Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.

[Walter Hay]

I have a somewhat complex question: the product I want to make is very simple, but quality is extremely important. I have found versions of it on Alibaba, but they're all lower quality than what I want to make. Given that I'd be significantly changing the product(different metal material, shape, better deburring/chamfering, different plastic/metal union), how do I go about quality testing the product I'm actually making, not the substandard version they've made in the past?

Without knowing what product you want made, it's hard to give a specific answer. As a general rule I would say you need to keep looking until you have found an actual manufacturer, (not simply a business that claims to be a manufacturer), that does produce the quality you want.

One of the products I used to import required the kind of treatment you refer to, and I found that even if you specify exactly what you require, it can take a lot of communication back and forth before the manufacturer manages to comply. When I found a couple of manufacturers whose quality standards were high to start with, I stuck with them for many years. Every order I placed was easy because they didn't need endless emails - their high quality was something I could just expect.

If you like to PM me with details, I'll be happy to suggest a course of action.

Walter

 

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[Millenial_Kid5K1]

Without knowing what product you want made, it's hard to give a specific answer.

Thank you so much for your response!

I feel an analogy may clear things up. Let's suppose that my product is a hobbyist frisbee. I've gone to Amazon and seen that nobody is selling a highly regarded/rated frisbee. My initial search turned up similar stuff on Alibaba as on Amazon. There are several manufacturers that advertise the product, but clearly the frisbees were designed by someone with very little knowledge of the sport.

Several manufacturers make a high quality object, but it is made of metal and wouldn't fly. Others use high quality plastic, but it has sharp edges and wouldn't be good to catch. Another manufacturer has a set of 20 frisbees of assorted sizes, cheap plastic, and none of which look ideal for competitive frisbee games. Assuming that upon further searching I don't find a manufacturer already familiar in the key aspects of a frisbee, do I simply have to coach a manufacturer(probably the one with high quality plastic but nonsensical shape) on proper frisbee design and absorb the risk of a full first order so I can fill this niche?

Thank you again for your response! I'm looking forward to reading your ebook!

 

[Walter Hay]

Thank you so much for your response!

I feel an analogy may clear things up. Let's suppose that my product is a hobbyist frisbee. I've gone to Amazon and seen that nobody is selling a highly regarded/rated frisbee. My initial search turned up similar stuff on Alibaba as on Amazon. There are several manufacturers that advertise the product, but clearly the frisbees were designed by someone with very little knowledge of the sport.

Several manufacturers make a high quality object, but it is made of metal and wouldn't fly. Others use high quality plastic, but it has sharp edges and wouldn't be good to catch. Another manufacturer has a set of 20 frisbees of assorted sizes, cheap plastic, and none of which look ideal for competitive frisbee games. Assuming that upon further searching I don't find a manufacturer already familiar in the key aspects of a frisbee, do I simply have to coach a manufacturer(probably the one with high quality plastic but nonsensical shape) on proper frisbee design and absorb the risk of a full first order so I can fill this niche?

Thank you again for your response! I'm looking forward to reading your ebook!

The problem you describe is partly a result of poor quality control, but more a result of poor quality molds being used.

The rough surplus around the joins is called flash or sometimes sprue. Sprue primarily refers to a channel through which the injected material passes, but in many industries refers to the excess oozing out of the joins due to the injection pressure. A small amount is common, but with high quality molds it can be avoided. This means that to get the quality molding that you want, you might have to pay for a better mold, and depending on size, number of cavities (a jargon term for the number of items being molded in one shot) etc., and even the material being molded, cost can run into thousands, even in China.

If the item is being cast or molded in metal, the flash can be removed by tumbling. If the item is plastic, some manufacturers buff it off, but this can leave unsightly marks if the operator is not very careful.

You might have to coach a manufacturer, but what they agree to and what they do might be two very different things. Don't forget that for a Chinese person "yes" can have a variety of meanings ranging through to "no". They say yes because they see it as impolite to say no.

