Overseas or Local: How to Find a Great Manufacturer

When trying to find the perfect manufacturer for your invention development, there’s a lot of things you need to take into consideration. For starters, you need to determine the type of supplier you’re looking for which will help you in your research and invention development. Another thing you need to think about is whether you want to use a domestic or overseas manufacturer. Once you have the basics down, you can start your search for the perfect manufacturer for your product.

Local manufacturing is a great way to get your product created quickly and efficiently.

Now, where do you start?

• Directories
  Some of the best resources are free online supplier directories like ThomasNet or Makers Row.
• Google
  This can be a bottomless pit of information but using Google can still be a great option. Search on the higher pages of your Google search results and use a combination of search words. It’s also a great source to find the best of the best product design firms for your invention development.
• Library
  Sounds crazy that people still go here right? But surprisingly many libraries have monthly subscriptions to business and manufacturer publications you wouldn’t normally have access too.
• Referrals
  Ask around! You can never underestimate the value of talking to others and getting their recommendations. A good product design firm will have many local and overseas connections with manufacturers. Reach out to discuss your options and get referrals for your invention development.

Once you find some manufacturers, reach out to them to receive more information and a quote. Find out what their minimum order quantity is, pricing for samples, turnaround time, payment terms, etc.

Sourcing manufacturers is an important step in your invention development process, so it’s critical to do your diligence while researching and to source the right people to ask questions throughout.

What are your biggest tips for finding the right manufacturer? Share in the comments!

About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!