As of October 2022, industrial production in China expanded 5.0% year over year. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have been challenging for many businesses.
Chinese suppliers and manufacturers remain in high demand. This is widely due to their cost-effective production methods and efficiency.
Choosing the right manufacturing source can make all the difference. It’s important to have smooth and successful processes for businesses outsourcing their production. But not all manufacturers are created equal.
If you’re unsure if your current manufacturing partner is living up to their maximum potential, there are some signs you should be aware of. Knowing and understanding these signs is a vital part of establishing and maintaining the best quality products and service for your business.
Keep reading this post below for 5 helpful signs you may need a better manufacturing source.
1. Delays in Communication
A good manufacturing source would not hesitate to return inquiries in a timely manner. Keeping communication channels open is essential for a strong partnership. If you’re not receiving responses to your inquiries within a 24 hours timeframe, this could be a big warning sign.
Your manufacturing partner should view you as a priority. If any issues arise, they should have a dedicated email address or phone number for you to contact. Being put on endless hold or having your emails constantly ignored is a huge red flag.
Poor communication practices show that you are not valued as a partner. Even worse, it could be a sign that they are deliberately avoiding you. You want a quality manufacturing source that delivers prompt communication no matter how big or small the issue may be.
Communication delays can also affect your customers on the other side of things. If you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns in communication, take note. This is a clear sign to find another more trustworthy manufacturing source.
2. Reduction in the Quality of Products Made
An estimated 28% of the world’s manufacturing output comes from China. To put it into perspective, the U.S. only produces around half of that percentage. Yes, businesses want to save money on manufacturing by outsourcing, but they shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality in the process.
The endgame of any company should be to produce a high-quality product. It is what customers expect. If your manufacturing source is cutting corners and delivering a less-than-stellar product as a result, this will hurt you in the long run.
Unhappy customers will flood your customer service demanding refunds and exchanges. Customers will leave negative reviews which can impact your reach for attracting new customers. They may even decide to terminate doing business with you completely.
65% of customer returns are due to damaged or defective products. Poor-quality products may also lead to defects which can cause injury to your customers and result in costly lawsuits and recalls.
You want to avoid this unpleasantness altogether by going with a reputable and high-quality manufacturing source.
3. Frequent Missed Shipping Dates
As a business supplier, your manufacturing partner is essential for producing the necessary products you need. They’re also responsible for shipping these products to you in a reasonable timeframe. You rely on these shipments to fulfill your orders.
A missed shipping deadline is excusable once in a while due to reasons like severe weather issues. Even then, there should be some kind of contingency plan in place. But a manufacturing partner who frequently misses deadlines is bad for business.
You can’t run your business on excuses. Frequent shipment setbacks impact every other aspect of your business as well. Your customers rely on the timely fulfillment and shipment of their orders, especially around the holiday season.
If you can’t offer them fast shipping times or constantly have items on backorder, they will take their business elsewhere. You’ll lose out on sales to your competitors who can fill and ship their orders quickly. Prompt and efficient shipping is a must.
4. Overall Lack of QC Accountability
Low-quality products can result from several different reasons such as global supply chain challenges. A lack of proper quality control protocols can also influence several aspects of manufacturing.
Equipment malfunctions, ineffective management, and unsatisfactory operations are just a few of the problems. Poor quality control measures are a surefire sign of a less-than-trustworthy manufacturing source.
You may have gone with a low-cost manufacturer to save money because they gave you an offer you couldn’t refuse. But if this deal appears to be too good to be true, it’s because it probably is. Skimping on necessary quality control services to save money is a big mistake.
There are 3 crucial areas of quality control to consider:
- Pre-production inspections
- In-process inspections
- Container loading inspections
You need pre-production inspections to ensure the facility has the proper equipment and production capabilities as well as adequate training, supervision, and working conditions. In-process inspections assess orders to maintain in-process quality control, first article inspection, defect sorting, and pre-shipment inspections. Container loading inspections handle vehicle checks, driver documentation, and proper product loading procedures.
5. High Levels of Management Turnover
Consistency with your manufacturing source is also key. You want to know that you are in the most competent hands. A manufacturing partner that experiences frequent turnover rates is highly suspect.
After all, why would you want to do business with a place that can’t even keep the same staff in place long-term? You want to build a relationship with your business supplier. If you can’t even tell who you’re working with week to week, how can you build up a proper partnership and establish trust?
You don’t want to have to reinvent the wheel every time you make contact. If employees are constantly jumping ship, it’s a clear giveaway of a poorly managed company. They could also be engaging in unfair labor practices which can reflect negatively on your business as a result if word gets out.
A quality Chinese manufacturer will always work to facilitate a streamlined process for you. This means having a knowledgeable and trusted team consistently at the helm of client relations.
Choose China 2 West Services Ltd as Your Trusted Manufacturing Source
You put a lot into making your business successful, so you don’t want to leave anything to chance. Your manufacturing partner should help, not hinder you. Having a reliable and trustworthy manufacturing source can help lighten the load of your day-to-day business concerns.
Let China2West be your one-stop solution provider for all your needs. From supply chain management to manufacturing and quality control, we can handle it all. Our experienced and talented staff can even take care of the complex process of product design and development.
Contact us today for more information and our dedicated staff will respond in 24 hours.