I would still search for that elusive manufacturer whose quality standards already satisfy your requirements. You might find one that doesn't make the product you want, but molds similar materials and does a good job of it.

Walter

 

[iizu]

Thanks for an amazing thread. I read through your book and that definitely cleared things up a lot!
However, I have a sourcing question that might benefit others too:

If I know how a product is made, is it better to search for suppliers for that manufacturing method or to search suppliers who offer that product?
These are probably often the same entity?

Example: My product is a new type of Pot, for cooking.
Do I search for "metal stamping/deep drawing" or "stainless steel kitchenware"

 

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[Millenial_Kid5K1]

The problem you describe is partly a result of poor quality control, but more a result of poor quality molds being used.

Wow, thanks a ton for your input, I think I can see the thought process you're using in approaching the problem(and process is everything!) I'll continue looking for that ideal manufacturer.

 

[Walter Hay]

Thanks for an amazing thread. I read through your book and that definitely cleared things up a lot!
However, I have a sourcing question that might benefit others too:

If I know how a product is made, is it better to search for suppliers for that manufacturing method or to search suppliers who offer that product?
These are probably often the same entity?

Example: My product is a new type of Pot, for cooking.
Do I search for "metal stamping/deep drawing" or "stainless steel kitchenware"

This is a question with a lot of potential value for all readers.

I would search for both. There are possible advantages and disadvantages in both.

The ones who already manufacture the item have experience, so they should be good at it, but are possibly supplying your competitors.

The ones who do the processes needed to manufacture that product but don't yet, might be skilled in the process but unfamiliar with the fine details, but you would possibly be their first customer for that product.

I would favor the second option.

Walter

 

[Guest23565]

Hi Walter, thanks for the thread and also your book. I was even able to make a small A5 copy to put on my bookshelf. Is there a new edition available since late 2015? I'm not sure if I'm on your newsletter list so just wanted to check.

What is the best way to ask for product prices from a supplier? I find when I ask outright for prices most of the responses I receive are 'what is your qty?' I don't like giving away my total intended qty right away as it doesn't allow me to use higher qty's to negotiate lower prices, but if I say a low amount first I doubt the supplier will take me seriously.

And are you cold up front when asking for prices, or are you friendly as if starting a relationship? I'm trying the latter at the moment but even after long discussions we still haven't reached my target price. I feel like I've wasted their time but how do I now let the supplier know I'm not interested?

I really want to fine tune the process as I work on high volume/low margin so prices are important to me.

Thanks

 

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[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter, thanks for the thread and also your book. I was even able to make a small A5 copy to put on my bookshelf. Is there a new edition available since late 2015? I'm not sure if I'm on your newsletter list so just wanted to check.

What is the best way to ask for product prices from a supplier? I find when I ask outright for prices most of the responses I receive are 'what is your qty?' I don't like giving away my total intended qty right away as it doesn't allow me to use higher qty's to negotiate lower prices, but if I say a low amount first I doubt the supplier will take me seriously.

And are you cold up front when asking for prices, or are you friendly as if starting a relationship? I'm trying the latter at the moment but even after long discussions we still haven't reached my target price. I feel like I've wasted their time but how do I now let the supplier know I'm not interested?

I really want to fine tune the process as I work on high volume/low margin so prices are important to me.

Thanks

If you are on the list you would have received an automatic download link for the latest update in April last year. If you didn't get that, send you email address (the one you used for your purchase) to my support team here: msteamwebmaster@gmail.com. The 2017 edition should be ready for publishing in 6 or 8 weeks.

To obtain prices without disclosing your real order intentions, ask for quotes for quantities of 100pcs, 200pcs, 500pcs, 1,000pcs etc. You can add that you would prefer to place an order for a large sample quantity before placing a full order. Always make your approach friendly and without being pushy.

