When starting a new business venture, there are many things to consider that go beyond the inspiration boards, designs, and colors of your particular product. One area that needs careful consideration is logistics and the ability to create a successful production process. Here are some helpful steps to help find the right factory for your product idea:

Foreign or national suppliers

A standard question to consider is whether you want to work with a foreign or domestic supplier. By considering both options, you have the best chance of finding the most profitable manufacturing or wholesale process to meet your needs. Some of the more popular overseas locations include Asian countries such as Taiwan, India, and China.

In most cases, the overseas option is the cheapest, but it’s still best to consider more than the cost per unit or the initial investment. Both production options have their own positives and negatives.

Sourcing products from abroad not only has lower manufacturing costs, but also a greater number of factories to choose from. However, this option also has its downsides, such as longer shipping times, cultural differences, communication issues, and the risk of lower perceived quality.

Alternatively, domestic sourcing is appreciated for its higher labor standards and manufacturing quality, as well as the commercial appeal of locally made items and greater payment security. But, a common problem with limiting factory choice is the inability to get a particular item made locally.

starting the search

Once the preferred production location has been identified, it is necessary to analyze the different options to find a suitable factory or manufacturing plant.

directories

A great place to start your search is online directories. They list a wide range of suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturers based abroad and at home.

Library

A visit to your local library can give you access to several manufacturer directories not normally available for free viewing by the general public. They are often reserved for places like the library and are subject to a monthly subscription fee. This type of directory is a great option for those looking for local wholesalers and manufacturers.

References

Many of the most promising leads come from personal referrals from family and friends. Even if a particular factory is not the right fit for your needs, you can still ask the factory for other contacts to see if they would be a better fit.