In today’s globalized world, many Western companies choose to outsource their manufacturing to China to save money and stay on top of the latest trends in design and innovation. Although doing business in China can be extremely lucrative, it’s important to know what potential potholes to look out for to ensure your contract manufacturing project will succeed.

In this article, we list 5 red flags that you should look out for when seeking potential contract manufacturers in China.  

1. Unrealistic Price

Chinese contract manufacturers have the capabilities to significantly undercut prices offered by foreign competitors over a wide range of products. As a result, the low production costs provide competitive advantages in the global manufacturing industry.

However, if the price a manufacturing company offers is too good to be true, it probably is a scam.

In this case, it is important to do due diligence for the suppliers and understand the materials and techniques that will be used in your project. This is because paying too low of production prices can often result in lower quality materials or less efficient production, meaning you could end up with an inferior product that does not meet your requirements and standards.

Additionally, be aware that vendors may quote low prices for their products to get the business, but then increase prices later during production or final delivery. Ensure you check the prices and services in your contract to avoid hidden fees or charges after the deal has been finalized.

2. Lack of Clear Communication

Communication is important for every partnership around the world because it helps make sure that everybody knows what’s going on and that there aren’t any miscommunications. But without clear and effective communication, you may be left unsure of how things will play out or how to proceed in the next phase of your project.

To reduce risks associated with communication issues, be sure to clearly explain your requirements and expectations from the beginning and use professionals who are proficient in both English and Chinese to help navigate any language barriers. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns during the process, be sure to bring them up right away so that they can be addressed promptly.

Keep in mind that communication can be verbal or nonverbal. Even though many Chinese contract manufacturers don’t speak English fluently, they can always roll their eyes or nod their heads during a conversation to make you feel they understand your idea, which can convey a lot of meaning without words.

If a supplier doesn’t seem interested in talking with you and lacks initiative, then chances are they do not have the passion or will to work well with you. Also, if no translator or bilingual worker is available on the team, this suggests inexperience when interacting with foreign customers. In this case, it’s better to turn around and find a better supplier instead.

3. A Manufacturing Company That is Too Big or Too Small

When you’re looking into contract manufacturing in China, one of the most important things to consider is the size of the manufacturing company you’re working with.

A company that is too big or too small can be a red flag when it comes to reducing risks associated with your project.

This is because companies that are too large may be famous in the industry, thus the production fees can be more expensive, so you may end up paying more than you would with a smaller company. Also, they may have too many orders in hand, and they are willing to deal with small orders, which means that they may not keep following your project constantly.

On the other hand, companies that are too small may have difficulty meeting deadlines and providing enough resources to ensure the quality of your product. Additionally, they may not be able to provide the range of services you need for your project.

When choosing a manufacturing company in China, it’s important to do your research and find one that fits your needs in terms of size, cost, capacities, and services. By doing this, you can reduce your risks when it comes to working with contract manufacturers in China.

4. Defective Sample Products

Another biggest red flag that should alert you to potential problems down the road of your manufacturing projects is defective sample products.

This means that when you receive sample products to review, they do not meet your specifications or standards. It could be due to a variety of reasons such as incorrect production capabilities, techniques, materials being used, poor quality control, or lack of understanding of your requirements.

When faced with defective sample products, it is important to address the issues quickly and accurately. First, you should communicate the issues to your contract manufacturer and clearly define what needs to be corrected or improved. Be sure to provide detailed feedback to help your contractor address the issues. You can also request additional samples for further testing if needed. Additionally, make sure to monitor the progress of any necessary corrections or improvements made by your contract manufacturer.

5. Unable to Ask Specific Questions

One of the red flags you should watch out for is an inability to ask specific questions about your project

Typically, an experienced will ask about your project details including expectations and standards. If you’re dealing with a contract manufacturer who won’t provide you with a clear answer or can’t respond to your specific questions related to your requirements, then you should be wary of the arrangement.

Not only could this indicate a lack of experience in manufacturing the product, but it could also mean that they are trying to hide something from you. The best way to reduce your risks is to ensure that you can ask specific questions and get satisfactory answers from the supplier. If a manufacturer isn’t willing to answer your queries or provide detailed information, then you may need to look elsewhere.

Final Thought

By keeping a close eye on your project and addressing any issues quickly and clearly, you can reduce the risks of production delays and costly errors down the line. It is also important to work with a reliable and trustworthy contract manufacturer who has experience working with foreign companies and understands international standards. Doing so will help ensure that all your expectations are met and that your project is successful.

With our UK background, Chinese experience, and expertise, Shield Works can be your reliable contract manufacturing partner to fulfill your needs without overspending and other potential risks. We follow a rigorous process to ensure quality and consistency from order to delivery. Start your journey by reaching out today for more information!