If the prices quoted are way too high, it is usually best to tell them that you have decided that their prices are too high, so you won't proceed with an order. Thank them for their help so far. You may well find that just as happens when bargaining in a street market, once you start to walk out the door, they will bring out their calculator and find that a better price is possible.

Walter

 

[Dan1el]

Hi Walter!
Im sorry if this question has been asked before in this thread.
I found a manufacturer who delivered a excellent product, great price and everything with the trial order was 100%.
Although the name of the company and the address was different on the boxes than it was on their website. Is that a question of concern? Since this is a electronic product im a little concerned that this might be an issue if I need to show CE certificates and I have it for the company that I contacted in the first place. Do you have any input on this?
Thanks!

 

[Roli]

Hi Walter!
Im sorry if this question has been asked before in this thread.
I found a manufacturer who delivered a excellent product, great price and everything with the trial order was 100%.
Although the name of the company and the address was different on the boxes than it was on their website. Is that a question of concern? Since this is a electronic product im a little concerned that this might be an issue if I need to show CE certificates and I have it for the company that I contacted in the first place. Do you have any input on this?
Thanks!

I'm sure Walter is going to answer this better than I will, however I'm at a similar stage to you and I'm interested to see what I've learned so far.

As far as I can tell, if the addresses are different it could be for legitimate reasons such as, the website has the office address, and the boxes have the factory address. Does the website have any details (photos, address, etc.) of their factory?

Have you read any SGS or Intertek reports on this company? That report will tell you on the second page whether they're a genuine manufacturer or not. EDIT: info redacted.

Also worth ringing up Dunn & Bradstreet to see if they have a Dunns number. Though I warn you, obtaining full reports is an expensive business.

Of course they may not be manufacturers, merely a trading company; however as Walter says, this may not always be bad, as they could be representing a small factory with no English speaking reps. However this is apparently unlikely.

I too await Walter's answer

 

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[Roli]

Hi Walter,

Things are moving on nicely, I'm just about to get delivery quotes for an MOQ, I'm using various online quoting tools, however I'm not sure what type of delivery I should be going for.

The gross case weight for my MOQ is 19kg, should that be air, sea or freight forwarding?

I have also asked them for a CIF to the UK, as I feel that could end up being the most straight forward solution, and I'm thinking that even if it costs a couple of percent more, the ease and speed of the transaction should negate the extra cost. Plus it's my first time so I want to do it with the training wheels still on, so to speak. What do you think?

Lastly; in a couple of our emails, I have asked my supplier what port they ship from, in order to get a more accurate quote; however that famous Chinese evasiveness has come to light, and I'm not sure what to make of it. I felt that perhaps he felt my questions weren't relevant at the stage I was asking, but I'm not sure if I should be a bit more worried about that?

Thanks

EDIT:

OK, I've just done my calculations properly (I think) and each case is 19kg and there will be 30 cases for a total of 540kg, so yeah, I reckon that's by sea

However I notice that often when I get these quotes they give me the unit size, carton size, but not the case size. Why is this?

So for example

Unit size - 12*2*9

Carton size 55*44*33

Case N/W G/W 18-19kg

So from the figures, I can work out how many cartons are in a case, and therefore how many cases are in the minimum order, but not the size.

I was going to use that pallet calculator that was suggested to me, however I remember you said to be careful with that because of possible differences between Asian and European sizing standards.

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter!
Im sorry if this question has been asked before in this thread.
I found a manufacturer who delivered a excellent product, great price and everything with the trial order was 100%.
Although the name of the company and the address was different on the boxes than it was on their website. Is that a question of concern? Since this is a electronic product im a little concerned that this might be an issue if I need to show CE certificates and I have it for the company that I contacted in the first place. Do you have any input on this?
Thanks!

The different name and address on the outer packages will usually be either the company's own trading company, or an unrelated trading company that they use for exporting. Not all manufacturers handle the export processes themselves. The name on the goods being shipped has to match the name of the applicants for export licenses.

