This guide walks you through finding a manufacturer or supplier for your product ideas, with advice for evaluating manufacturers, deciding between domestic and overseas suppliers, and asking good questions about supply chains. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to sourcing the right products for your ecommerce business.
A manufacturer is a business that transforms raw materials into finished goods. Manufacturers sell goods to consumers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, or other manufacturers. From there, individuals and businesses may use those goods to create more complex products.
Most manufacturers specialize in specific product types. For example, you might work with:
Many retailers work with multiple manufacturers to build diverse inventory for their stores. Following this approach, known as supplier diversity, encourages a unique product mix and reduces supply chain risks.
All manufacturers are suppliers, but not all suppliers are manufacturers. “Supplier” is a broad term that includes anyone who provides products and inventory. This category includes manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
Before starting your search, determine what type of supplier you need. Your choice may depend on your ecommerce business model.
Common supplier options include:
When planning to manufacture or wholesale products, you must decide whether to source domestically, internationally, or both. Each option has its pros and cons.
Domestic manufacturers tend to have shorter lead times, cheaper shipping, and better quality control standards than overseas manufacturers. On the other hand, overseas manufacturers tend to offer lower product costs and produce higher-volume orders. U.S. News & World Report states that India, China, and Vietnam provide the cheapest overseas manufacturing costs.
Beyond price, quality, and shipping, you should also consider regulatory compliance and geopolitical factors affecting production in your country or countries of choice, both domestically and internationally.
For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to run toxicology testing on products like cosmetics. Make sure the manufacturer(s) you choose can meet quality and safety standards in your industry.
You should also consider the safety of the people manufacturing your goods. Does the manufacturer comply with certified standards ensuring safe and humane working conditions? Stay informed about laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). To curb human trafficking in global supply chains, the UFLPA bans goods produced in the XUAR region of China from entering US markets.
Wherever you’re sourcing manufacturers, always check that they’re complying with standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Quality, safety, ethics, sustainability—whichever standards you’re looking to comply with, your chosen manufacturer should be ISO certified.
Ready to turn your product ideas into reality? Follow these steps to find the best manufacturers and suppliers for your business.
Begin by casting a wide net. Research potential manufacturers through:
Use keywords like “private label,” “OEM manufacturer,” or “[your product] manufacturer” to refine your search. Aim to identify manufacturers that specialize in your product category and have experience producing similar items.
Tip: Prioritize companies with professional websites, documented processes, and verifiable certifications (like ISO or SA8000).
Once you have a shortlist of potential partners, request detailed quotes. Provide each manufacturer with consistent information to ensure an apples-to-apples comparison.
Include:
Ask for breakdowns of:
Pro tip: Be clear and concise in your inquiry. Manufacturers receive many quote requests—focused communication increases your chances of a timely response.
Don’t move forward with a quote alone. Investigate the credibility and capabilities of each supplier.
Evaluate:
You can also check for reviews on B2B marketplaces, visit manufacturing forums, or request customer references.
Once you've identified a few qualified options, it’s time to share your product design in detail.
Provide:
If you don't have formal designs, consider hiring a freelance product designer or engineer to help. Clear, thorough design documentation ensures the manufacturer understands exactly what you're looking for.
Tip: Include tolerances and acceptable quality deviations if applicable—this prevents future disputes.
Always request physical samples before committing to production. This allows you to:
Keep one or two “control samples” signed and dated. These will serve as benchmarks to compare future production runs.
Warning: If a supplier refuses to provide samples, consider it a red flag.
Once you've found a supplier that meets your expectations, negotiate terms that work for both parties. Key areas to discuss:
Reminder: Build a partnership, not a transaction. A strong supplier relationship is built on trust and mutual benefit.
After finalizing negotiations and verifying samples, you’re ready to start production.
Before placing the order:
Tip: For larger or international orders, consider third-party quality inspections before shipment.
Choosing the right manufacturer is more than just comparing prices. It’s about finding a reliable partner who understands your product, shares your quality standards, and helps you scale with confidence.
Take your time, do your homework, and focus on long-term value. With the right approach, you’ll set your ecommerce business up for long-term success.
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