Suppliers and manufacturing
How to Find a Reliable Supplier Abroad: A Guide to Sourcing and Vetting Manufacturers
Where to look for a manufacturer, how to tell a factory from a trading company, what to check before paying a deposit, and how to compare quotes.
Finding a supplier is easy. Finding one who will meet the spec, the quantity and the timeline, and still be there for the third order, is real work. Most import problems start with choosing a supplier who was never vetted.
A good check doesn't require a flight. It requires knowing what to ask, which documents to request and how to read a quote.
What the full guide will cover
- Sources for finding manufacturers: trade platforms, exhibitions and industry referrals
- Factory or trading company: how to tell, and when it matters
- What to ask for before a deposit: business license, certificates, samples and references
- How to compare three quotes on the same basis
- Warning signs worth stopping for
The full guide is being written. Have a question on this topic right now? Send us your product details and we'll get back to you with an answer.
On this topic on our site:Finding suppliers and manufacturersSupplier comparison
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