The CE certificates should still be available to you from the manufacturer.

Walter

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter,

Things are moving on nicely, I'm just about to get delivery quotes for an MOQ, I'm using various online quoting tools, however I'm not sure what type of delivery I should be going for.

The gross case weight for my MOQ is 19kg, should that be air, sea or freight forwarding?

I have also asked them for a CIF to the UK, as I feel that could end up being the most straight forward solution, and I'm thinking that even if it costs a couple of percent more, the ease and speed of the transaction should negate the extra cost. Plus it's my first time so I want to do it with the training wheels still on, so to speak. What do you think?

Lastly; in a couple of our emails, I have asked my supplier what port they ship from, in order to get a more accurate quote; however that famous Chinese evasiveness has come to light, and I'm not sure what to make of it. I felt that perhaps he felt my questions weren't relevant at the stage I was asking, but I'm not sure if I should be a bit more worried about that?

Thanks

EDIT:

OK, I've just done my calculations properly (I think) and each case is 19kg and there will be 30 cases for a total of 540kg, so yeah, I reckon that's by sea

However I notice that often when I get these quotes they give me the unit size, carton size, but not the case size. Why is this?

So for example

Unit size - 12*2*9

Carton size 55*44*33

Case N/W G/W 18-19kg

So from the figures, I can work out how many cartons are in a case, and therefore how many cases are in the minimum order, but not the size.

I was going to use that pallet calculator that was suggested to me, however I remember you said to be careful with that because of possible differences between Asian and European sizing standards.

Yes, sea freight will be your best option for a shipment of that weight. You should use a UK based freight forwarder, partly because the UK port system is such that unloading at the wrong port is not uncommon. Your local forwarder will be able to handle those complications for you, and it shouldn't cost you more provided they have given you an all-inclusive quote covering all costs to your delivery address. (Warehouse or home.)

Their quote might include an estimate of Duty and VAT, but you can't be sure of the amount until they pay it and ask you for it prior to delivery. They can often do that before the ship even docks.

I think you might be calculating on the wrong basis. The case is the outer carton containing multiple items. They refer to it as a case when quoting weight but as a carton when quoting measurements. You just need to find out how many cartons there are in total. From that you could calculate the total dimensions, but it isn't essential for them to be on a pallet. I would leave that to the forwarder to suggest. The forwarder will do all the size/weight calculations if you give them all dimensions and weights and the number of cartons. They also need to know what the product is, quantity and value.

If using a forwarder, I suggest you ask your supplier to quote FCA (Free on Carrier At) their factory. Not commonly used and they might say they will quote EXW, but in that case you would need them to agree to load your carrier. If they don't understand the terms, FOB Factory, while not being strictly correct would be a term they would probably understand as including loading on board your carrier.

I hope you have obtained your EORI? The forwarder will need that.

Walter

 

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[black_fox]

When importing full container load. Is it better to or not to include pallets? Pallets do take up some dead space but I'm going to need pallets when the goods arrive in the US anyway.
At that time, the pallets won't fit in ('cause the container is full) and eventually, I'll need to spend extra $ to ship some excessive pallets LTL separately.

 

[Walter Hay]

When importing full container load. Is it better to or not to include pallets? Pallets do take up some dead space but I'm going to need pallets when the goods arrive in the US anyway.
At that time, the pallets won't fit in ('cause the container is full) and eventually, I'll need to spend extra $ to ship some excessive pallets LTL separately.

If you can fill a container without using pallets, you will probably be better off buying pallets in the US and paying your forwarder to arrange unloading from the container to the pallets.

You need to assess the cost for both options, but shipping empty pallets is going to be a costly option because you have not only the freight costs but the inward charges as well.

The cost of manual unloading and putting the contents on pallets at the wharf might be high also, so it could pay to arrange for delivery of the full container to your premises, and have lower cost labor unload and palletize the cargo there.

