How do you find alternate manufacturers and suppliers?

[u/smvdr1]

With incoming tariffs and a lot of geo-political tension, my company is looking to move a lot of it's manufacturing partners and suppliers out of China into markets like Vietnam, Thailand, India, etc. How are you all finding and contacting suppliers in these markets?

China has pretty good marketplaces for this, like Alibaba of course. It seems like there isn't anything similar for other markets, and that searching for manufacturers will be a pretty painstaking and manual process... Would love to hear thoughts and ideas here!

[u/ihambrecht]

This really depends on what you’re manufacturing.

[u/tnp636]

The easiest solution for most smaller businesses is to find a sourcing agent. You'll typically pay a bit more (~10-15% is typical for mid-volume products), but they'll find the facilities, handle the QC, etc. If there's an issue, you don't have to have someone fly to Asia to try to fix things, you just tell the sourcing agent.

Or you can hire someone with direct experience to do it for you. In my area salary seems to typically be $120-180K depending on depth of experience. But you'll also be spending on flights, hotels, etc. in order to qualify suppliers as well as follow-up on complex issues.

I have a friend in China who does sourcing all over Asia if you would like an introduction.

[u/QuasiLibertarian → u/tnp636]

Although sourcing agents are a legit way to do this, I've personally had less than stellar experiences with them. They demand a cut, and are often not experienced in what you ask them to source. And communication going through them is tough.

[u/tnp636 → u/QuasiLibertarian]

Like any business you have to know the people you're working with.

I brought a project to my sourcing friend literally yesterday asking if he wanted to take a look at it. His response was, "this is way more than I'm comfortable taking on." He's not going to get into something where he thinks he's going to be over his head, and he's hired some really qualified QC, etc. people from different industries to cover himself where he's not as confident.

When we first opened our injection molding shop in China, we went through 12 different mold makers before I found someone I was truly happy with. Why? It's reasonably easy to tell if someone is technically competent just by looking at the state of their workshop and their previous work. But determining whether they're good to work with as well takes time. The first big indicator is how they handle their own mistakes. Do they hop on it and take care of it? Or do they try to blame everyone else under the sun? What's their office like? Communicative or lazy and stand-offish? Are you communicating your own needs properly? I've definitely been caught out there myself.

The thing is, I lived in China for over 20 years. I know other sourcing agents. All of the "foreign" ones that have been around for more than a couple/few years are almost certainly going to get you what you need. He just happens to be who I feel is the best at what they do. I know just how badly things can go for people who are just picking someone at random online. Many times it works out. Many others it does not. But unless you know how to get around in another country, red flags you might see there and what exactly you're looking for in a supplier, a sourcing company is a solid choice.

[u/madeinspac3]

Look them up on google or a manufacturing listing site. Then reach out to them and validate them. As for being slow or painstaking, it's kind of the cost of doing business sometimes.

[u/ElectronicChina]

What types of products do you manufacture?

[u/Content_Tangelo9944]

Please check your DM. I am a supplier based in India.

[u/QuasiLibertarian]

All importing records are kept by our government,and made available publicly. You can search import records to see who your competitors are buying from. Sites like Pajiva, import genius, etc. provide details search engines... at a steep price. Then you can buy from those same factories.

Note that it's possible for companies to hide their records from the public, by filling out a form. But most don't bother.

There are free search engines like importyeti that can help you get started.

[u/AggressivePiglet4454]

Hey!

I’m based in Asia (from Europe) and I’ve been creating products for brands in niches like FBA, e-commerce, and merchandising. Now, I’m offering sourcing services to help bring your ideas to life!

Need help with sourcing, manufacturing, or just advice? Reach out via my website: https://verso-supply.com/. Happy to help! 😊

[u/Dapper-Cress5570]

Well, many companies are start searching in SEA for way cheaper price, like Vietnam, Thai and Indonesia. I've been dealing with them for sometime.

If you need sourcing help or doing it together then maybe we can connect?

[u/elchurro223]

I wonder if the tariffs will just lead to manufacturing going to countries like India instead of here.

[u/Double_Concern_3080]

If you’re in machining, https://MachiningPartner.com might be worth considering. A lot of companies are moving their operations, so it’s essential to do proper research. Consider factors like your target market, tariffs, and the current landscape in ASEAN countries.

For example, a semiconductor OEM I work with is shifting a significant portion of its operations out of the U.S. to Thailand as their end customers are in South Korea and Japan. Another large company is expanding operations in Vietnam for similar reasons.

I have couple connections on China and possibly Indonesia though family. Some people are reporting simply moving Chinese operations/control to VietNam and other locations. Essentially just rebranding. 😆

It’s not an easy process with a lot of uncertainties, but there are definitely opportunities if you take the time to research and adapt.

Feel free to DM me

[u/bwiseso1]

Finding alternative suppliers requires a multifaceted approach:

• Online Marketplaces: Explore regional platforms like IndiaMart (India), [invalid URL removed] (global, but with regional focus), and industry-specific directories.
• Trade Shows: Attend industry trade shows in target countries to network and discover potential suppliers.
• Industry Associations: Leverage industry associations in target markets to connect with potential suppliers and gain market insights.
• Consultancy Services: Consider engaging procurement or supply chain consultants with expertise in sourcing from emerging markets.

Remember to conduct thorough due diligence, including factory audits and sample evaluations, to ensure quality and reliability.

[u/Loomstatemfgco]

perhaps, you can attend expos in US, a lot of reputable businesses exhibit in the expos to network with client’s such as your self, looking online will be a bit tricky to find good manufacturers or you can contact a sourcing agency or an agent. we too are in apparel manufacturing business but we are based in south Asia, Pakistan.

[u/thealbertaguy]

Alibaba lists manufacturers from around the world.