By Anica Oaks
If you’ve got a great idea for a new product but don’t have a manufacturing partner, you may as well not have the idea. Fortunately, there are plenty of great manufacturers you can partner with to make your idea into a physical product that can be enjoyed by your intended audience. To be sure, however, not all manufacturers are created equal. That’s why it’s important to find a good one before you sign on the dotted line. Here are a few ways to find a manufacturer that can get your product into production.
Ask around
While your new product is certainly innovative, it likely falls into a class of products that are already being manufactured. If you can, then, it’s a good idea to ask other product creators to see which manufacturers are the best to work with. You may have to make a lot of phone calls and send a lot of emails to get the information you’re after, but in the end, having some insider information can go a long way to getting your product to market more efficiently.
Look for connections
Whether you choose to utilize a small or large manufacturer, it’s important that your chosen manufacturer has some close connections with other companies to be able to get what they need quickly. For example, if your product requires mixing with an air mixer, you need a manufacturer who has connections to allow it to get air powered mixers today, not sometime next week or month, to ensure your product gets to market as quickly as possible. Typically, a well-connected manufacturer will also be able to offer you better rates than one that’s new to the manufacturing scene.
Certified safe
While you certainly don’t want to overpay to have your product manufactured, it’s true that you get what you pay for when it comes to this area. If you are presented with a too-good-to-be-true deal, investigate the manufacturer further to see if they have deficiencies in safety, certification, or some other issue that could cause delays with your product, either now or in the future. If everything checks out, it may be that they’re simply giving you a great deal. However, it’s still important to remain vigilant of any manufacturer to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Works with you
No matter how large or small your company is, you still have a finite budget you have to work within. That’s why it’s important to find a manufacturer who can work with your budget to accomplish your goals. See what types of payment plans a potential manufacturer offers, also understanding any stipulations that accompany that payment plan. If a manufacturer isn’t willing to be flexible when it comes to payment, chances are they’ll be deaf to your needs when it comes to other aspects of the process, as well.
Take your time
The most important thing to remember throughout this process is to take your time. When you have a new product idea, you can begin to get in a rush as you are excited to get it to market. If you rush too much, however, you could find yourself stuck with a second-rate manufacturer that butchers your original vision for the product. This will only delay your product further or even cause you to have to shelf your dreams permanently.
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Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
