Finding a Manufacturer

[KingWing26]

Hello All,

It's been a while since I've posted but happy to be back at it!

I am working on a product design, I just had a 3D CAD Model created and I am in contact with one manufacturer to create a prototype, however, I am finding it difficult to locate more than one manufacturer for my prototype.

Does anyone have any recommendations on locating local manufacturers for prototypes or even have advice on how to convince a manufacturer to create one of your designs?

P.S. My product would need to be made from leather, it's a wallet-type product, and it seems manufacturers for these items are difficult to find within the U.S.

All the best,
KW

 

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[Flint]

Maybe you've already tried most of it, but the way I'd approach it is this.

First, I'd search (google, yellowpages etc.) for tanneries, leathersmiths and custom leather shops in your area. I just tried that and there are lots of middlemen/retailers, outdated links etc. but you can find a few that may be worth a closer look (e.g., DeWolfe Leather, Cellar Leather, Teranishi Studio, Hawtan Leathers, Bears Emporium). I'd read their About pages, what they represent, what they specialise in. I'd call them saying that I'm interested in a custom product and I'd like to understand what they can offer in terms of types of leather, turnaround, volume etc. Even better if you could schedule a visit to meet them in person and see the workshop/factory. Note that I skipped emails. A call is personal, helps to build rapport and demonstrates you're more active in what you want to achieve. Phone is underrated today. Email is fine but I'd send one after the initial call so it's not cold anymore and more for logistics/leaving a hook for a follow up.

Second, I'd study what I really need and what it's all about. There's so much to learn about leather: types, finish, production process, quality control, supply chain dependencies etc. etc. One of the first resources that I just googled is Leather Dictionary. BTW, when meeting these people in person and seeing their workplaces, I'd be like a sponge and absorb any possible information about this industry. Even if I wouldn't end up working with any of them, it'd still be a great lesson for meetings with other suppliers.

Third, I'd research the hell out off my competition and brands with leather products in similar categories. Some of them will have their products imported. You could use ImportYeti to find out who their suppliers are. I expect some to come from Italy (a fun fact: in many cases the so called Italian leather is first 90% processed in Romania or other cheaper country and then shipped to Italy for final steps) or other places in Europe. Some will be from various countries in Asia, maybe South America. I'd try to find their websites, contact details, information about what they do. You can't easily meet them in person, so you'd need to build that relationship and trust by other means. And I'd follow @Walter Hay's advice on how to approach vendors in Asia.

Last but not least, I'd make sure that (a) I don't create something that has no audience/interested crowd waiting there with their credit cards; and (b) I stand out/can compete with similar products they're already buying. I'd go with a one-off prototype with higher COGS from that one supplier that you're in touch with, maybe even used only a sleek computer model without producing anything, and I'd validate it with paying customers. Could you get to pre-orders before even finding a supplier?

Let us know how it goes.

Good luck!

 

[KingWing26]

Maybe you've already tried most of it, but the way I'd approach it is this.

First, I'd search (google, yellowpages etc.) for tanneries, leathersmiths and custom leather shops in your area. I just tried that and there are lots of middlemen/retailers, outdated links etc. but you can find a few that may be worth a closer look (e.g., DeWolfe Leather, Cellar Leather, Teranishi Studio, Hawtan Leathers, Bears Emporium). I'd read their About pages, what they represent, what they specialise in. I'd call them saying that I'm interested in a custom product and I'd like to understand what they can offer in terms of types of leather, turnaround, volume etc. Even better if you could schedule a visit to meet them in person and see the workshop/factory. Note that I skipped emails. A call is personal, helps to build rapport and demonstrates you're more active in what you want to achieve. Phone is underrated today. Email is fine but I'd send one after the initial call so it's not cold anymore and more for logistics/leaving a hook for a follow up.

Second, I'd study what I really need and what it's all about. There's so much to learn about leather: types, finish, production process, quality control, supply chain dependencies etc. etc. One of the first resources that I just googled is Leather Dictionary. BTW, when meeting these people in person and seeing their workplaces, I'd be like a sponge and absorb any possible information about this industry. Even if I wouldn't end up working with any of them, it'd still be a great lesson for meetings with other suppliers.

Third, I'd research the hell out off my competition and brands with leather products in similar categories. Some of them will have their products imported. You could use ImportYeti to find out who their suppliers are. I expect some to come from Italy (a fun fact: in many cases the so called Italian leather is first 90% processed in Romania or other cheaper country and then shipped to Italy for final steps) or other places in Europe. Some will be from various countries in Asia, maybe South America. I'd try to find their websites, contact details, information about what they do. You can't easily meet them in person, so you'd need to build that relationship and trust by other means. And I'd follow @Walter Hay's advice on how to approach vendors in Asia.

