Six strategies to find the best Chinese manufacturer
Coming up with an idea about a product seems like the most challenging part, but that’s the easiest step on this path. The next step is to find a way to manufacture it. Chinese manufactures are the way most start-ups choose due to lower production and development costs.
Now, how to find the best Chinese manufacturer?
There are tonnes of Chinese manufacturing companies that you can link to, but the hurdle is to find the right one with ample reliability and capability. Being satisfied with your choice is another big question. Anyhow,below are many ways that can help you locate the best Chinese manufacturer according to your needs.
Understand Your Needs:
Your company must first understand which type of manufacturer they’re looking for. For that, you need to know the available categories. For example, large organizations vs. family-owned’ companies with in-house production or the buy and sell types; 3rd party suppliers; vertically produced or assembling-based companies.
The selection will be based entirely on the product you have in mind. For example, if you need undivided attention, choose a family-run manufacturer, or if you plan to keep your work available to a localized source, then avoiding a 3rd party company would be a smart choice.
Online Research:
Researching yourself is the most effective and tried method that exists. Google would be your initial savior here. Make a list, categorize, and record your efforts in an organized way to help you review your choices in the end properly.
Searching based on your product categories can also help as it would narrow down your options. While you’re at it, research about your competitor’s manufacturing channels and learn from that too. However, this tactic is useful because then you know which to stay away from to avoid initial clashes.
Chinese B2B Directory:
Once you’re done with the amateur searches, you can level up and look into directories. Now that you know exactly what to look for, you’ll have a head start. An Online B2B Marketplace contains the names of all Chinese manufacturers that traders can link with and discuss their plans. These directories can be accessed online as well.
Sourcing Companies:
This specific strategy cannot be emphasized enough. Finding a valuable sourcing representative will allow you to locate manufacturers out of your reach. They have connections with manufacturers that aren’t listed on online platforms or the directories the whole world has easy access to. They have the upper hand here because they have the inside track into a world you cannot enter alone.
Sourcing companies that can be considered are 80/20 sourcing, Easy Imex, and various others. One good idea is even to run your initial choices with these companies as they have been in the market long enough to make the red flags and potential scams visible to you. Worrying about the additional cost won’t help as this path reduces your risks drastically.
Trade Shows:
Going an extra step and making an effort never goes down the drain. Giving your quest time and patience opens another tactic. You can attend international or local tradeshows where you can network with Chinese manufacturers yourself.
Such exhibitions are majorly held by these companies so that they can display their capabilities and samples to attract customers and revenue. Connections built this way last much longer and turn out to be more reliable than ever because it’s the opposite party looking for you, not vice versa. You can find relevant trade events listed on a leading Hong Kong B2B Marketplace.
Paying an Official Visit:
To crosscheck the trustworthiness and organizational skills of a manufacturer, the old-school method is to go and see it for yourself. It’s a costly and lengthy process, but it will pave the way for more satisfaction. A guide, a translator, and travel preparations will be required for each visit, but it will help you verify your sources before putting all your eggs in one basket. It’s the perfect first-hand understanding of the management, employees, machinery, and the company before an informed decision.
All of the above strategies prove to be unfailing in their unique ways. You have to find which methods suit your prerequisites to allow for the best match to a Chinese manufacturer.