[sonnyrizo]

I've been thinking about this for some time, but I can't come up with anything. Lets say I come up with a product idea, but I don't have the machines to build it, who do you go to?

I don't know where to get started, and who mass produces it.

Even if you guys don't know this either, can you link me to some website on the Internet?

[SiL]

You could start by trying www.alibaba.com. I've never used it myself, however other members have recommended it numerous times.

Good Luck!

[mpnetwork]

Of course do what all the cool kids are doing... cheap foreign labour!

In all seriousness, I have spoken to plenty of business owners who find they get a better quality product abroad.

Of course there are plenty of advantages to keeping things local.

A lot of it would depend on the product and what goes into making it...

http://www.alibaba.com/ does look interesting.

If you are looking for a more local approach, try contacting your local chamber of commerce. They may have a member who can help you.

[Brad2332]

I'd suggest keep it local, as it will help your economy. But, there is cheaper labor in a foreign country as well as improved quality, due to the fact that most people are very GREATFUL for even the chance to make the 3 and a half cents an hour they probably make...

[Dus10]

It depends on the product. There can be great disadvantages to getting foreign produced goods.

1) Import tarrifs

2) Shipping latency

3) Foreign policy

4) Currency exchange

If it turns out that you have more advantages by getting your goods produced abroad, by all means, do it. There are plenty of people who would benefit from your goods. Besides, in North America, manufacturing is decreasing, if you give people a job, and then have to take it away, you will get egg all over your face.

People in North America want service and administration level positions. If you can get a viable market built up, people here would appreciate that sort of work more than manufacturing.

[Karen]

Once you have the idea.... find someone local who is able to produce it. Once the orders increase to the point of needing a factory to manufacture.... go build the factory.




Karen

[BizGuy]

Yes. Karen is correct. If you are able to find a local manufacturer for your product you will feel comfortable testing out the market. If you have the money to do your prototype locally and then contact an agency to get your 'mold injection' or product manufactured offshore, then you will be in a comfortable position if you start gaining a big demand for your product. You always need to keep in mind, protecting your unique ideas to the best of your ability. Good luck to you and Yes alibaba.com has proven to be a great place to find manufacturers.

Adam T.

[sonnyrizo]

Thanks a lot for all the information.

[robyang!]

I worked in manufacturing before.
If you want a manufacturer to mass produce you a product, you usually have to buy a custom made machine.
Then the raw input, plus the labour.
Yep.
Eddco is one of the big names.

[sonnyrizo]

Originally posted by robyang!
I worked in manufacturing before.
If you want a manufacturer to mass produce you a product, you usually have to buy a custom made machine.
Then the raw input, plus the labour.
Yep.
Eddco is one of the big names.

I thought the manufacturer has whatever machine that's needed. Am I wrong?

What's "raw input"? My own model?

[SiL]

I think robyang! meant raw materials. Such as the materials it will take to manufacture whatever your product is.

[Fishing]

IT depends what your product is, that determines whether or not you need a special machine. If its steel, a manufacturer will have the equipment to make whatever you want 99% of the time. I dont know about plastic and such but Im sure they have machines that are very universal. Specialized Products, when you mass produce them, will need moulds or dies or somekind. Thats what you will need to pay for as far as set up costs. depending on the die one will cost you about $2,000.00 american. A good place to start with manufacturing would be going to your yellow pages and looking under Tool & Die places they really know manufacturing and if they cant help you, they will be able to point you in the right direction. If your product is plastic look under plastics in your yellow pages, then go to the place that looks the most industrial and talk with one of thier sales people. I had to do all this stuff in th last few months planning my business. Just ask people and if they dont know ask if someone they know might know and just follow the line until you find the guy that says " yeah i can stamp these out for you".
You will want to start out with contract manufacturing (they can explain the game to you) but when you mass produce its probably worth it to have your own factory. I have my grandmas garage that i will use for some stages of manufacturing. Then when i cant keep up with sales I will buy a property in a rural type area that has a shop on it and maybe hire an employee or two.
Karens post about starting the factory is really clever.