How To Find a Manufacturer or Supplier for a Product (2025)

Whether you’re planning to manufacture products or source from wholesale suppliers, it can be a challenging process. But with the right approach, you can identify the perfect manufacturing partner for your ecommerce venture.

This guide walks you through finding a manufacturer or supplier for your product ideas, with advice for evaluating manufacturers, deciding between domestic and overseas suppliers, and asking good questions about supply chains. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to sourcing the right products for your ecommerce business.

What is a manufacturer?

A manufacturer is a business that transforms raw materials into finished goods. Manufacturers sell goods to consumers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, or other manufacturers. From there, individuals and businesses may use those goods to create more complex products.

Most manufacturers specialize in specific product types. For example, you might work with:

• A glassware manufacturer for bottles and jars
• A cardboard box manufacturer for packaging
• A plastic goods manufacturer for containers

Many retailers work with multiple manufacturers to build diverse inventory for their stores. Following this approach, known as supplier diversity, encourages a unique product mix and reduces supply chain risks.

Is a manufacturer a supplier?

All manufacturers are suppliers, but not all suppliers are manufacturers. “Supplier” is a broad term that includes anyone who provides products and inventory. This category includes manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.

Before starting your search, determine what type of supplier you need. Your choice may depend on your ecommerce business model. 

Common supplier options include:

• Manufacturers that produce your unique product idea in full, or provide parts so you can complete it
• Suppliers (who may also be manufacturers), wholesalers, or distributors that offer existing products you can resell in your store
• Dropshipping companies that supply products from existing brands and fulfill orders for your business

Domestic vs. overseas manufacturing

When planning to manufacture or wholesale products, you must decide whether to source domestically, internationally, or both. Each option has its pros and cons.

Domestic manufacturers tend to have shorter lead times, cheaper shipping, and better quality control standards than overseas manufacturers. 

On the other hand, overseas manufacturers tend to offer lower product costs and produce higher-volume orders. U.S. News & World Report states that India, China, and Vietnam provide the cheapest overseas manufacturing costs. 

Regulatory compliance and quality control

Beyond price, quality, and shipping, you should also consider regulatory compliance and geopolitical factors affecting production in your country or countries of choice, both domestically and internationally. 

For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to run toxicology testing on products like cosmetics. Make sure the manufacturer(s) you choose can meet quality and safety standards in your industry. 

You should also consider the safety of the people manufacturing your goods. Does the manufacturer comply with certified standards ensuring safe and humane working conditions? Stay informed about laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). To curb human trafficking in global supply chains, the UFLPA bans goods produced in the XUAR region of China from entering US markets. 

Wherever you’re sourcing manufacturers, always check that they’re complying with standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Quality, safety, ethics, sustainability—whichever standards you’re looking to comply with, your chosen manufacturer should be ISO certified. 

How to find a manufacturer in 7 steps

Ready to turn your product ideas into reality? Follow these steps to find the best manufacturers and suppliers for your business.

1. Explore your options
2. Gather quotes
3. Research your shortlist
4. Communicate your designs
5. Order samples and compare supplier quality
6. Negotiate with potential manufacturers
7. Place your first order

1. Explore your options

Finding the right manufacturer is crucial. Your choice will influence your product costs, quality, packaging, shipping, and, ultimately, your success. 

Here are some tools to help you search:

Google

Start with a simple Google search for “manufacturers near me” to find local options. Review the resulting manufacturers’ websites, customer reviews, and product specialties.

Pro tip: Supplier websites are often outdated or lacking robust information. To broaden your results, try various search terms like “wholesale,” supplier,” and “distributor.” To refine your results, use Google’s advanced search features.

Referrals

Some of the best leads come from your network. Don’t hesitate to:

• Ask your professional contacts for supplier recommendations
• Reach out to successful entrepreneurs in your field for advice
• Join Facebook groups and online ecommerce communities for supplier reviews and suggestions

Even a supplier who isn’t a fit can point you in the right direction. Industry insiders often have valuable contacts that could suit your needs.

