Finding a manufacturer to do business with is a significant investment, so learning how to find a manufacturer become paramount for the success of your business. You might start with getting a referral from friends and business associates, but the nitty-gritty detail that makes up the boring part of weighing whether a vendor is a perfect fit for you can bog you down.
Yes, the basics of finding a manufacturer are well-known, but how do you get the most out of your investment? Buying goods in bulk is a bit complicated – there’s a lot at stake. Having a reliable vendor by your side to help you navigate the mundane paperwork and the logistical nightmares will be a sanity-saver. We spoke to the experts and the entrepreneurs who have been there, and they have this advice for you.
How to Find a Manufacturer Online?
Obviously, like everything else, your search for a manufacturer will start with a simple keyword search. However, finding a manufacturing partner is not as easy because you might end up with thousands of considerations competing for your business. As tricky as this can be, using a supplier search database will help narrow your search faster.
The thing is, not every manufacturer is created equal, mainly when you are dealing with the same product. It is no surprise that many suppliers disguise themselves as manufacturers but end up being retail wholesalers. These third parties will not offer you value for your investment. But they are good at making themselves stand out, hence the high ranking in search results.
Take the guesswork out of your search for a manufacturer and allow ImportDoor to do the heavy lifting for you. Importdoor is a directory of millions of manufacturers designed to deliver security and peace of mind by screening every vendor. Making your venture successful starts by learning how to find a manufacturer, and using a directory like ImportDoor keeps you from playing supplier roulette with your money.
Domestic vs. Overseas Manufacturer
Using a supplier directory reduces the chances of going at it alone. Still, first, you need to determine whether you want to buy the products from a domestic or overseas manufacturer. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for this because the best option depends on the kind of venture you are running and what is important to you as you go about your business.
Let me tell you a little secret: the best thing you can do for yourself is to narrow your search to at least two manufacturers – one domestic and the other international. The local vendor can play the backup to the overseas partner. That way, in case of delays with shipping, you have a supplier to fall back on to deliver the goods you need on time.
Whichever route, there are pros and cons to either. For starters, domestic manufacturers are perfect for time-sensitive products, payment security, and low communication barriers, but you are limited because of a lack of competition. Overseas manufacturers offer a load of risks, from longer shipping times to language differences and lack of payment recourse. Still, you can save more from the competitive environment and low-cost manufacturing.
Choose the Right Supplier
Now that you are spending less time researching and more time growing your business, the best thing you can do for yourself is to make your choice count. Your search has already been performed and displayed on the simple and intuitive dashboard. All that is left is the delicate task of choosing a reliable supplier who will deliver quality products for your venture.
First things first, you will need to create a criterion that will allow you to evaluate potential manufacturers. Identify the flexible and non-negotiable terms you need from a vendor. Use this list to evaluate all the potential leads and narrow your search further based on the reputation, business types, and security the manufacturer offers.
You should pay strict attention to the little details as you don’t want to do business with an unreliable supplier. The good thing is that you can request official documentation from the supplier and request a product sample. Ideally, the best way on how to find a manufacturer is to begin by identifying exactly what you need and how you intend to get it.
Seal the Deal
At this point, it is time to put the short-listed candidates to the test. But there is a catch; you need to prepare to make a good impression as well. The one quality you should look out for is reliable service. Talk to them about their return policies, shipping timelines, and raw materials to ensure you are getting a deal that will meet your customers’ needs.
An excellent way to put them to the test is to order a sample product. Now, what you are looking for here is to evaluate their packaging, delivery times, and above everything, the quality of the products they are selling. This approach will also offer a chance for both parties to evaluate each other. The manufacturer will want to know if your business is real, so will you.
Everyone can look up how to find a manufacturer, but only a few will put it into practice. You want to show them that you mean business. Get their verified contact information from the supplier directory and speak to their representative to get a feel of the business culture, customer service style, and overall service. The payment terms are also another way to determine the manufacturer’s legitimacy and trustworthiness.
Final Thoughts
Finding a manufacturer to supply you with the products you need for your store can be tricky and time-consuming. But learning how to find a manufacturer like a professional is a key ingredient for the success of any business. You can improve the chances of finding a reliable manufacturer by establishing clearly defined needs up front, asking the right questions, and being open-minded as you evaluate each vendor.
