| The Internet | | | | product line that is not a direct competitor to what |
| There is an abundance of online resources that can | | | | you want to sell, then reach out to this company and |
| help you get your search started. The Internet is a | | | | offer to trade them services or free work in |
| powerful resource and you can find everything in just | | | | exchange for advice. Chances are that his/her |
| one click. However, these sites mostly contain | | | | factory or even his/her overseas agent will be able |
| thousands of listings and it is overwhelming to go | | | | to find you a factory for your product. It will be less |
| through all of them. Another thing you should keep in | | | | difficult if you also try to consult someone who is |
| mind is that the Internet is so accessible these days. | | | | already manufacturing overseas. Referrals will provide |
| As convenient as it may seem, anyone can easily | | | | you an immediate level of comfort and confidence |
| claim that they have a factory that can make your | | | | with factories. You can also consider asking from |
| product. The initial step to ensure that the company | | | | marketing service companies, if you know some. Call |
| you found is legitimate is to do your research. | | | | domestic factories and inquire about their overseas |
| | | | connections. |
| Trade Data | | | | Through trade |
| Try to analyze available international trade data. | | | | You can also search for a broker or an agent who |
| Several websites offer bill of lading and ocean freight | | | | represents the factory. With a knowledgeable person |
| records. Additionally, governments of most countries, | | | | at hand, you can avoid potential setbacks. Some |
| especially China and other Asian nations, make a large | | | | products have quota restrictions so be familiar with |
| amount of factory data readily available to the | | | | this area as early as possible. A broker or an agent |
| general public. | | | | should be able to guide you along the way. If you |
| Your network | | | | can not find a broker, you can try searching for |
| Reach out to social media and networks to your | | | | agents who directly deal with a factory. Another |
| trusted contacts. Almost anyone involved in the | | | | good resource for this are online international trade |
| import/export industry will have a connection with | | | | organizations. You can use leverage the data |
| overseas factories. If not, they may know | | | | provided by these organizations to research |
| somebody who can help. Social media is becoming a | | | | companies and their capabilities. |
| powerful tool in researching business connections. If | | | | Above are just a few of the many ways to finding |
| you use Facebook, Twitter, or other networking | | | | an overseas factory. To build confidence in your |
| sites, be sure to let your connections know what | | | | decision, follow your instincts. If you feel something is |
| you are looking for. Asking help through both your | | | | not right when dealing with a manufacturer, then do |
| business and personal contacts in email is also a good | | | | not engage business with them. In the end, there is |
| idea. | | | | always another manufacturer who will work well with |
| Through referrals in the industry | | | | you so be patient when searching, be resourceful and |
| Reach out to other people who sell a product similar | | | | careful when choosing one. |
| to the one you are interested in. Identify a similar | | | | |