Last but not least, I'd make sure that (a) I don't create something that has no audience/interested crowd waiting there with their credit cards; and (b) I stand out/can compete with similar products they're already buying. I'd go with a one-off prototype with higher COGS from that one supplier that you're in touch with, maybe even used only a sleek computer model without producing anything, and I'd validate it with paying customers. Could you get to pre-orders before even finding a supplier?

Let us know how it goes.

Good luck!

THANK YOU! This was all super helpful, I'm going to take a deeper dive into all of the above. I'm new to product design, development, etc so there is much to learn as I go!

 

[KingWing26]

THANK YOU! This was all super helpful, I'm going to take a deeper dive into all of the above. I'm new to product design, development, etc so there is much to learn as I go!

@Flint I called a manufacturer today and, while they couldn't take on my project, they gave me the name of another local manufacturer who might be able to assist. Progress!

 

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[Flint]

@Flint I called a manufacturer today and, while they couldn't take on my project, they gave me the name of another local manufacturer who might be able to assist. Progress!

Great! By acting on an opportunity, you just created another one. Soon enough you'll be generating many more.

Buuuuut... I hope it wasn't just one call? 10x that. And then 10x it again. See what happens on the way there and how many other little discoveries and connections you make.

If they have lots of jobs or you're not their ideal customer, they may refer you to other places, like this manufacturer. One of many ways to build abundance.

Several other things I also do:

• I'm genuinely interested in people and businesses I contact. In my book, calls are not (just) to get a client or a supplier. They're also a tool to build a relationship. Even if something doesn't lead to a deal, it's also a great opportunity to learn more about others. Build some rapport whenever possible. You don't need more than a minute or two.
• Even if they can't work with me now, I suggest maybe it'll be good to connect again in a month, 6 or X. I schedule that call then and there.
• I follow up with an email where I thank them for their time. If practical, this is also an invite to the call we just scheduled (not sure if this would be practical in your situation).

There's usually a lot to be done before I say I'm out of options.

I'm expecting you'll report back after calling all the places I listed (and many more).

Keep the momentum going.

Good luck!

 

[KingWing26]

Great! By acting on an opportunity, you just created another one. Soon enough you'll be generating many more.

Buuuuut... I hope it wasn't just one call? 10x that. And then 10x it again. See what happens on the way there and how many other little discoveries and connections you make.

If they have lots of jobs or you're not their ideal customer, they may refer you to other places, like this manufacturer. One of many ways to build abundance.

Several other things I also do:

• I'm genuinely interested in people and businesses I contact. In my book, calls are not (just) to get a client or a supplier. They're also a tool to build a relationship. Even if something doesn't lead to a deal, it's also a great opportunity to learn more about others. Build some rapport whenever possible. You don't need more than a minute or two.
• Even if they can't work with me now, I suggest maybe it'll be good to connect again in a month, 6 or X. I schedule that call then and there.
• I follow up with an email where I thank them for their time. If practical, this is also an invite to the call we just scheduled (not sure if this would be practical in your situation).

There's usually a lot to be done before I say I'm out of options.

I'm expecting you'll report back after calling all the places I listed (and many more).

Keep the momentum going.

Good luck!

@Flint I can't believe it's been over a month!

MY BIGGEST UPDATE - I found a manufacturer to create a design and a prototype. It's taking longer than I expected but I'm staying busy and productive in the meantime.

I'm KNEE DEEP in learning Copy (I actually enjoyed this part so much I started a Fiverr and Upwork account and already have 3 gigs completed with a 5 star review!)

I created a social media account and I'm working on my landing page for the product.

It's been a lot of work in addition to my full-time job but I am moving forward

 

[Flint]

Ah brilliant, happy to read that, man.

MY BIGGEST UPDATE - I found a manufacturer to create a design and a prototype.

Great stuff.

It's taking longer than I expected but I'm staying busy and productive in the meantime.

It usually does, don'worry about it. Keep going and trust the process.

I'm KNEE DEEP in learning Copy (I actually enjoyed this part so much I started a Fiverr and Upwork account and already have 3 gigs completed with a 5 star review!)

Nice!

I created a social media account and I'm working on my landing page for the product.

I recommend @Andy Black's advice on this topic in episode 2 of his podcast:

HOT! - EXECUTION - Let's Chat Sales

I started a podcast with Brendan McAdams who has years of experience as a sales pro. Join us in our first episode to learn how we: Figure it out as we go along. Find Product-Market-Fit, one customer at a time. Allow niches to reveal themselves as we engage the market. We also discuss, among...

www.thefastlaneforum.com

It's been a lot of work in addition to my full-time job but I am moving forward

I know it's not easy to do it on top of your day job commitments, so props on putting in the work.

Thanks for the update!

 

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