You’re proud of your idea for a product, and you’re confident that your creation will add significant value to your customers’ lives. You also understand that successfully bringing your product to market will depend, in large part, on the actual production process and that choosing the right manufacturer is essential.
So, how do you choose the right manufacturer? As a company with manufacturing experience in assembly, electronics, original design, product prototype and more, we at Pivot recommend making your choice with the following considerations in mind:
1. Experience
When evaluating a manufacturers’ qualifications and experience, find out what businesses they’ve worked with. Working with known brands is not only indicative of the manufacturer’s reliability but also its global distinction. Once you’ve identified these brands, reach out to them to learn more about their experience working with the manufacturer. When investigating a manufacturer, pay attention to how their representatives answer your questions. For instance, if you want to make an electronic product, can the representative speak to electronic sourcing? Ultimately, you are looking for a sound demonstration of knowledge and experience.
2. Size
Typically, large manufacturers possess a lot of knowledge and experience. Small manufacturers, on the other hand, often offer the advantage of greater flexibility. Bigger is not necessarily better, and that’s where research comes into play. Ultimately, the choice depends on your company and production needs.
3. Turnaround Time
You must be on the same page with your manufacturer regarding your desired production timeline. You should directly inquire about the turnaround time and determine if their schedule fits with your own. It’s also important to be aware of how turnaround times correlate with production pricing.
4. Sourcing
Occasionally, manufacturers will outsource their production for specific product components. You’ll want to determine if the partner you’re considering relies on this approach, and if so, to what degree. If the answer you receive is ‘yes,’ be sure to research the company your intended partner uses for outsourcing to verify they’re equally reputable.
5. Minimum Order Requirements
Another important consideration is the manufacturer’s MOQ, or, minimum order quantity. The MOQ can vary significantly among manufacturers and products. Before you agree to partner with a manufacturer, you must ensure that the minimum orders work with your budget.
6. Payment Terms
If this is your first time working with the manufacturer, they may require pre-production payment in full. Verify if this is the case, so you won’t be hit with any surprises.
7. Quality Assurance
You want to be assured that your manufacturer can deliver quality every time, not just with small orders or samples. This is ultimately more important than competitive prices or speedy turnaround times. Ask about what quality assurance practices the partner you’re considering has in place. These practices should be occurring at every stage of the production cycle, not just the end, to ensure all product components are devoid of defects.
Pivot International is a top contract manufacturer. With over a 40-year track record of helping companies design, develop, produce, and launch products, we have what it takes to deliver. We bring products to market both domestically and abroad. We are here to answer any questions to determine what makes the most sense for your company. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you grow your business.