Personally I would avoid the hassles of shipping extra pallets.

Walter

 

[Roli]

Yes, sea freight will be your best option for a shipment of that weight. You should use a UK based freight forwarder, partly because the UK port system is such that unloading at the wrong port is not uncommon. Your local forwarder will be able to handle those complications for you, and it shouldn't cost you more provided they have given you an all-inclusive quote covering all costs to your delivery address. (Warehouse or home.)

Their quote might include an estimate of Duty and VAT, but you can't be sure of the amount until they pay it and ask you for it prior to delivery. They can often do that before the ship even docks.

I think you might be calculating on the wrong basis. The case is the outer carton containing multiple items. They refer to it as a case when quoting weight but as a carton when quoting measurements. You just need to find out how many cartons there are in total. From that you could calculate the total dimensions, but it isn't essential for them to be on a pallet. I would leave that to the forwarder to suggest. The forwarder will do all the size/weight calculations if you give them all dimensions and weights and the number of cartons. They also need to know what the product is, quantity and value.

If using a forwarder, I suggest you ask your supplier to quote FCA (Free on Carrier At) their factory. Not commonly used and they might say they will quote EXW, but in that case you would need them to agree to load your carrier. If they don't understand the terms, FOB Factory, while not being strictly correct would be a term they would probably understand as including loading on board your carrier.

I hope you have obtained your EORI? The forwarder will need that.

Walter

Cool thanks Walter, the whole case/carton thing was really starting to confuse me and I was close to showing myself up for the amateur I am, by my questions.

They have asked me for my EORI and given me a link to HMRC to obtain one.

I am going to source a storage solution today; any tips on that?

 

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[Walter Hay]

Cool thanks Walter, the whole case/carton thing was really starting to confuse me and I was close to showing myself up for the amateur I am, by my questions.

They have asked me for my EORI and given me a link to HMRC to obtain one.

I am going to source a storage solution today; any tips on that?

You could try places like Big Yellow Self Storage or Safestore.

Walter

 

[amp0193]

Hi Walter,

What do you know about importing batteries from China? I need to import some samsung batteries and a supplier mentioned something about a "magnetic inspection".

Do these need to be shipped separately from other products?

Do I need to make sure that the supplier labels or stickers these boxes in a certain way?

 

[Denim Chicken]

Hi Walter, thought I'd run this by you since you have been working with industrial materials in the past.

I'm working up a prototype for a product and i've been juggling different ideas for the materials to be used. There is a part that I am considering that will use a long pole or rod of some sort. It'll be about 36" in length and between .375 - .5" in diameter.

It must be easy to wield and move around so i chose aluminum after considering different options like fiberglass (splitters and wears on the hands if you ask fishermen), carbon fiber, etc. Plastic can also work depending on cost, must have good strength and not break in half with a good amount of pressure exerted. I initially chose fiberglass because of the give in the material, but ruled it out for the reason stated above.

Question:
Assuming the dimensions are identical, would a strong plastic rod (I dont know the plastic grades or types yet) hollow, 36" x .5" be a worse or better choice to aluminum, especially in consideration to importing from china?

Based on my limited experience with consumer chinese products, metal has always given me a bad impression, they're weak, they bend or flake, while everything from china in plastic seems to be OK. Is there any reason to suspect an issue with manufacturing these poles in aluminum versus plastic?

These are my thoughts so far:

Aluminum rods: Might be cheaper given that there is no mold required, standard size of 1/2" diameter cut to 36" and some minor mods made to the rod. No impression mold cost upfront. However, might be more expensive vs plastic due to requiring paint for color and need to stamp my brand into metal or engrave. (not sure if possible with painted surface)

Plastic rod: Need to most likely make my own impression mold with my logo but might be easier to manufacturer afterwards. No need for paint or sanding rough edges since plastic isn't sharp and there are colored plastic. Unsure if plastic is able to hold its own against aluminum in terms of strength. Must be able to endure drops, physical contact, etc. without breaking or cracking.


