If you’re looking to get products made in China, you may have your work cut out for you. Although finding a good manufacturer is important, choosing the wrong one can do serious damage to your business plan.
Here are five of the most common pitfalls to avoid when looking for a China manufacturing company to work with.
1) Being lured in by low prices
You want your product to be made as cheaply as possible, but it’s important to remember that often, the cheapest option isn’t always the best.
The quality of a product can vary greatly depending on where it was made and how much was invested in creating it.
For instance, if you’re looking at two companies that both offer the same price per unit but one offers a higher quality fabric than the other, the first company might end up being more expensive because they’ll have lower volume and spend more on materials.
This means they’ll need more customers in order to make their money back.
For hardware, some factories will take shortcuts like using weaker glue or subpar fasteners to save time and money. This will mean that there will be issues down the line when you’re trying to assemble your finished product.
You don’t want things coming undone or getting damaged too easily. The last thing you want is for your merchandise to break before it even hits shelves, let alone in front of an angry customer!
Also, stay away from those that seem too frugal on labor costs. Insufficient investment in labor training can compromise the quality as well. If you aren’t careful about what factory you choose, chances are they’ll cut corners and not pay attention to detail. It doesn’t matter how many units you get if no one buys them!
2) Not doing enough research
When looking for a manufacturing company, one of the most important things you can do is do your research.
There are many companies that claim to have expertise in your industry, but they may not be the best match. It’s important to look at what kind of experience they have, what equipment they use, and how reliable their production process is before making any commitments.
Not doing enough research could lead you down the wrong path which will only cause delays and frustration on both sides. Make sure you have all the information needed before choosing.
It’ll be great if could visit in person but the current circumstance in China does not give this option much of a chance. Speak with previous clients if it’s difficult to arrange a visit.
By getting a feel for what it’s like working with them, as well as seeing their facilities firsthand, you’ll get a better sense of whether or not this company is right for you. Remember: make sure you’re asking the right questions!
3) Choosing a company that’s too big or too small
When looking for a company, it’s important not to choose one that is too big or too small. It can be difficult to find the right size.
If you choose a company that is too big, then it will take longer to get them your product and they may not have expertise in your field. On the other hand, if you choose one that is too small, they may not be able to provide the quality of service that you need and they will likely lack the infrastructure necessary.
But it doesn’t mean you should always go with a medium-sized company either. There are benefits to choosing one that is large enough to handle your project without taking too long, but small enough so you don’t feel like there’s nobody out there who really understands what you’re going through.
The best way to tell which type of company is best for your needs? Ask yourself two questions: What do I need the manufacturing company for? And how much time do I have? Once you’ve answered these questions, finding the right manufacturer should be easier!
4) Not being clear about your needs
It’s important that you are able to communicate what you need accurately so that you can find the right company. This will save both of you time and money in the long run. You should be as specific as possible, but not too specific because it might scare off potential manufacturers.
Ensure that you thoroughly discuss your needs in detail so that you can avoid paying for unnecessary services. Do not take anything for granted and ask about everything including communication, potential certifications, international shipping and more.
If you are unclear about any of these points during discussions with a potential manufacturer, don’t hesitate to follow up with them later by sending an email or calling them directly. Most manufacturers will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have as they want your business!
5) Not having a backup plan
If you have been doing your research and have found the perfect manufacturer, but they turn out to not be the right one, then it might seem like your plan is shot.
But there are many different things that could happen with your product during production that may require you to change manufacturers. For instance, if you order too many units and the cost of production becomes too high, then you may need to find another company.
You should always have a backup plan in place so that when this scenario arises, you don’t lose hope or waste time looking for a new manufacturer.
All the aforementioned pitfalls point to one thing, experience. Find one with a great amount of experience and industry-spanning resources can be of great help. C2W has 17 years of experience and a vast network of suppliers throughout China and Southeast Asia, offering optimized manufacturing solutions that strike a perfect balance between cost and quality. Contact us today!
