[divisionfurtive]

I have a 2-step process.

1 - Are communications easy, fast and meaningful? That's the first step. Contact more than one supplier (on a initial round, think 10 to 20). Make small challenges like posting design files on a secure site that requires the supplier to create an account...you'll get rid of a lot of unworthy suppliers that won't bother and therefore are not going to be proactive in the future.

2 - Invest in requesting prototypes (or samples if making more than one prototype does not make sense) from more than one factory ahead of time (top 3 of the step above). The good factories will perform well at this task...bad ones will deliver half-baked stuff.

With time, the very good suppliers that really want to build a business relationship with you will become obvious and you can reuse them in the future...making your life easier. Don't be lazy when looking for suppliers...that's the biggest pitfall. Invest time and money...it's important.

[bsbechtel]

This sounds more or less like the process I've gone through. I have yet to explore the option of manufacturing in China....have you done this? Is the process more or less the same?

[jkestner]

Given the importance of good communication, there are obvious additional challenges to manufacturing in China. Take baby steps and get small components, small orders first to establish trust. Finding an agent who will handle sourcing and communication can be a big help.

[divisionfurtive]

IMO, this process is universal and particularly effective if you are seeking suppliers on a big platform with a lot of offering like Alibaba.