Finding a manufacturer in China might be a difficult undertaking, especially if it is your first time. You have an idea for a product and would want a manufacturer to make it for you.
However, sourcing in China appears to be an excellent idea if you are on a tight budget. You are aware that China has a large number of low-cost manufacturers. However, where do you start looking for the appropriate one?
Let us take the case of a computer backpack manufacturer and there is every possibility that there must be several of them present in China. MAGICASE MFG CO., LTD. is a professional high-end manufacturer of nylon who has specialization in manufacturing many different kinds of high-quality bags and cases.
This company can also be roped in for computer backpacks too.
Design, transportation and logistics, due diligence, and negotiation are just a few of the phases involved in creating a supply chain for a product. In this article, we will talk about in general how to identify manufacturers for your product.
1.Start early to build the first supplier list
Plan on investing at least a month on finding the ideal manufacturing partner, followed by several months of finalising designs, and starting the manufacturing process.
When you are seeking to build relationships that will lead to successful manufacturing cooperation, starting from scratch can be difficult. At first, glance, whatever manufacturer you come across appears to be your only option.
As a result, we propose starting by compiling a list of ten providers with whom you may directly communicate. As you create contacts and negotiate with the most promising manufacturers, having a big list helps to alleviate the feeling of scarcity.
2.Visit trade fairs
If you have time, attending a trade show in China is a great method to meet manufacturers and suppliers. However, your ability to devote that much time and money will be determined by the size of your company, the products you want to outsource, and, of course, your budget.
Visiting such events will give you a better understanding of why China is known as the world’s factory. It will also offer you an idea of what is currently available on the market.
Some international firms attend larger trade shows solely to protect their intellectual property by spotting counterfeits on display and taking legal action against their suppliers.
3.Reach out to all your network
Tell individuals in your network what you are looking for, even if you don’t know any makers. Being honest about your wants and aspirations might also help you in China. Given the entrepreneurial ethos of the community, other business tourists to Shenzhen can be extremely helpful.
We discovered purchasers who were happy to recommend manufacturers. Indeed, merely seeking guidance from the expat community in Shenzhen can result in a slew of recommendations for the finest providers to work with depending on our unique requirements.
4.Will you need sourcing agents?
Businesses who are new to outsourcing may choose to partner with sourcing agents who can assist them find suppliers and walking them through the process step by step.
For over a decade, Sourcing Allies has been assisting companies in the United States and Western Europe in manufacturing and sourcing items from China, India, and Eastern Europe, and has a proven sourcing procedure.
5.Schedule time for your factory visits
Communication at such a long distance can easily lead to misunderstandings, and meaning can be lost in translation, which is a common problem in any new partnership with overseas suppliers.
We cannot emphasise enough the importance of going to China and viewing the factories that will be used to manufacture your items as part of the selection process.
The visit will not only help you understand the process, but it will also provide you and the manufacturers with a shared visual vocabulary for dealing with any issues that arise.
It also allows you to inspect the facilities to ensure that the procedures and practises meet your requirements. Though it may appear difficult to transition from a sales representative’s contact information to a factory visit, we found it to be as simple as recommending a date.
Before beginning the visit, it is vital to have a clear grasp of your goods and requirements. While a sample or 3D model can be very useful in communicating, many organisations have engineers who are willing to work with you to understand your demands and come up with a solution, or even build a product based on your specifications.
6.Recognize all the economics involved
While a computer backpack is a low-cost approach to produce large quantities of things, you can only benefit from economies of scale if you can manage Minimum Order Quantities of thousands of pieces per batch. If your product requires extensive development and iteration, fast prototyping techniques such as 3D printing should be used to perfect the design before commissioning a finished product.
7.How will you verify product quality?
After you have received quotes from a few manufacturers, pick the ones you like most and request a sample of your product. It is rare for a manufacturer to get it right the first time, so don’t be concerned if the sample and your prototype differ slightly.
To fine-tune the sample, you may need to go back and forth a few times until you are pleased. This procedure also allows you and the manufacturer to become acquainted with one another and feel confident in your ability to collaborate.
8.Achieving results
We were able to discover manufacturing partners and acquire various estimates within a few weeks of first contact by using these tactics. These estimates represent a thorough understanding of our product and requirements, as well as a cost savings of more than 35% over our existing domestic production expenses.
As intimidating as it may appear to go from a design to a final product, employing these strategies to identify suppliers who will guide you through the process will get you there quickly and effectively. Always keep in mind that suppliers are looking for you as much as you are looking for them.
By conducting your due diligence in this manner, you considerably reduce the danger of encountering issues and boost your chances of establishing a long and fruitful partnership with your Chinese manufacturer for your computer backpack.
