How to Find a Supplier for Your Product

Following months of researching and brainstorming, you finally have a product idea and a marketing strategy in place. It's a lot of work to come up with an original product idea, so give yourself some credit.

The next thing you need to do is make this concept a reality. But you have lots of questions, don't you? Where can you find a supplier?

What are my options for finding a manufacturer or supplier for my new product or service? Do I prefer to work with manufacturers in my area or those located elsewhere? How can I determine whether a manufacturer is reliable?

When it comes to sourcing products, many businesses find themselves at a standstill because they don’t know how to find a supplier. In either case, getting high-quality products might be a challenge, regardless of whether you plan to make your own or source them from wholesalers.

To Find a supplier for your next project can be a bit of a challenge. As you work on a product for your e-commerce business, we'll discuss where to start your search and what questions you should be asking your suppliers.

Product Supplier vs. Product Manufacturer

Who is a product supplier?

A product supplier is a company that supplies products to others. For example, if you were to go to Walmart and purchase a television, it is likely that the company that actually manufactured the television was not Walmart. The company that actually manufactured the television would be considered a product supplier.

Who is a product manufacturer?

A product manufacturer takes the raw goods or parts supplied by many different companies and combines them into one finished product. A product manufacturer can also be called an assembler or builder, but they are not responsible for designing the product and may have little control over its design as well.

In a nutshell, it is a business that manufactures its own products. For example, if you were to go to Apple and purchase an iPhone, then Apple would be considered the product manufacturer because they manufactured their own phones in-house.

The Difference Between Product Supplier vs Product Manufacturer

There are several key differences between product suppliers and product manufacturers. 

1. First, product manufacturers are typically more involved in the design and development of their products than product suppliers. 
2. Second, product manufacturers typically have greater control over their production process than product suppliers. This allows product manufacturers to produce higher-quality products more consistently than product suppliers. 
3. Finally, product manufacturers typically sell their products directly to consumers, while product suppliers typically sell their products to other companies. 

These key differences between product suppliers and product manufacturers can help you choose the right type of company for your needs.

The Eight Most Common Methods For Finding The Right Supplier

Choosing the right manufacturer and supplier for your company is essential. They're in charge of the quality and cost of your inventory.

Here are several methods you can use to find a supplier:

1. Use Online B2B Marketplaces

Online B2B marketplaces are a great place to hunt for products that are already on the market to sell.

This allows businesses to browse through thousands of products from countless vendors without leaving their offices or homes.

The process is simple too — users simply search for products based on category (e.g., electronics) or keyword (e.g., iPhone cases), then place an order after selecting one (or more) suppliers whose offering meets their needs.

In short, it’s a convenient way for companies to find the right supplier for their needs without having to do any research themselves (or spend lots of time on the phone).

Make sure the manufacturers you are looking at adhere to the site's quality criteria. For instance, Alibaba requires the following credentials from each of its manufacturers:

• Verified: This indicates that Alibaba or a third-party firm has visited the manufacturer's factory.
• Gold Supplier: This denotes that the firm has paid for membership on Alibaba.
• Trade Assurance: a free service that safeguards your manufacturer orders from payment to delivery.

2. Comb Through Directories

If you want to know how to find the right supplier, free online supplier directories are an excellent resource. Thousands of distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers are listed in these directories. 

Supplier directories are lists of companies that offer products or services that match your specifications. They can be used by businesses of any size and in any industry. 

The best part is that they're free to use, which makes them accessible to anyone who needs them

3. Look For Referrals

If you know someone who has worked with a particular supplier, ask them for their opinion. They may have good things to say about their experience or perhaps warn you against a particular company.

If they don't have any personal experience with a business, ask if they have any other recommendations or resources that might help you in your search.

4. Check Online Reviews And Ratings

There are many review sites that allow businesses to post reviews and ratings of their products and services. 

These sites can be helpful when deciding whether or not to do business with a particular company.

However, keep in mind that these sites aren't always accurate — some companies may pay employees or customers to write positive reviews about their products or services.

It's important to read through all reviews to determine if they seem genuine before making any final decisions about suppliers based on online feedback alone.

5. Consider Overseas vs. Domestic

Working with a supplier or manufacturer in another country (often Asia) has the primary benefit of lowering labor costs.  It's possible to find reputable manufacturers in other countries that produce high-quality goods and deliver them on schedule.  However, the drawbacks of working with manufacturers based in another country might be intimidating, particularly for sellers with little to no industry expertise. Labor costs may well be offset by the additional time and greater risk of losing money.

The benefits of buying from an American manufacturer include reliable quality standards, simpler communication, better protection for consumers,

For custom orders, domestic manufacturers are more likely to be willing to accommodate your requests, even if it means going back and forth multiple times to get it done right. 

6. Narrow Down Your Candidates

Getting quotes from manufacturers and suppliers who specialize in making products similar to yours will help you narrow down the field even further. Start with a quick, professional email question to establish oneself as a serious possible client. 

Ask about their minimum order quantity (MOQ), how much each unit would cost at the MOQ, how much would each unit cost in bulk, and how fast is their turn-around time. Also, inquire about their payment conditions.

As tempting as it may be, don't forget to take into account the other factors that may affect your profit margin when comparing manufacturers. Many companies base their purchasing decisions only on price, yet this is a frequent misconception in manufacturing.

7. See Them Up Close

Make sure you're comfortable with a potential supplier or manufacturer before making a final decision. Visit their facility and speak with a representative if at all possible.

If you can't meet face-to-face, try to set up a Skype or other video chat meeting. Obtain a sample of the products you're interested in selling or ask them to develop a prototype of your own design.

Make an attempt to create a long-term alliance with them in order to achieve more business success.

8. Consider the Additional Services

Some manufacturers provide additional services that you may find useful. Customers' service and returns might be processed by them, which could save you a significant amount of time each week. 

Some are able to assist you to design your own packaging and labels for your own brand, while others may be able to meet with you on a regular basis to discuss trends and sourcing concerns in your specific market.

To develop a strong basis for your organization, it's essential that you spend time investigating suppliers and manufacturers. 

Next, you'll need to understand how to incorporate your suppliers' data into your overall business operations.

Factors to consider when selecting a supplier

The process of selecting a product supplier is an important one. There are a few key factors to consider in order to ensure that you choose the right supplier for your needs. 

First, you need to consider the quality of the products that the supplier offers. It is important to select a supplier who can provide high-quality products that meet your standards. 

Second, you need to consider the price of the products. It is important to find a supplier who can offer competitive prices in order to get the best value for your money. 

Third, you need to consider the customer service and support that the supplier offers. It is important to find a supplier who is responsive and helpful in order to ensure a positive experience. 

By considering these factors, you can be sure to select the right product supplier for your needs.