How to find a manufacturer for your product line [2024]

Updated on February 23, 2024
In this article
In this article

Key Takeaways

  • Manufacturer vs. Supplier: Understand the distinction between manufacturers, suppliers, and contract manufacturers.
  • Finding the Right Manufacturer: Conduct thorough research, request quotes, evaluate communication, and consider samples before committing.
  • Considerations and Risks: Whether domestic or overseas, consider factors like quality control, communication, intellectual property protection, and ethical concerns. Platforms like Wonnda simplify the process.

What is a Manufacturer?

Before guiding you through how to find a manufacturer for your product line, let’s first start with some important basics.

A manufacturer is a company that produces goods for sale. These goods can be anything from household items, electronics, clothing, cars, and more. Manufacturers take raw materials and convert them into finished products using tools, machinery, and human labor. The primary purpose of a manufacturer is to produce large quantities of products efficiently, maintaining consistent quality standards.

What is a Supplier?

A supplier, on the other hand, is an entity that provides products or services to other businesses or consumers. While manufacturers focus on the production process, suppliers may not necessarily be involved in the manufacturing. Instead, they could be traders, wholesalers, or distributors who acquire products, either from manufacturers or other suppliers, and provide them to other businesses or the end consumer. A supplier’s main goal is to ensure the availability and timely delivery of products or services to their clients. However, in practice, the terms supplier and manufacturer are often used synonymously. If you are wondering how to find a manufacturer for your product line, understanding the difference between a supplier and a manufacturer is crucial.

Is a Manufacturer a Supplier?

While all manufacturers can be suppliers, not all suppliers are manufacturers. If a manufacturer sells its products directly to a business or consumer, it acts as a supplier. However, a supplier that does not produce its own goods but sources them from elsewhere is purely a distributor or trader, not a manufacturer. It’s essential to differentiate between the two, especially when considering sourcing and procurement strategies.

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Wonnda is a B2B platform that enables brands to work with private Label manufacturers, contract manufacturers and suppliers to launch new products

What is a Contract Manufacturer?

A contract manufacturer is a third-party organization hired to produce specific components or complete products for another business. Unlike traditional manufacturers, which produce goods under their own brands, contract manufacturers operate under the specifications and directives of the hiring company. This arrangement allows the hiring business to focus on core competencies like design, sales, and marketing, while outsourcing the manufacturing process. Contract manufacturers can offer benefits such as reduced capital expenditure, quicker time-to-market, and scalability. When you want to find a manufacturer for your product, be aware that not all manufacturers also offer contract manufacturing. It’s advisable to ask manufacturers, if they also operate as a contract manufacturer, or if they only produce their own products.

Private Label Manufacturers

Private label manufacturing is a production setup where one company (the private label manufacturer) produces a product and another company (the private label brand owner) sells the product under its own brand name. Private label manufacturers are in fact contract manufacturers (see above) and responsible for all aspects of production, including design, manufacturing, and quality control. The private label brand owner is responsible for marketing, sales, and distribution.

Private label manufacturing can be a great way for small businesses and start-ups to enter the market without having to invest in their own manufacturing facilities. It can also be a way for larger companies to expand their product offerings without having to develop new products from scratch.

Private label manufacturing example

For example, let’s say a retailer named “RetailCo” wants to sell its own line of organic olive oil but doesn’t have the manufacturing capabilities. RetailCo can approach a private label manufacturer specialized in producing organic olive oils. This manufacturer will produce the olive oil according to RetailCo’s specifications, including bottle shape, label design, and oil quality. Once manufactured, the olive oil bottles will bear the “RetailCo” brand name, not the manufacturer’s name. RetailCo will then market and sell the product as its own.

In this way, RetailCo can quickly enter the organic olive oil market without the overheads associated with manufacturing, while the manufacturer can focus on what they do best—producing high-quality olive oil.

White Label Manufacturers

White label manufacturers are often manufacturers that have their own brand, but want to utilize their production by offering their existing product line under a white label arrangement to third party brands. Some people use ‘private label’ and ‘white label’ synonymously. However, there are some big differences between private label vs. white label manufacturing. For example, white label products are completely ready-made products developed and produced by a contract manufacturer or offered by a wholesale supplier. Private label on the other hand still offers customization options. Typically, white label products require way lower MOQs (minimum order quantities, while private label manufacturing requires you to order more units, due to its customization.

