What we look for in a manufacturing partner
The cheapest quote is rarely the best partner. The questions we ask, the checks we run and the habits that keep product quality consistent as a brand grows.
For a consumer brand, the manufacturer is one of the most important relationships it will ever have. Every review, every return and every repeat purchase depends on what comes off their production line. Yet many brands choose a supplier almost entirely on unit price, then spend months dealing with the consequences.
We look at manufacturing as a partnership. Here’s what we evaluate before committing, and how we keep things on track afterwards.
Before the first order
Samples, and plenty of them. We order samples from several suppliers and judge them side by side, not just for appearance but for how they hold up in real use. We also ask for samples from a production run where possible, because a hand-finished sample can be better than what the factory routinely makes.
Communication. How quickly and clearly does the supplier respond? Do they ask good questions about the specification, or just say yes to everything? A supplier that pushes back on an unclear spec is usually one that will build it correctly.
Experience with the category. A factory that already makes similar products for established brands will understand the materials, tolerances and certifications involved. We ask what they make, who they make it for, and whether we can speak to existing customers.
Minimum order quantities and flexibility. Early on, flexibility matters more than the lowest possible unit cost. A partner willing to start with smaller runs and grow with the brand is worth paying a little more for.
Certifications and compliance. Depending on the category, products may need testing for safety, materials or labelling. We confirm early who handles this and what documentation the supplier can provide.
Write everything down
Most quality problems start with ambiguity. Before production, we create a specification document that covers:
- Materials, dimensions and tolerances.
- Colours, with physical references rather than screen descriptions.
- Packaging, labelling and inserts.
- Approved sample photos, signed off by both sides.
- Defect definitions: what counts as acceptable, minor and major.
This document becomes the reference point for every conversation and every inspection. It also protects the brand’s design and intellectual property by making clear what belongs to whom.
Inspect before it ships
We don’t rely on photos from the production line. Independent pre-shipment inspections, checking a sample of finished goods against the specification, are inexpensive compared to the cost of a bad batch reaching customers. For a new supplier, we may also inspect during production, so problems are caught while they can still be fixed.
Build in resilience
A single supplier is a single point of failure. Capacity issues, holidays, shipping disruptions and policy changes can all interrupt supply. As a product proves itself, we work towards:
- A qualified second supplier, even if it handles only a portion of volume.
- Realistic lead times, including buffer for holidays and shipping delays.
- Inventory planning tied to sales forecasts, so a successful ad campaign doesn’t sell out stock that takes weeks to replace.
Treat it as a relationship
The best supplier relationships we’ve seen share a few things. Payment is on time. Forecasts are shared early. Feedback is specific and fair. Visits happen when they’re possible. Suppliers prioritise customers who are easy to work with and growing, especially when capacity gets tight.
The product is the brand. Choosing the right people to make it, and working with them well, is one of the highest-leverage decisions a consumer business makes.