NAICS codes

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) identifies manufacturers and products with specific codes. This system can help you find suppliers, especially in professional directories. Check out the NAICS codes for the United States and Canada to streamline your search.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, thoroughly vet potential manufacturers. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaints and browse customer reviews to ensure credibility.

Alibaba

Alibaba is a popular marketplace for connecting with manufacturers based primarily in China. You can use Alibaba to find existing products or manufacturers that can produce custom creations.

When researching manufacturers on Alibaba, look for these qualifications:

• Gold supplier status: This means they pay for Alibaba membership.
• Verified status: Indicates that Alibaba or a third-party evaluator has visited the facility.
• Trade assurance: Suppliers with this tag protect your orders from payment to delivery.

Filters by certifications to find manufacturers aligned with your brand values. For example, the SA8000 certification is a social accountability standard requiring manufacturers to provide humane working conditions. 

Also, ensure you’re dealing directly with manufacturers, not trading companies acting as middlemen.

“What I ideally wanted was to deal with a manufacturer and not a trading company since I didn’t want to pay extra to deal with a middleman,” says entrepreneur Corey Ferreira on his experience shortlisting glasses manufacturers on Alibaba.

“I wanted to work with a supplier that was at least five years active. Any business that was around one year seemed like a risk to me. There are of course always exceptions to this but I wanted to be safe.”

Manufacturing directories

Online supplier directories are another valuable resource. These catalogs contain profiles for thousands of manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers. 

Here are some popular options:

Online domestic directories

• Thomasnet
• Maker’s Row
• MFG
• Kompass
• Council of Manufacturing Associations Member Organizations

Online overseas directories

• AliExpress
• Indiamart
• Sourcify
• Global Sourcing Specialists
• Dun & Bradstreet

Learn more: Start Dropshipping on AliExpress: 2025 Playbook

2. Gather quotes

After identifying potential manufacturers, it’s time to dig deep into who they are, what they offer, and how they charge. 

First, get quotes from at least three manufacturers so you can compare. For local manufacturers, request a facilities tour or office visit to observe operations before you decide.

Be aware of hidden costs—the initial supplier quote isn’t necessarily the final figure. There may be additional costs, especially when working with overseas manufacturing partners or wholesale suppliers.

Hidden manufacturing costs can include: 

• International shipping, including customs duties and tariffs 
• Currency exchange rates
• Third-party quality control or inspection checks
• Rework and defect costs if the original sample isn’t up to standard
• Tooling expenses for custom molds or machines

And remember, suppliers receive many quote requests, which can mean slow responses or even ignored emails. 

To increase your chances of a timely reply, it may help to:

• Stay focused: Your first email should be clear and concise, assessing potential fit at a high level. Focus on what suppliers care about most, like sourcing details. 
• Ask for what you need: While asking about pricing is important, avoid overwhelming suppliers with too many questions at first contact. Stick to essential information for now.
• Prepare: If you’re unsure about your request, consider a quick phone call or a single-question email to clarify before sending a full inquiry.

3. Research your shortlist

You must thoroughly research the companies on your shortlist since a manufacturer’s production quality and service can make or break your business. Take time to gather the information you need before deciding.

Here are key questions to answer before partnering with a potential manufacturer:

• What is their communication like? Sending out quote requests will answer this question quickly. Prioritize suppliers who are responsive and eager.
• How do they ensure quality control? It is critical that your supplier’s quality control practices are transparent. Find out about their inspection process and how they meet product quality standards. 
• Can they handle custom orders? Assess if they have the skills, resources, and automation features to create your specific product.
• What are their lead times? Ensure manufacturers can deliver products fast enough to maintain inventory and customer satisfaction.
• What are the shipping costs? Between receiving goods from suppliers and delivering them to customers, shipping costs impact your bottom line.
• What are their minimum order quantities (MOQs)? While it’s best not to lead with this question, you need to know the minimum number of items required for production. MOQs are often negotiable, so it helps to build rapport with your prospective supplier before exploring the order volumes they’ll consider. (More on MOQs later.)
• What’s the cost per unit? Negotiate this alongside MOQs. Generally, larger means lower per-unit costs. 
• Can they offer exclusivity? If you’re investing in tooling, protect your brand by ensuring the supplier won’t allow others to use what they produce for you. You might explore territorial, market, total exclusivity, or private label goods.
• Are there setup fees? Some manufacturers charge to prepare equipment for your production run. Find out if yours does before signing contracts.
• What’s their defect policy? Occasional errors are inevitable, so make sure you’re prepared . Clarify who covers the cost of incorrect or defective items, including shipping and duties fees.
• Is the manufacturer sustainable and ethical? Inquire about factory conditions and their impact on workers and the environment. This step is often critical for aligning with your brand’s mission and mitigating reputational risk.

