Molding services for Agricultural customersA contract manufacturer can help bring your product vision to life, but not all contract manufacturers will be able to provide the same level of service and expertise.
Finding the right contract manufacturer is essential if you want your product to reach its full potential. Below are four of the most common mistakes we see businesses make when they decide to work with a contract manufacturer, and a few suggestions on how to avoid these pitfalls when it comes time to choose your contract manufacturer.
- Focusing on price alone: Price is important, but it isn’t everything when it comes to selecting a contract manufacturer. In fact, going for the lowest quoted price may leave you with a product, process or level of service that you’re unhappy with. The old adage is unfortunately often true – you get what you pay for. Instead of simply picking out the lowest bid, consider the level of quality and value you will receive. Cost, communication, quality and customer service should all be factored into your decision.
- Losing communication: Communication is key in any relationship, including the relationship you have with your contract manufacturer. Many companies miss out on opportunities to develop a high-quality product when they stop communicating their needs to their contract manufacturer. Being open to communication during every step of the contract manufacturing process will help you stay on track.
- Not vetting manufacturers properly: If you rush into choosing a contract manufacturer, you probably won’t be entirely happy with the manufacturer that you end up with. There are so many different factors and circumstances that come into play when it comes to product development that you need to be completely confident in the manufacturer that you choose. Take time to research all of your options, interview manufacturers, request quotes and thoroughly assess the choices that are available to you before making your final decision (for more information about choosing a contract manufacturer, read our recent post “4 Steps to Find the Right Contract Manufacturer”)
- Making sacrifices: While it’s not always possible to achieve every goal you have for your products, and your design is likely to change as the manufacturing process progresses, you shouldn’t feel like you are sacrificing your priorities when you work with a contract manufacturer. The contract manufacturer you choose should be capable of delivering the level of quality that you need to create a product that you can be proud of.
It’s not always easy to navigate the product design, development and engineering process which is why having the right team behind you is essential. At KASO Plastics, we are proud to provide engineering and plastic injection molding services that are designed to help turn your visions into a reality. Contact KASO today to learn more.