How to Find Someone to Manufacture a Product

Manufacturers have tools and resources most inventors need.

One of the most challenging steps for first-time entrepreneurs with an exciting new product or invention is locating and securing a manufacturer. While you may have found someone to design and create a prototype or even make a small number of your product for distribution, once you are selling your product in large numbers you will need a reliable manufacturer capable of meeting your delivery demands. Finding a manufacturer takes time and effort but is a necessary step in launching your product on a wide scale and growing your business.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Register with supply and business-to-business websites that maintain databases of manufacturers such as Alibaba (alibaba.com) or ThomasNet (thomasnet.com) or the National Innovation Marketplace (innovationsupplychain.com). Search their databases for manufacturers that specialize in your type of product.
- 2
  
  Consult your chamber of commerce or small business association. Many of these organizations have listings of local manufacturers, as well as meetings at which you can get to know the manufacturers in a networking setting.
- 3
  
  Attend a trade show. Trade shows for manufacturers have many manufacturers gathered in one place where you can meet them, ask them questions, and take home their contact information.
- 4
  
  Ask for referrals. Network with your friends, family, neighbors and mentors for recommendations of manufacturers they have worked with and can recommend.
- 5
  
  Contact your state's agency for small business and economic development for local referrals, or the U.S. Small Business Administration's business development center (sba.gov) for referrals and resources.

Tips & Warnings

Ask specific questions about the manufacturer's production capabilities and material experience.
Ask for references from other customers.
Obtain multiple estimates and make sure the estimates involve similar materials and quality standards and include shipping and other fees before comparing.