Slipping Between the Cracks: How to Find a Small-Time Manufacturer

In my last blog I discussed Alibaba.com and how it is revolutionizing production and manufacturing.  I also mentioned in the blog that while Alibaba is a great stop to get some stuff created and prototypes made up it has some limitations.  I briefly touched on that Alibaba is more directed at larger businesses in need of products created.  For instance if you are a smaller time business looking to produce 50-100 items to get their business off the ground then this site is probably not for you.  Well when you are a small start up like myself you need to find that middle producer to help create your product. Here's a couple steps I did to help find my local manufacturer.

1. Google...and I mean more than page 1- if you are serious about your business you can do like me and get frustrated at the lack of small time producers of products. But we live in 2013 and I promise you if you can't find someone who will create your small amount of products you can definitely find someone who's run into the same problems as you.  While it is incredibly tedious read through discussion forums and see what other people who are trying to do what you are did to resolve their issue.  I'm sure there will be someone who's dug and found contact info to help you on your journey.
2. Consult people in your industry- for myself I am building a backpack company and needed someone small time to help create my bags.  So I called, emailed and talked to a multitude of people who owned, worked in or were around sewing studios.  Usually places like that have contacts on call for when they need to send business somewhere and these people are not online or easily found. I found the woman to create my first prototype this way.

Get creative when you're searching. Remember the law of attraction. What kind of people are in this industry, who's the all knowing sources? Consult them, glean as much information as possible.  While finding small time producers will never be that easy you gotta do what you gotta do if you are serious about your business.

Happy hunting!

Alibaba.com- Changing how we (Americans) Purchase

The way the world produces, manufactures and purchases its products is constantly evolving.  With the development of the internet as a global medium to for consumers and sellers, there is always some new website or service being developed to serve people.  For my business plan I am developing a new line of high end backpacks and I have stumbled across a site that fits perfectly in this mold, Alibaba.com.

Alibaba.com connects people across the world with manufacturers in China, India, America and beyond.  The goal of Alibaba is to connect up and coming businesses with companies who can help manufacture their products. A rising hat business can find different styles and producers who will compete to create your product for you and win your business.

The way Alibaba.com works is you search through thousands and thousands of companies across a host of industries and identify what you are looking to produce.  For example if you are looking to produce your own line of clothing, specifically shirts, you can organize your results into clothing and individually look at companies.  These companies each have a profile page with how big their operation is, the minimum you must purchase, pricing etc... From there the customer compares and looks at other prices to find that perfect company to produce their items.  The customer will then contact the company and begin the production process.  Turn around time here is usually a month or so but some manufacturers can do it in more/less time.

While Alibaba is an awesome outlet for up and coming businesses it also has its limitations.  For instance most of the businesses only take orders of 1000 or more. If you're just starting out and have to order 1000 of something even if its just $5 that adds up quickly.  So future consumers just need to be mindful because if they're looking to make small purchases Alibaba probably isn't the place for you. But it is a great place to get started with prices, connections and who knows what you'll find on there.