There’s a reason why China’s industrial output rose by 4.5% this year alone. China has long been a leader in the manufacturing industry. That’s why many Western countries choose to outsource their manufacturing needs to China.
When chosen correctly, Chinese manufacturers can provide quality products at an affordable price. However, the opposite is also true. Bad manufacturers offer cheap quality products that are marred with supply chain problems.
That’s why it’s vital to know how to find reliable Chinese manufacturers for your specific business needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some tips when searching for these professionals.
Where to Look for Reliable Chinese Manufacturers
There are multiple ways you can find Chinese manufacturers. One of the easiest methods is simply to use the internet. Plug your manufacturing needs into a search engine, and consult with the top results.
You could also use an online sourcing platform that connects you to Chinese manufacturers based on your industry requirements. The problem with using the internet is that it opens up the possibility of scams.
It can be hard to gauge the reliability of a manufacturer based purely on their online presence. Another option is to visit trade fairs within China. A trade fair like the Canton Fair will help you get a better sense of the market and the diversity of verified manufacturers.
Best of all, everyone is vetted so the possibility of scams is much lower. Of course, you’ll need to travel to China to visit these fairs. However, if your company is big enough, it’s easy to see how it’s worth it.
If you want vetted options, but can’t travel to the country, consider partnering with a China sourcing agent of a consulting firm. These professionals specialize in connecting Western businesses to the right type of manufacturing companies in China.
We here at China 2 West can even help with the supply chain aspect of this arrangement. Lastly, you can also ask around your industry network to see if any colleagues might have suggestions for relevant manufacturers.
Make a Short List
Once you’ve found some potential manufacturers, you can make a short list and reach out to them. During this initial consultation, you should ask if they’re accepting new clients.
Then schedule an interview with them. During this interview, you should ask questions to make sure that they can appropriately handle your manufacturing needs.
You should start with three to four companies and narrow the choices down to one or two options that you think you can trust.
Verify Their Credentials
Before you partner with a manufacturer, you want to verify two things. First, they are who they say they are and not a scammer. Second, they have both the experience and the production capabilities to deliver the product that you need to offer.
The first part is relatively simple. You simply need to ask to see all their relevant business licenses and credentials. In some cases, it might make sense to ask for their audited accounts as well.
If they aren’t willing to provide you with this information, we recommend looking elsewhere. Verifying the second part can be more of a challenge. Ideally, you’ll be able to send someone to tour their factory and offices.
However, instead of this, you can verify its location and facilities through government resources. We also highly recommend asking for a product sample of what you’re making.
This will confirm whether or not they can handle your specific product. You should also make sure that they’re following all the relevant trade agreements.
Ask for Testimonies
If you’re the first Western company that a manufacturer in China has worked with, be careful. There are so many logistics at play when you’re first starting this type of global operations.
As such, if you’re someone’s first Western client, you’ll likely be on the receiving end of a lot of mistakes and hiccups. Instead, look for a company that’s established to connect Western clients with Chinese manufacturers.
The more testimonials they have on their side, the better. This means that Western clients have worked with them in the past and are satisfied with the end product result.
Schedule a Phone Call
Any Chinese that only communicates through written material should be viewed as a clear red flag. If you’ve noticed that the manufacturer only talks through emails or letters, ask to speak with them on the phone.
A phone call is an important step because it allows you to determine whether or not a language barrier will be a problem with the manufacturer.
When you talk on the phone, you’re also more likely to be able to detect potential uncertainties or even lies that a manufacturer might be telling.
Make sure you prepare some specific questions to ask the individuals on the phone. That way you can gauge their answers appropriately.
Do They Follow Best Practices?
What separates a quality manufacturer from a poor one? Whether or not they follow the best practices in the industry. One of the most important best practices is defining quality.
Different industries and countries have different expectations when it comes to quality. What might be right for one client, could be wrong for another.
Defining quality requirements early on in the business relationship can be a great way to avoid these misunderstandings. Some other global manufacturing best practices include things like:
- Setting up a quality management system (aka a QMS)
- Utilizing manufacturing software
- Proper machine maintenance
- Employees well-trained in quality control
- Proper cleaning processes for facilities
- Inspection services
Make sure to check out this guide to learn more about what’s involved in these manufacturing best practices.
Ready for the Manufacturing Services You Need? Contact China 2 West
We hope this guide helped you learn the basics for finding reliable Chinese manufacturers. Here at China 2 West, we know how hard it can be for companies to find reliable manufacturers in this country without a contract.
That’s why our consultancy services have helped thousands of Western companies find manufacturing solutions in China.
What’s more, we do so with as few disruptions to your business operations as possible. So, if you’re ready to get the consultation help you need, contact us today.