Thoughts? I haven't contacted any factories yet because I'm in the process of making my prototype but I'd like to be able to rule out something if you can give me insight on it.

 

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[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter,

What do you know about importing batteries from China? I need to import some samsung batteries and a supplier mentioned something about a "magnetic inspection".

Do these need to be shipped separately from other products?

Do I need to make sure that the supplier labels or stickers these boxes in a certain way?

Please don't try to import Samsung brand. If you mean compatible batteries that would be OK.

There are now restrictions on transport of all Lithium batteries. For a start, they cannot be transported as cargo on passenger aircraft. If shipped on air cargo aircraft they are now considered dangerous goods. There's a lot more involved and there's too much for me to provide all the details. UPS have a detailed account of the new rules regarding air transport here: https://www.ups.com/content/au/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/batteries.html Labeling requirements are included.

Shipment by sea freight is now also more heavily regulated. The big freight forwarders Kuehne & Nagel have published information here: Kuehne + Nagel: Sea & Road transport of lithium cells and batteries

IMPORTANT: It has come to my attention that although outward Customs on the Chinese mainland are being very strict, there are some export companies in Hong Kong who are endangering lives by shipping Lithium batteries on passenger aircraft. I'm sure you can guess how they get them through Customs.

Walter

 

[amp0193]

Please don't try to import Samsung brand. If you mean compatible batteries that would be OK.

There are now restrictions on transport of all Lithium batteries. For a start, they cannot be transported as cargo on passenger aircraft. If shipped on air cargo aircraft they are now considered dangerous goods. There's a lot more involved and there's too much for me to provide all the details. UPS have a detailed account of the new rules regarding air transport here: https://www.ups.com/content/au/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/batteries.html Labeling requirements are included.

Shipment by sea freight is now also more heavily regulated. The big freight forwarders Kuehne & Nagel have published information here: Kuehne + Nagel: Sea & Road transport of lithium cells and batteries

IMPORTANT: It has come to my attention that although outward Customs on the Chinese mainland are being very strict, there are some export companies in Hong Kong who are endangering lives by shipping Lithium batteries on passenger aircraft. I'm sure you can guess how they get them through Customs.

Walter

Thanks for the reply, and for communicating the seriousness of this. I'll do my homework.

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter, thought I'd run this by you since you have been working with industrial materials in the past.

I'm working up a prototype for a product and i've been juggling different ideas for the materials to be used. There is a part that I am considering that will use a long pole or rod of some sort. It'll be about 36" in length and between .375 - .5" in diameter.

It must be easy to wield and move around so i chose aluminum after considering different options like fiberglass (splitters and wears on the hands if you ask fishermen), carbon fiber, etc. Plastic can also work depending on cost, must have good strength and not break in half with a good amount of pressure exerted. I initially chose fiberglass because of the give in the material, but ruled it out for the reason stated above.

Question:
Assuming the dimensions are identical, would a strong plastic rod (I dont know the plastic grades or types yet) hollow, 36" x .5" be a worse or better choice to aluminum, especially in consideration to importing from china?

Based on my limited experience with consumer chinese products, metal has always given me a bad impression, they're weak, they bend or flake, while everything from china in plastic seems to be OK. Is there any reason to suspect an issue with manufacturing these poles in aluminum versus plastic?

These are my thoughts so far:

Aluminum rods: Might be cheaper given that there is no mold required, standard size of 1/2" diameter cut to 36" and some minor mods made to the rod. No impression mold cost upfront. However, might be more expensive vs plastic due to requiring paint for color and need to stamp my brand into metal or engrave. (not sure if possible with painted surface)

Plastic rod: Need to most likely make my own impression mold with my logo but might be easier to manufacturer afterwards. No need for paint or sanding rough edges since plastic isn't sharp and there are colored plastic. Unsure if plastic is able to hold its own against aluminum in terms of strength. Must be able to endure drops, physical contact, etc. without breaking or cracking.


