It’s not easy to start manufacturing your products in China, below are some tips learned from my experiences as a sourcing agent in China.
1. Set-up a mutually beneficial partnership
As a start-up, you may not be taken seriously by the big manufacturers, because the volume of business you bring to their table is not significant. So, it is better to source a small/medium sized manufacturer to create an incentive for the manufacturer to work with you.
2. Check references
Finding the right manufacturer is difficult. Unlike programmers, few manufacturers have a digital presence. Checking for references is paramount.
3. Take baby steps
Start your own manufacturing takes a lot of time and money, you cannot afford mistakes. Depend more on manual labor and low-investment tools in the first few months, gradually increase your investment when your products keep bringing revenue.
4. Research
If you are looking for a manufacturer online, you need to do extensive research before you decide.
5. Have multiple open partnerships
Have multiple reliable options, rather than fully rely on a single manufacturer.
6. Get the legal details sorted out
Once this is done, you can confidently go ahead with investing in moulds and materials for your business.
7. Know the people you work with
Your manufacturers are critical to your business. It is imperative that you know them well before working with them. This is true especially when your manufacturer is in China, far away from your home.