How to Find a Manufacturer for Your Product: 9 Steps

If you’re venturing into the world of business and aspire to launch your product line, securing the right manufacturer is a crucial step. But it’s not that easy to find a manufacturer for your product, especially if you are only getting started. It’s not merely about mass-producing items; it’s about establishing a symbiotic relationship for potentially years to come. Here’s a condensed guide to aid you in this crucial process:

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

Understand the market landscape for your product type. Make sure to understand the legal aspects of launching a product in your niche. For example, if you want to launch a cosmetics product line, you may need to think about important product certifications and regulations such as the EU Cosmetics Regulation, while this may be less relevant for accessories. Also, it is important to understand which manufacturing countries are suitable for your product category, hence, adapt your research towards those countries.

Step 2: Understand your manufacturing needs

Before reaching out to potential manufacturers, clearly outline your product requirements. This includes materials, quantities, and any specific techniques involved in production. Furthermore, you should have already a budget as well as minimum and maximum order quantities in mind that you feel comfortable with. Knowing your needs allows you to effectively communicate with manufacturers and assess their capabilities. Also, they will have a better idea of your capabilities and it is easier for them to create proposals later on. Your minimum order quantities and budget also affect if you should go for white label, private label or a custom manufacturing solution.

Step 3: Research & Shortlist Manufacturers

Private Label Tea Manufacturers - Platform
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Look for manufacturers that specialize in your product category and who have experience in delivering quality goods. B2B platforms like our very own platform Wonnda, which helps you find the right manufacturing partner for your product needs, or trade shows to find private label manufacturers, as well as industry reports are good starting points.

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Step 4: Request Quotes

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By using Wonnda’s smart request features you can manage your sourcing process on one central spot and get matched with multiple manufacturers for your needs.

Now it’s time to reach out to your shortlisted manufacturers and ask for more information and quotes. On Wonnda you can either directly request for quotes to specific manufacturers or request specific products that are included in our extensive product catalog submitted by manufacturers. Or you can submit a “Request for Proposal” (RFP). An RFP allows you to only send one request and get matched with multiple suppliers, so instead of sending dozens of emails, you only send one mail, saving time and effort during your sourcing process.

If you opt for traditional ways of sourcing, you would now create a nicely written email. Make sure to include your minimum quantities, target prices, lead times, product details, benchmark products and more. Be as specific in your request as possible and include all your requirements. This helps manufacturers give you an accurate cost breakdown.

When using Wonnda, you are guided through a standardized request flow, which ticks already many check-boxes for manufacturers.

Step 4: Manage Manufacturers & Quotes

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The Wonnda project collaboration tool enables you to manage all your projects with your manufacturers on one central spot

From your initial request, you may get one or multiple responses. Now it is time to manage those responses and shortlist manufacturers based on factors like capabilities, minimum order quantities (MOQ), and reputation. Ensure that they have the technical ability and capacity to produce your product. When using Wonnda, you are offered an integrated supplier management and project collaboration tool, which makes it way easier to manage and work with manufacturers.

Step 5: Evaluate Communication

The quality of your initial outreach can set the tone for future interactions. Include comprehensive details about your product idea. Share inspirations, discuss essential features, describe your intended distribution strategy, and provide realistic timelines. By being transparent towards the manufacturers you will earn their trust and you will get more accurate prices, timelines and the projects are more likely to succeed.

Step 6: Ask for Samples

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Never commit without seeing product samples. This not only verifies product quality but also gives you a feel of their production capabilities. Note that some manufacturers may charge for samples. On Wonnda you can request samples directly from the supplier or even directly order them within our sample shop.

Step 7: Evaluate packaging and material options

Many manufacturers are able to offer you packaging options as part of their full-service manufacturing options. Make sure to be clear about your packaging preferences upfront. Also evaluate if your product is subject to any specific packaging requirements (e.g. food, supplements, cosmetics). Additionally, you need to decide if you only require primary packaging (e.g. bottle) or also need secondary packaging (paper box, etc.).

Step 8: Review Offers & Contracts

Go through offers and contracts meticulously. Look for clauses that could be problematic, such as payment terms, lead times, and penalties for delays or defective products. Consult legal professionals if necessary. On Wonnda you receive offers fully digitally which makes it easier to compare offers and follow up on different proposals with the respective manufacturer.

Step 9: Start with a Pilot Run

Before going into full-scale production, consider a smaller pilot run. This minimizes risk and provides an opportunity to identify any production issues early on. Often, a unique idea you have may already exist in a different form. Rather than reinventing the wheel, consider starting with white-label or private label products and gradually personalize them.

Find a Manufacturer Domestically or Overseas?

The decision to manufacture domestically or overseas is multifaceted and depends on several factors, including cost, quality control, shipping times, and more.

