When you’re in the business of manufacturing products, you need to have reliable and trustworthy manufacturers. Before sending them a purchase order and a deposit, you need to ask them some important questions to ensure they can deliver what you need. Knowing the right questions to ask can save you time and money and help you avoid potential headaches down the road.
Here are 10 questions to ask your manufacturers before sending them a purchase order and a deposit.
What is Your Lead Time?
One of the most important questions to ask your manufacturer is about their lead time. This is the time it takes for them to manufacture your product and get it ready to ship. Knowing their lead time can help you plan your production schedule and ensure you have enough inventory on hand when you need it.
When asking about lead time, be sure to ask about any potential delays or issues that could affect the timeline. For example, if they rely on a certain raw material that has been difficult to source lately, this could impact their lead time.
Additionally, if you need your products by a certain date, be sure to communicate this to your manufacturer so they can work with you to meet your deadline.
What is Your Minimum Order Quantity?
Another important question to ask your manufacturers is about their minimum order quantity (MOQ). This is the minimum amount of product you need to order for them to manufacture it.
If you’re just starting out, you may not have the budget or storage space to order a large quantity of product at once. In this case, you’ll want to find a manufacturer with a low MOQ that can accommodate your needs.
On the other hand, if you’re an established business with a large customer base, you may need to order a high quantity of product to meet demand. In this case, you’ll want to find a manufacturer that can handle your volume.
What is Your Quality Control Process?
Quality control is essential to ensuring the products you receive from your manufacturer meet your standards and your customers’ expectations. When selecting a manufacturer, it’s important to ask about their quality control process.
Ask about the steps they take to ensure the products they manufacture meet your specifications. Do they conduct inspections at various stages of the production process? Do they have a final inspection before shipping the product to you?
Additionally, ask about their quality control standards. Do they have any certifications or industry standards they adhere to?
What is Your Price Per Unit?
Price is always a factor to consider when selecting a manufacturer. When asking about their price per unit, be sure to ask about any additional costs that may be associated with your order.
For example, there may be a setup fee or a fee for tooling. These costs can add up and impact the overall cost of your order, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of all the costs involved.
Additionally, ask about any potential cost savings you may be able to take advantage of. For example, if you order a high volume of product, can they offer you a discount?
What is Your Return Policy?
Even with the best quality control processes in place, there may be times when you need to return products to your manufacturers. When selecting a manufacturer, it’s important to ask about their return policy.
Ask about their process for returns and any associated fees. Additionally, ask about their policy for defective products. Will they replace or refund defective products?
What is Your Communication Process?
Clear communication is essential to a successful manufacturing partnership. When selecting a manufacturer, ask about their communication process and who your point of contact will be.
Be sure to ask about their preferred method of communication and how often you can expect updates on your order. Additionally, ask about their response time for inquiries and any potential language barriers that may exist.
What is Your Shipping Process?
Shipping can be a complex and costly process, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of your manufacturer’s shipping process.
Ask about their shipping options and any associated costs. Additionally, ask about their shipping timelines and any potential delays that could impact your delivery date.
Finally, ask about their process for tracking shipments and any potential issues that could arise during the shipping process.
What is Your Payment Process?
When selecting a manufacturer, it’s important to ask about their payment process. Be sure to ask about their payment terms and any potential fees that may be associated with your order.
Additionally, ask about their preferred payment method and any potential discounts that may be available for early payment or larger orders.
What is Your Experience in Manufacturing?
Experience is an important factor to consider when selecting a manufacturer. Ask about their experience in manufacturing and if they have experience in your particular industry.
Additionally, ask for references or case studies of previous work they’ve done. This can give you a better understanding of their capabilities and the quality of their work.
What Sets You Apart From Other Manufacturers?
Finally, ask your manufacturer what sets them apart from other manufacturers. This can give you a better understanding of their unique value proposition and how they can help you achieve your business goals.
Ask about any unique capabilities they have or any awards or certifications they’ve received. Additionally, ask about any success stories they have working with other businesses in your industry.
Choosing the right manufacturer is essential to the success of your business. By asking these 10 questions before sending a purchase order and a deposit, you can ensure you’re working with a reliable and trustworthy manufacturer that can meet your needs and help you achieve your business goals.
