China now has one of the biggest economies in the world, thanks to its robust manufacturing sector. If you have a product and require manufacturing services, looking to the east may save you a lot of money–but where there are opportunities, there are also risks. So make sure to proceed with caution. Here are some of the things you need to do before you contact a manufacturing company in China:
- Type of service that you need –
Do you simply need a company to manufacture a product you conceptualized and designed? Or will you still need prototyping and product development services? Some manufacturing companies can offer everything you will ever need for your business–even marketing. It often makes sense to choose a ‘one-stop shop’ to lower costs and overhead fees.
- Determine the area of your industry –
Most manufacturing companies in China specialize in specific areas. If you are in the automobile business, it’s best to choose automotive manufacturing companies. That said, you can always find manufacturing companies in China that can handle a wide range of products and industries, like metal fabrication, tools and hardware, product assembly, LED lighting, and injection molding.
- Do a thorough background check –
China is home to thousands of factories, and not all of them will be able to offer the services or level of quality that you need. Learn about the manufacturer, how long it has been in the business, who its affiliates and clients are, and what its reputation is. Check their quality assurance policies, too. It’s a good sign if the manufacturing company has been trading for many years (at least over a decade). Longevity is an indicator of reliability.
- Talk about prices –
Don’t forget to factor in your budget and the manufacturing company’s pricing, turnaround time, and delivery.