4. Communicate your designs

After initial discussions, it’s time to share your product design. Some manufacturers offer product development services with prototyping and 3D modeling, but they can be costly. 

Consider these alternative ways to communicate your ideas: 

• Sketches
• Written instructions
• Reference photos 

If your chosen manufacturer doesn’t offer design services, you can find freelancers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to create professional drawings. 

Look for:

• Industrial designers
• Product designers
• Computer-aided design (CAD) experts

Another option is to work with a local designer to develop prototypes and custom molds. This approach can be more cost-effective than going through a manufacturer.

5. Order samples and compare supplier quality

Always get product samples before moving to full production. Once you’re satisfied with a sample, date and sign it, then keep one or two for yourself for quality assurance.

These control samples help maintain product consistency. For example, if you receive a shipment with incorrect colors, you can reference the control to prove the discrepancy to your supplier.

6. Negotiate with potential manufacturers 

You don’t have to accept the first quote you receive. Even after receiving samples, you can negotiate terms on payment or MOQ. 

Negotiating MOQs

Manufacturers often require initial order commitments for hundreds or even thousands of units. If you’re a first-time business owner, don’t be daunted—MOQs are almost always negotiable. 

To get the MOQs you need, approach the discussion from the supplier’s perspective: What’s the reason for their minimum requirement? Do they prefer larger buyers, or do they worry about the ROI of upfront work? If you understand their reason, you can negotiate with a compelling counteroffer.

Negotiating payment terms

Some manufacturers require new businesses to pay in full upfront, but most reputable ones will be open to negotiating payment terms. Since inventory is a major cost for ecommerce businesses, you should negotiate payment terms whenever you can. 

For example, consider proposing a 50/50 split: 50% upfront payment and 50% paid after receiving the shipment. This approach helps your cash flow and balances risk for both parties. Strive for win-win situations. The goal isn’t to exploit your manufacturing partner for the lowest prices or MOQs, it’s to establish a mutually beneficial partnership. Good negotiations mark the start of a healthy buyer-manufacturer relationship.

Remember, if you’re concerned about a supplier failing to fulfill its obligations, you can reduce the risk by exploring escrow.

7. Place your first order

Once you’ve completed quality control checks, ensured samples meet your standards, and negotiated MOQs and payment terms, it’s time to place your order and kickstart production.

Evaluating cost vs. quality

Choosing a manufacturing partner means weighing cost against quality. What’s your minimum acceptable level of quality, and how does it impact your budget? Material quality impacts manufacturing costs and sales numbers. For example, one benefit of manufacturing durable products is higher customer satisfaction—and satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat customers.

Premium materials can boost a product’s perceived value, but there’s a short-term trade-off. Better materials typically mean higher fees. For example, switching from cotton to cashmere in apparel manufacturing increases costs. Costlier materials mean higher upfront investments and a longer road to recouping costs. 

To determine your business’s ideal balance between cost and quality, conduct market research with your target audience to learn how much they care about factors like finish and durability.

For example, budget-conscious customers may prefer a $5 umbrella that lasts one season, while high-income clients want to invest in premium, long-lasting items. Audience demographics and desires will determine the manufacturing investments best suited to your business. 

Moving forward with your supply partners

Sourcing suppliers and manufacturers is a critical decision that represents one of the most significant costs of starting a business. 

Don’t be discouraged if you hit roadblocks. Finding the perfect partner takes patience and perseverance, so keep at it, seek support from your network, and soon enough your business will thrive.

Illustration by Pete Ryan