Thoughts? I haven't contacted any factories yet because I'm in the process of making my prototype but I'd like to be able to rule out something if you can give me insight on it.

Aluminum can be colored by the anodizing process, but as you have observed, metal products from China can be poor quality. You don't always get what you think you are getting. If you specify precisely what you want, and have it inspected by a quality inspection service before shipment, you would have a reasonable chance of getting a satisfactory product.

If there is no standard line available in aluminum with correct wall thickness, and correct diameter, you would have the cost of an extrusion mold.

I would favor using plastics. They almost always require use of UV stabilizers for outdoor use. They can also be colored. There are several high strength plastics that can be extruded. Here are some:
Polypropylene. Relatively light weight, with good strength but should be tested before deciding. Even stronger if it contains ethylene. Low cost.
ABS. One of the more expensive types. Very tough, with high impact resistance.
Polycarbonate is very flexible and is the one I would be inclined to use. It does scratch, but is very flexible and has high impact resistance.

Incorporating your logo after production is not really a problem. There are hot stamping, pad printing and laser engraving methods that you could use.

Although my specialty is importing, I would recommend that you look for manufacturers in the US, where I am sure you will find plenty.

Walter

 

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[Denim Chicken]

Aluminum can be colored by the anodizing process, but as you have observed, metal products from China can be poor quality. You don't always get what you think you are getting. If you specify precisely what you want, and have it inspected by a quality inspection service before shipment, you would have a reasonable chance of getting a satisfactory product.

If there is no standard line available in aluminum with correct wall thickness, and correct diameter, you would have the cost of an extrusion mold.

I would favor using plastics. They almost always require use of UV stabilizers for outdoor use. They can also be colored. There are several high strength plastics that can be extruded. Here are some:
Polypropylene. Relatively light weight, with good strength but should be tested before deciding. Even stronger if it contains ethylene. Low cost.
ABS. One of the more expensive types. Very tough, with high impact resistance.
Polycarbonate is very flexible and is the one I would be inclined to use. It does scratch, but is very flexible and has high impact resistance.

Incorporating your logo after production is not really a problem. There are hot stamping, pad printing and laser engraving methods that you could use.

Although my specialty is importing, I would recommend that you look for manufacturers in the US, where I am sure you will find plenty.

Walter

Thank you Walter this has been very helpful. I decided to most likely rule out aluminum last night after giving it hours of thought and you confirmed it.

I also appreciate the terms like hot stamping, pad printing, this gives me some leads on what to research next.

My initial search I found ABS and next am going to contact the manufacturer about this. If I could, I most certainly would go with a US manu provided the pricing is competitive.

What was your reason for looking for US manufacturers for this particular part? Does China not have a cost advantage when it comes to plastics?

 

[Walter Hay]

Thank you Walter this has been very helpful. I decided to most likely rule out aluminum last night after giving it hours of thought and you confirmed it.

I also appreciate the terms like hot stamping, pad printing, this gives me some leads on what to research next.

My initial search I found ABS and next am going to contact the manufacturer about this. If I could, I most certainly would go with a US manu provided the pricing is competitive.

What was your reason for looking for US manufacturers for this particular part? Does China not have a cost advantage when it comes to plastics?

Even before Donald Trump came to office there was a big change underway in the competitive situation China vs USA. So many US companies have been moving production back to the US that it was given a name: Reshoring.

Big factors in choosing local over importing are: Time savings in shipping, easier order processing, accountability for mistakes, quality (not always the case), and the sales value of "Made in America" on the goods.

Walter

 

[Denim Chicken]

This makes it a lot easier.

1. A single cavity injection mold for a small item like that, assuming the plastic is a thermoplastic could cost as little as $2,000 in China and $8,000 in the USA.

