways to vet this. Find out which other products they manufacture and buy a few of them. Then you’ll be able to see for yourself. Check out product reviews too as consumers are always quick to point out and issues or defects with products. A few issues here and there shouldn’t cause too much concern, but if you’re seeing the same comments over and over about a particular product manufacture company, this could point to a deeper problem.
4. Talk to other buyers
Once you’ve shortlisted your product manufacture suppliers, find other companies who use them, and reach out to them. More often than not, they’ll be happy to answer a few questions. Ask them about their views on the quality of products, reliability, account management, ease of business with them, and how they handle situations such as production or shipping errors. Even the best manufacturers will encounter issues from time to time, it’s how they handle these that is important.
Conclusion
The price will be a large factor in any product manufacture decision you make, but it shouldn’t a partner you trust, can work well, and which shares your values.
