Making products:
Choosing manufacturers
Selecting the right manufacturer is one of the most important decisions when creating product. The following suggestions can help ensure you choose a reliable and respectful manufacturer that aligns with your values and goals.
Things to consider
Producing in Australia, or overseas?
Research both options when deciding whether to produce a product locally or overseas. You will need to consider manufacturing costs, supply chain logistics for it to arrive at your destination, and lead times. Local production may offer faster lead times but higher manufacturing costs, while overseas manufacturers may reduce costs, but the lead times may be longer. Working with an overseas manufacturer can come with other challenges, such as language barriers.
Understand your needs
Identify the type of products you want to create and the artworks you’d like to use. Think about the materials, quality and quantity required. This will help you plan effectively and ensure your products meet your expectations. It is good to think long term—will you have future products they can offer? It’s better to find one great supplier than many little ones. You want to work with less energy for bigger return.
Research manufacturers
Look for manufacturers with experience in producing similar products. It’s important to find those who understand cultural and artistic integrity, as they will respect and accurately reproduce your artwork.
Evaluate samples
Request samples from potential manufacturers to appraise the quality of their work. Make sure the colours and designs stay true to your original artwork. This will help to ensure that the final product meets your standards.
Check ethical practices
Confirm that the manufacturer follows fair labour and ethical practices. They should respect cultural protocols and give proper acknowledgment to the artists to ensure that your products are made responsibly and ethically. Understand the current environment and social compliance certifications that are relevant to ensuring ethical labour and materials are used. Look out for certifications such as SMETA audited, GOTS and/or Oeko Tex to name a few.
Check environmental sustainability
Ensure the manufacturer aligns with your environmental values. They should help create products responsibly, using sustainable materials and practices. This is important for maintaining your commitment to the environment.
Be careful of “greenwashing”—this is when companies falsely advertise products as environmentally friendly when they’re not. Look out for vague claims like “natural” or “eco-friendly” without industry-respected certifications to back them up.
Discuss customisation options
Talk to the manufacturer about customisation options. They should be able to tailor products to align with your brand and artistic vision. This helps create unique and personalised items that stand out.
Compare costs
Request quotes from different manufacturers and compare pricing. Consider production, shipping costs, and any additional fees, and ensure these are consistent across all quotes. This will help you secure the best deal without compromising on quality. Keep in mind, some offshore manufacturers may quote in USD.
Review lead times
Ensure the manufacturer can meet your timelines and production schedules. It’s important that they can deliver on time without compromising the quality of the products. Most manufacturers will provide you with a date it will leave their premises, and you then will be responsible for the shipping time. This is known as the “ex-factory” date and may be confirmed when you send a purchase order. If you’re producing products with an overseas manufacturer, then it’s helpful to know cultural celebrations for when manufacturers close and for how long.
Understand minimum order requirements
Confirm the minimum number of items the manufacturer requires per order. Make sure this fits within your budget and meets your needs. This helps avoid any surprises later on.
Negotiate terms
Discuss payment terms, returns, and warranties with the manufacturer. Clearly agree on intellectual property rights for the artwork used. If both parties understand and agree on the terms before production begins, there is less likely to be any disagreements later on.
Build a relationship
Choose a manufacturer that communicates well and is willing to collaborate long-term. Building a strong relationship can lead to better cooperation and successful product development.