When and if you do decide to go with an overseas manufacturer — we did when we started needing to fill enormous orders for WalMart — find the factory yourself. When I worked at Worlds of Wonder in the 1980s, I spent several weeks in China and Thailand overseeing production. I made sure the standards of quality were being met before I left, but when I came back, there were problems. There was confusion. To get the product you want — as well as security of mind! — it is necessary to build relationships, like in all other aspects of partnerships. Be careful of whom you trust simply online or over the phone; I believe there’s nothing quite like being able to look someone in the eye and shake their hand. Factor these costs into your decision to make products overseas — because you’ll have to go if you want dependably great products.

And, of course, before you begin manufacturing your product overseas, learn all that you need to know about bringing your product back into the US. What are the import rules and regulations that affect your type of good? When will you need to pay, and how? What about customs and clearance and transportation costs? Do your due diligence. I’m happy to report that we never had any problems with the products we had made overseas. Samples may look good when they first arrive, but quality can drop during production. That’s why you need someone to help oversee the process. The language barrier can be really challenging. Paying for your first shipment up front without having seen any product is a little nerve wracking, to say the least! Here’s to hoping it looks great! Sourcing agents can help take away some of the stress, and there are many companies that exist solely to make this process as easy as possible.

Kick the tires on any company you ever work with. Read about them online. Get referrals. Are they one of the good guys or bad guys? Do your homework. That’s my point. One of the best ways to identify good manufacturers in your field is to attend trade shows. They have contract manufacturers there.

 
By Stephen Key

Source: InventRight