2. Various plastics have very different technical requirements when it comes to molds, so costs can vary substantially.

3. The good news is that the item cost should be a no more than a few cents.

When the matter of assembly arises, I always favor using the services of workshops employing physically or mentally challenged people. I have used them extensively with excellent results. The workers are usually far more diligent than ones employed on a strictly commercial basis. They really want to please.

Walter
EDIT. Regarding making a prototype, it might be possible to laser cut or machine one or two pieces for you to test the concept.

What is the word/term I am looking for when you talk about the workshops for assembly? Fulfillment centers or pre-FBA centers seem to do everything but assembly. I found one that processes returns, QA, inserts, poly bags, etc. which is great but I'm looking for a workshop that you describe that can put together my product. I plan on taking your advice and sourcing the parts from different manufacturers and assemble it locally.

I am considering doing it myself as the assembly isn't difficult and does not require any tools but it'll be difficult to field all those shipments at my residence and then to do few hundred to few thousand by myself, that'll take forever.

I'd consider it light assembly, about 30 seconds per item at most for assembly, another 30 seconds for packaging.

 

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[Walter Hay]

What is the word/term I am looking for when you talk about the workshops for assembly? Fulfillment centers or pre-FBA centers seem to do everything but assembly. I found one that processes returns, QA, inserts, poly bags, etc. which is great but I'm looking for a workshop that you describe that can put together my product. I plan on taking your advice and sourcing the parts from different manufacturers and assemble it locally.

I am considering doing it myself as the assembly isn't difficult and does not require any tools but it'll be difficult to field all those shipments at my residence and then to do few hundred to few thousand by myself, that'll take forever.

I'd consider it light assembly, about 30 seconds per item at most for assembly, another 30 seconds for packaging.

The program to employ disabled workers is undergoing change in several countries, with some people upset because they claim such workers are exploited or neglected. I have never found evidence of exploitation in those workshops where I have subcontracted work.

In the USA those workplaces are still commonly known as "sheltered workshops", but now a less informative name "work center" is being favored.

I hope bureaucratic interference doesn't cause the demise of such places where I have seen severely disabled people working in a happy environment and within the limits of their disabilities doing a great job.

Walter

 

[Ronak]

Hi @Walter Hay,

In your experience, is it better to stick to the factories in the major provinces of Guangdong, Jiangsu, etc, or is it worth exploring factories in the non major locations? On my lass trip, I spent considerable time and money to visit a factory outside those provinces, specifically in Hebei, and found quality to be inferior--it was a big waste of time. In general, my thought is to continue to focus on the major provinces, but I wonder if it would be worth it to consider others, such as Henan? Do the non majors have a reputation for poor quality or am I being too quick to judge.

Thoughts?

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi @Walter Hay,

In your experience, is it better to stick to the factories in the major provinces of Guangdong, Jiangsu, etc, or is it worth exploring factories in the non major locations? On my lass trip, I spent considerable time and money to visit a factory outside those provinces, specifically in Hebei, and found quality to be inferior--it was a big waste of time. In general, my thought is to continue to focus on the major provinces, but I wonder if it would be worth it to consider others, such as Henan? Do the non majors have a reputation for poor quality or am I being too quick to judge.

Thoughts?

On the contrary, I have found suppliers way outside the major locations whose quality is superior to the big boys in the big centers. Yoyu really need to do your homework on them before thinking of visiting though.

Walter

 

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[Ronak]

On the contrary, I have found suppliers way outside the major locations whose quality is superior to the big boys in the big centers. Yoyu really need to do your homework on them before thinking of visiting though.

Walter

Good to know...I will be checking out live samples at a trade fair first before considering a visit.

 

[Guest23565]

Thanks for the reply Walter! I sent some messages out to manufacturers requesting some quotes and received some high prices, but I feel like I've got my initial greeting pretty well sorted after trying your advice.