Benefits of Finding a Manufacturer Domestically

  1. Quality Control: As mentioned, one of the main benefits of manufacturing domestically is the ability to oversee the production process. Business owners can visit the production facilities, ensuring that the product adheres to set quality standards.
  2. Strong Relationships: Building a personal relationship with those producing your product can lead to better collaboration. Being in close proximity fosters trust and clearer communication.
  3. Shorter Lead Times: Producing closer to your primary market typically results in shorter shipping times, which can be crucial for businesses that need to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
  4. National Pride and Marketing Advantage: Some consumers prefer locally made products, either for patriotic reasons or because they believe local goods are of higher quality.

Benefits of Overseas Manufacturing:

  1. Cost Efficiency: Labor and material costs can be significantly lower in some overseas countries, leading to reduced production costs.
  2. Scalability: Some international manufacturers have vast facilities and can produce large quantities in short amounts of time.
  3. Diverse Skill Sets: Certain regions specialize in specific products or technologies, offering expertise that might not be readily available domestically.

Risks to consider when finding a manufacturer

Choosing a manufacturer is one of the most crucial decisions for any business aiming to produce a product. The right choice can lead to high-quality goods, timely deliveries, and satisfied customers. On the other hand, the wrong decision can cause financial losses, damaged reputation, and potential legal complications. When evaluating potential manufacturing partners, businesses should be aware of several risks:

1. Quality Inconsistencies

One of the foremost concerns is inconsistency in product quality. If a manufacturer does not maintain uniform quality standards across all batches, it can harm a brand’s reputation. While an initial sample might be impeccable, there’s no guarantee that larger production runs will maintain the same standard, leading to potential customer dissatisfaction and returns.

2. Communication Barriers

Particularly when outsourcing overseas, language differences and cultural misunderstandings can become significant challenges. Miscommunications can result in products that deviate from the required specifications, unexpected delays, or even unforeseen costs.

3. Intellectual Property Theft

Sharing your product designs, blueprints, or proprietary processes can expose businesses to the risk of intellectual property theft. Without robust non-disclosure agreements and protections in place, a manufacturer could potentially reproduce your product for other clients or sell the design to competitors.

4. Financial Instability

Partnering with a manufacturer facing financial troubles can be risky. They might compromise on product quality to cut costs, delay deliveries, or, in worst-case scenarios, cease operations altogether, leaving your supply chain in jeopardy.

5. Ethical Concerns

The ethical practices of a manufacturer can have a direct impact on your brand’s reputation. Employing child labor, unsafe working conditions, or engaging in environmentally harmful practices can not only lead to bad publicity but also potential legal repercussions.

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Using Wonnda to Find the Right Manufacturer

One platform that can help you find the right manufacturer for your consumer product is Wonnda. Wonnda is a European platform that connects businesses with qualified manufacturers, making it easy to find the right fit for your product. On Wonnda, most manufacturers are based in Europe, while having a curated base of trusted non-European (Asia, USA, Africa) suppliers and manufacturers as well.

One of the key benefits of using Wonnda is the ability to access a wide range of manufacturers in one place. Wonnda’s platform features a diverse range of manufacturers, including both domestic and international options. This makes it easy to compare and contrast different manufacturers, and find the one that is best-suited to your product’s unique requirements.

Another benefit of using Wonnda is the ability to streamline the communication and negotiation process. With Wonnda, you can contact potential manufacturers directly through the platform, and negotiate terms and conditions with ease. This can save you time and hassle, and help ensure that you find the right manufacturer for your product.

In addition to the convenience and efficiency of using Wonnda, there are also several benefits to working with domestic manufacturers. One of the main benefits is the ability to have better control over the production process. With domestic manufacturers, you can visit the production facility in person, monitor the production process, and make adjustments as needed. This can help ensure that your product is produced to the highest quality standards and meets your specifications.

Another benefit of working with domestic manufacturers is the ability to build a strong, long-term relationship. With domestic manufacturers, you can develop a personal relationship with the people who are producing your product. This can lead to better communication and collaboration, which can help ensure that your product is produced efficiently and effectively.

Create your next product line with Wonnda

Our platform lets you source, launch, and scale your product line with over 250 trusted European suppliers. So whether you’re looking to request products from our private label catalog of over 1,500 items or develop custom products from scratch, Wonnda has everything you need to get started. Best of all, it’s free to start today!

Set up your account in less than 3 minutes and begin your journey with Wonnda. Unlock endless possibilities for your business, bring new products to market and streamline your sourcing process from idea to launch on one single platform.

About the author
Martin Ditzel
Martin Ditzel is the co-founder of Wonnda and was born in Düsseldorf. He holds a BSc in General Management from EBS Universität and an MSc in Business Information from Rotterdam School of Management. He's a tech and business expert who's passionate about using technology to make a positive impact.
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