When it comes to contract manufacturing in China, there are numerous options available in the market. However, selecting the right manufacturing company is not an easy task. The wrong choice could result in delayed timelines, poor-quality products, and wasted money. That’s why it’s important to stay ahead of the game and recognize the red flags.

In this blog post, we will be highlighting the top 10 warning signs to watch out for when choosing a manufacturing company in China. With this guide, you can make informed decisions and ensure that your product is in good hands.

They don’t have any references or case studies

Before working with a new contract manufacturing company that you are not familiar with, it’s important to do due diligence, including searching for its website and social presence online.

If the company is reputable and has done good work in the past, it will have no issue sharing references or case studies with potential clients. On the other hand, if a company is hesitant to provide these materials or simply doesn’t have any to share, it should be seen as a red flag.

Case studies can provide valuable insight into a company’s capabilities and areas of expertise. They give you a more detailed understanding of a company’s manufacturing process and the results they can deliver. You should be wary of companies that claim to have experience in your specific industry or with your specific product but don’t have any case studies to back it up.

They’re not registered with the local government

All legal enterprises operating in China must obtain formal registration with the appropriate authorities. This not only serves to legitimize the business but also allows customers to be sure that they are working with a legitimate organization.

Unfortunately, there are manufacturing companies out there that are not registered, which is a huge red flag. If they’re not registered, likely, they are not adhering to local laws and regulations, which could result in issues down the line.

Additionally, being registered shows that the contract manufacturer in China is serious about their business and their reputation. It takes time and effort to go through the registration process, which means they are committed to providing a quality service to their clients.

They don’t have enough staffing

You want to work with a company that has enough employees to ensure that your project receives the necessary attention and care. A red flag to watch out for is if the company has a low staff count or if they refuse to disclose their employee numbers. This could be an indication that they lack the necessary resources to handle your project.

Low staffing levels can lead to longer turnaround times, quality control issues, and communication problems. It’s crucial that you have a direct line of communication with the manufacturing company and that they have enough staff to provide prompt and reliable responses. Without adequate staffing, your project could face delays and setbacks that could impact your business.

Their minimum order quantity is unreasonably high

It’s not uncommon for factories to have a minimum order quantity (MOQ), as it ensures that production runs are efficient and cost-effective. However, if the MOQ is set so high that it’s practically impossible for a small business or startup to meet it, it’s a sign that the manufacturer may not be the right fit.

A good manufacturer should be willing to work with you to find a MOQ that works for both parties. If they’re not willing to negotiate, it’s a sign that they may not be the best partner for your business.

They don’t have their factory

If they don’t have their factory, they will be outsourcing your production project to another company. This can result in several problems, including delays, miscommunications, and quality issues.

It’s a good idea to work with a manufacturing company with its factory because they have full control over the production process. They can monitor every stage of production to ensure that your product is being made to the highest quality standards. They also can make changes quickly and efficiently, should any issues arise.

They’re not ISO certified

ISO certification is a global standard that ensures that a company’s products and services meet related standards. If your contract manufacturing company is not ISO certified, it could be a warning sign. The ISO certification process requires a company to go through a rigorous evaluation process that verifies its quality control measures, environmental standards, and social responsibility practices. It also means that they are regularly audited to maintain these standards.

Not having ISO certification can mean that the company is not putting enough emphasis on quality control, and there could be a higher chance of errors, defects, and faulty products. It’s crucial to ensure that your manufacturer meets the required industry standards to avoid any potential risks.

They don’t have quality control measures

Without quality control, there’s no guarantee that the products you receive will meet your expectations or your customers’ needs. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a contract manufacturing company that has quality control measures.

Conducting quality control during the production process is a must to ensure everything runs smoothly according to your specific standards and regulations. The contract manufacturer should monitor the entire manufacturing process, from raw material selection to final product inspection. The team should have a rigorous process in place to catch any defects before the product leaves the factory floor.

They refuse to sign a nondisclosure agreement

One of the first things you should ask your contract manufacturer in China is whether they are willing to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA). This legal document ensures that your product and any confidential information you share with them will remain private and not be shared with anyone else.

If a contract manufacturer refuses to sign an NDA, it should immediately raise a red flag. It could indicate that they have a history of sharing confidential information, or they may be planning to use your design for their purposes. It’s essential to work with a manufacturing partner you can trust, and refusing to sign an NDA shows a lack of trustworthiness.

To avoid any potential legal or business problems down the line, make sure to ask your contract manufacturer to sign an NDA before beginning any work with them. If they are hesitant or outright refuse to sign one, it may be best to look for another partner who is willing to protect your intellectual property and business interests.

They’re not transparent about their pricing

When it comes to outsourcing services, pricing can be a major deciding factor for many businesses. However, some manufacturing companies in China are not transparent about their pricing, which can cause major problems down the line.

If the manufacturing company does not provide you with a detailed breakdown of its costs, it may be trying to hide additional fees or expenses or may be charging you more than what is reasonable.

Additionally, if they’re not willing to negotiate their prices, this may indicate that they’re not interested in building a long-term relationship with your business. A good manufacturing company should be willing to work with you to find a price that works for both parties.

They don’t have realistic promises

A red flag to watch out for is when a manufacturer promises the world without any concrete plans to back up those claims. It’s easy to fall into the trap of getting excited about what sounds like an amazing deal, but it’s important to remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Some common examples of unrealistic promises include extremely short lead times, promises of high-quality products without the necessary expertise or equipment, and quotes that seem too low to be sustainable. While it’s certainly possible to find a manufacturing partner who can work quickly and efficiently, it’s important to ensure that these promises are backed up by realistic timelines and an understanding of what’s required to meet those deadlines.

Work With a Professional Contract Manufacturing Company in China

Choosing the right manufacturing company is crucial to the success of your product. By keeping an eye out for these 10 red flags, you can save yourself from the headache of dealing with unreliable companies in China. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, do your research, and trust your instincts.

If you are looking to outsource your manufacturing needs to China, then it is essential to work with a professional contract manufacturing company like us Shield Works.

We are a British-owned and managed company that specializes in making products according to the highest industry standards and offers a variety of services such as product design, engineering, and production services in a wide variety of fields. Our rigorous approach guarantees the highest quality and consistent service from order placement to delivery. Contact us today for further information.