How do you find Asian manufacturers out of hundreds of thousands that MIGHT be able to produce your particular product? You’ll want to work with a factory with the right expertise, the right price, and the right experience. It also needs to be the right size, with the right equipment, available throughput, and a “can-do” attitude. THAT is the right factory.
Unfortunately, some U.S. companies still attempt to find manufacturers on their own. They will do major research online, as well as connect with other companies for reliable referral sources. The main issue with searching online is that more than likely, you will not have an accurate assessment of the factory’s capabilities. Without going overseas to meet and establish a positive working relationship with these manufacturers you could face several pitfalls, undue stresses, frustration, and, eventually, disaster.
What You Want in an Overseas Manufacturing Partner
The ideal overseas manufacturing partner is cost-effective, delivers on an acceptable schedule, and is responsive to your business needs. How do you find this reliable manufacturing partner? You could still try to look for one online or you can use a manufacturing liaison to source the right manufacturer on your behalf.
The Challenges of Finding Offshore Manufacturers Online
Searching online for manufacturing partners (factories) is certainly convenient, but it is not without its challenges.
Do You Have Enough information?
One of the biggest problems with finding outsource manufacturers online is that it’s difficult to know exactly what you’re getting. From simply looking at a manufacturer’s website, you may not have enough information to make an informed decision. There is no way of knowing if the information on their site is 100% accurate. There are many accounts of overseas manufacturers that are, unfortunately, not transparent on their websites. As such, you may end up feeling misguided about their pricing structure and quality standards.
How Good Is the Quality?
Half of all companies surveyed have reported that the quality of their overseas providers is the biggest issue they face. You may not be able to determine the quality of their work from the vague information presented on the website. Many unknown manufacturers may promise certain quality levels but cannot deliver.
How Reliable Is Communication?
Working with an overseas manufacturing partner requires constant and effective communication. In addition to the obvious language barrier, you’re working in very different time zones. If you find it difficult to get a return call or email, or if the manufacturer doesn’t have English-speaking representatives, communication will suffer and the relationship will be difficult to maintain.
Advantages to Using a Manufacturing Liaison
Given the challenges of trying to find an overseas manufacturer online, many businesses choose instead to work with a manufacturing liaison. Professional liaison firms have relationships with many overseas manufacturers and can match you with one that is best for your specific needs. Moreover, liaisons like ITI Manufacturing will negotiate contracts and manage ongoing operations thus saving you both time and money.
Find the Right Overseas Manufacturing Partner with ITI
ITI Manufacturing is a US-based manufacturing liaison company with expertise in managing the manufacturing supply chain. Fortunately, we work with manufacturers in a variety of Asian countries. We’ve been serving in the manufacturing industry since 1974. So, we are confident we can help you find the right overseas partners. We remove the challenges and frustrations that come with offshore manufacturing. Put our expertise to work for you! Call us today toll-free at (281) 242-7030 to learn more.
