How to Find a Manufacturer for Your Product [2025 Guide]

Finding the right manufacturer is absolutely crucial to the success of your product and your business. The manufacturer you choose to use directly impacts upon the efficiency, cost and quality of the overall product, impacting how well received the product is in the market and ultimately, the profitability of your business. The wrong manufacturer could result in quality issues, increased costings and delays in product production. On the other hand, the right manufacturer will make sure your product is delivered on time and within budget, while meeting industry standards and complying with regulations. For this reason, we have put together a guide, to help start-ups, inventors, and ecommerce brands, among other businesses, to find the best manufacturer for their needs.

Product Manufacturing Updates in 2025

The manufacturing industry is always changing, part of knowing how to find a manufacturer for your product involves keeping up-to-date with these changes. In 2025, the manufacturing industry is due to see an increased focus on risk management, resilience and sustainability, a move towards reshoring and nearshoring to mitigate supply chain disruptions, and the continued development of autonomous supply chain management systems. It is also expected to see an increase in the use of AI, to improve supply chain efficiency, optimise inventory, predict demand, and automate tasks, as well as sourcing tools that will enable you to leverage real-time data tracking, use data analytics to make informed decisions and the use of digital twins (i.e. virtual representations of physical assets and processes).

These are things you need to consider when selecting a manufacturing company for your product.

How to find a manufacturer for your product: A step-by-step guide

To take your prototype to production you will need a professional private label manufacturer.

Step 1: Know What You Need

Before you can search for a manufacturing company, you need to know exactly what you need. Things you need to consider include:

• Define your product clearly, determine the materials you need, consider the complexity of the product and the quantity you expect to need.
• Choose which outsourcing production best suits your needs. Your options are OEM vs ODM and contract manufacturing. OEM’s produce parts and/or equipment that is then integrated into another company’s products. ODM’s design and manufacture products for another company to brand and sell. And contract manufacturers produce products based on a client’s specifications.
• Create a bill of materials (BOM) and product specifications. A BOM is a detailed list of all the raw materials, components and parts that will be required for product manufacturing, essentially it is a blueprint that is necessary to assemble the finished product. Product specifications is a document that outlines the requirements for building the product, including what, why, and how it should be developed.

Step 2: Decide Local vs Overseas Manufacturing

The next step is to decide whether to use a local domestic manufacturing company, or an overseas manufacturer (known as offshoring). There are pros and cons to both, which we will discuss here. Before we do, it is important to remember that in 2025 there is a reshoring trend and updated geopolitical impact. Reshoring (i.e. bringing manufacturing back to domestic markets) is a significant trend driven by factors such as global supply chain disruptions and a desire for stronger chain resilience. Geopolitics, such as trade tensions and protectionist policies are also impacting manufacturing decisions, with companies looking to diversify their supply chains ain an effort to reduce reliance on individual regions.

Domestic Manufacturing:

Pros:

• Fast turnaround and shorter lead times
• Better quality control, customer services and communications
• Enhanced brand image due to supporting local economy
• Reduced transportation and fewer supply chain disruptions
• Stronger intellectual property protection

Cons:

• Potentially higher labour costs
• Limited production capacity
• Potential for the reliance on imported components
• May be necessary for extensive customisation and adaptation

Overseas Manufacturing:

Pros:

• Lower production and labour costs
• Larger production volumes
• Potentially less expensive raw materials

Cons:

• Longer lead and shipping times
• Communication issues due to language/culture barriers
• Potential for quality control issues
• Potential for ethical concerns, such as environmental or labour practices

Step 3: Where to Search for Manufacturers

To find a new manufacturing partner, there are plenty of places you can look, including:

• Online platforms, such as Alibaba, Thomasnet, IndiaMART, Maker’s Row, and Kompass
• Trade shows and expos (include 2025 dates if relevant)
• Industry directories and sourcing agents
• Search engines
• LinkedIn groups
• Ask your network

Step 4: How to Vet a Manufacturer

When you have a shortlist of manufacturers, you need to vet them.

• Look at their certifications (ISO 9001, etc.)
• Ensure their compliance and sustainability
• Request samples and references
• Conduct factory audits (in person or virtual)
• Assess their financial stability, infrastructure
• Inquire about their quality control procedures
• Assess their communication style and responsiveness
• Evaluate their ability to meet your production deadlines and delivery requirements.

Step 5: Request Quotes and Compare

The next step is to send the manufacturing company a RFQ (Request for Quote). This should include: a project overview, detailed specifications, pricing structure, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines, along with contact information. This will ensure a clear and fair evaluation.

When evaluating the quotes you receive, you need to look beyond the price and consider the service in its entirety, including the MOQ (minimum order quality), tooling, timelines, support, etc.

Here are some red flags you should watch for:

• Low prices, which could be a sign of ethical and compliance issues and/or a lack of quality control
• Lack of transparency
• Inconsistent quotes
• Missed deadlines
• Poor communications
• Lack of experience
• No pre-production samples

Step 6: Go from Prototype to Production

Before you lock down contracts, sign NDA’s and Intellectual Property (IP) protections you should ask the manufacturing company for a pilot run. Small batch testing can give you an idea as to how the manufacturing process will work and how long it will take, it will also enable you to make adjustments to the design or the process.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Manufacturer Partner

Here are some common mistakes you need to avoid making:

• Making your choice based on price alone
• Rushing your decision
• Not doing due diligence
• Not having a contract
• Lacking in clear communications and expectations
• Neglecting intellectual property
• Ignoring lead times/logistics or capacity/capabilities

Tools and Resources to Help in 2025

There are several tools and resources that can help you to choose a manufacturing partner, such as:

– Online Directories and Marketplaces

– Online directories such as ThomasNet, Maker’s Row, MFG, Kompass, and Oberlo

– Industry-Specific Platforms

– Social Media

– Networking and Referrals

– Local Business Chambers

– Industry-Specific Conferences and Events

Build a Relationship

It is important you start small, place small orders then scale up. Build your business with your manufacturing partner as you build your relationship with them. Good communications and a strong relationship will help to ensure that the manufacturing process runs smoothly and your business is as profitable as it can be.

For more information on How to Find a Manufacturer for Your Product [2025 Guide] talk to RH Nuttall Ltd