Top 3 Tips for Finding a Reliable Chinese Manufacturer

For someone who is just starting a new business venture, it is normal to wonder where and how a reliable manufacturer can be found. In fact, even experienced business owners still find themselves in a quandary regarding where and how to get new products from time to time. Looking for a reliable manufacturer can be quite a challenge, and many business owners have decided to expand their options by sourcing their products overseas.

One of the countries that have grown in popularity as a sourcing destination is China. The popularity of the country lies primarily in the fact that it’s known for its low-cost products. Additionally, the country’s old reputation for products of inferior quality has recently disappeared and it is now known for producing high-quality products at very attractive prices. Many businesses have benefitted from partnering up with a reputable Chinese manufacturer and you may want to follow suit.

China has always been known for low prices, but they are also now known for the good quality of their products. Flickr.com photo by sylvar

Finding the Right Chinese Manufacturer

China may be known for low-cost, high-quality products, but that doesn’t mean you can just hire the first manufacturer you find and expect success. It could happen if you’re lucky, but do you really want to take the risk? Here are some tips on how to find the right China manufacturer:

1. Do your homework
Some business owners make the mistake of simply doing an online search, chatting with an agent online, and then choosing a manufacturer without doing any further research. You have to make sure the manufacturer has ample experience in creating the kind of products you plan to sell and that they are familiar with your industry. You should also make sure they have a track record of prompt delivery and good business ethics.

2. Ask the right questions

Asking the right questions is one of the most important steps towards finding the right product manufacturer.

Unless you know the right questions to ask, you could end up with misprinted product packaging or other quality issues. For one thing, ask a prospective supplier if they have any experience at all creating the product you plan to sell. Ask if they are willing to send a sample product; truly reliable manufacturers will always be ready to show samples. It is also a good idea to ask how long after the order is placed they can deliver the goods.

3. Be Patient
Don’t expect to find the right Chinese manufacturer immediately. It is understandable that some risk will always be present, but you need to reduce that risk as much as you can and a huge part of reducing this involves taking the time to screen manufacturers carefully. Seek recommendations, ask for referrals, weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each supplier you consider so you can identify the one that best meets your needs and requirements.

Bear in mind that the business culture in China is different than it is in the U.S. It might help if you hired a sourcing company like AsianProSource, which has a full team of professionals negotiating and doing business with manufacturers right there in China. Their first-hand experience is sure to be a boon to your business.