These days, pet owners are more conscious about the quality of the products that they buy for their pets. That’s why finding the right company to create your custom dog toys is especially important. Whether it’s your first time looking for a manufacturer or you’re on the hunt for a better one, here are a few questions you should be able to answer before working with one:
Should I Go for a Domestic or Overseas Manufacturer?
There are several advantages to working with a domestic manufacturer. For one thing, you’ll have more control over the process. You can even visit the site to see the production line for yourself. And since they’re produced in the same country, your orders can be fulfilled and delivered to you more quickly.
Additionally, local companies also offer more flexibility when it comes to payment. The best part is that products made in the USA are perceived to be of higher quality, so most people are willing to pay more for them.
On the other hand, overseas manufacturers can offer significantly lower production costs.In addition, many overseas companies already have the necessary equipment and facilities to accommodate large orders. It is also much easier to find a reliable overseas manufacturer through the recommendations of others.
However, working with an international manufacturer also has its tradeoffs. Due to the distance, you may have to pay more for shipping, and it may take much longer to deliver your order. Additionally, you have less control over the process unless you fly over to their business premises or hire a third party to oversee things for you. Moreover, payment methods may be limited as your transactions are done internationally.
Can I Ask Them to Make Samples First Before I Place an Order?
Always start with samples before committing to a full order from any company. Inspecting a few prototypes will allow you to gauge the quality that the manufacturer is capable of.Some manufacturers may even offer a package deal for sample and production prices, while others mightprovide discounted prices only for the initial samples. In some cases, you may evenget a couple of samples for free.
Can I Work With or Negotiate Their Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
Many manufacturers, especially those based abroad, require you to order in bulk. That being said, most MOQs typically require hundreds to thousands of units in a single order. Hence, this may not be the most ideal option if you’re testinga smallproduct launch or can’t afford a larger order.
Though MOQs may be unavoidable, you can still do your best to negotiate for better terms. For example, you could agree on providing a down payment to start production, then settling the remaining balance after everything has been delivered to you. Another compromise would be to have the manufacturer produce your order in smaller quantities at a time, all while paying a higher price per unit.
Is the Cost for Overall Production Reasonable?
While getting the cheapest option available should not be your goal, you should still look for a quote that’s cost-effective for your business. That said, price ranges can vary from one manufacturer to another, so make sure to get specific quotes from each one. The exact quantity of your bulk order can also affect the final price that you can get. And as previously mentioned, most manufacturers offer discounts if you order significantly large quantities. To better understand how they calculate the numbers for bulk orders, you can try askingyour manufacturer about their pricing model.
Can My Business Accommodate Their Accepted Modes of Payment?
Some manufacturers, especially international ones, may not use the most diverse or flexible payment options. For example, some companies only accept bank transfers or credit card payments, while others may offer alternative third-party payment channels.
Whatever the case, be willing to pay using whatever payment modes are available to the manufacturer. Going out of your way to do socan help you build a long-term relationship with your company of choice.
Does the Turnaround Time Work for Me?
Another important consideration is the amount of time it’ll take the manufacturer to produce your dog toys. After all, time is always critical in business, especially if you have customers who’ve placed orders that they want expedited.
Thus, make it a point to ask about a manufacturer’s usual turnaround time and how long it usually takes them to complete rush orders. Above all else, you want to work with a company that is prompt and dependable when it comes to fulfilling orders.
Ultimately, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you’re not just choosing a manufacturer. Instead, view your potential pick as a reliable business partner.Ideally, they should be willing to collaborate closely with youto add more value to your brand. While it might take time to find the right manufacturer, all your efforts will pay off in the long run.