Excited about a new product concept but don’t know how to make it a reality? Learn how to find a manufacturer and bring your idea to life.

Whether you’re planning to manufacture products or source from wholesale suppliers, it can be a challenging process. But with the right approach, you can identify the perfect manufacturing partner for your ecommerce venture.

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.

What is a manufacturer?

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:

· A glassware manufacturer for bottles and jars

· A cardboard box manufacturer for packaging

· A plastic goods manufacturer for containers

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.

Is a manufacturer a supplier?

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:

· Manufacturers that produce your unique product idea in full, or provide parts so you can complete it

· Suppliers (who may also be manufacturers), wholesalers, or distributors that offer existing products you can resell in your store

· Dropshipping companies that supply products from existing brands and fulfill orders for your business

Domestic vs. overseas manufacturing

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. 

Regulatory compliance and quality control

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. 

How to find a manufacturer in 7 steps

Ready to turn your product ideas into reality? Follow these steps to find the best manufacturers and suppliers for your business.

1.Explore your options

2.Gather quotes

3.Research your shortlist

4.Communicate your designs

5.Order samples and compare supplier quality

6.Negotiate with potential manufacturers

7.Place your first order