When do we use local suppliers versus overseas factories?

When do we use local suppliers versus overseas factories?

Local is always better, for obvious reasons mainly,  boosting our economy, keeping people in jobs, supporting manufacturers here, we always want to support our own, sometimes though it has hard to look past the bottom dollar, if the US dollar is good and in some cases how much more advanced manufacturing is overseas. 

Most of the old excuses have gone.  There is rarely a problem with communication. With all the factories we work with, they are verified with all the right certifications, knowing their practices regarding workers rights, safe and healthy work conditions and fair and equitable treatment of their people are compliant are a must.  Not to say there cannot be problems, you need to be experienced and due diligent with quality control and relationships. 

I have set out below when we choose local and when we choose overseas. 

 local:

• Australian made products (of course!) this can really improve your brand image to support local.
• Lower quantities ordered
• Delivery in under 2 weeks
• No difference in cost
• Easier quality control
• All stationery – including post it notes, note pads, calendars – anything – manufacturing in the paper sector in Australia is good quality and good price.

Overseas:

• I hate to say it, but Australia is behind in product design.  We love dealing with USA for example when it comes to latest and innovative products that are not available here but often registered designs.
• China – remember most stock we have here locally is still made in China but that advantage of dealing direct is specific sizes, designs, branding, and price, through China we can develop any idea into reality.
• Higher quantities
• Plenty of time for delivery.  3-4 weeks air freight or 8 weeks sea freight are the average but can take longer depending on work required.  Air freight is best for light in weight products and lower quantities as it can get expensive, but sea freight works well for everything – you just need the time
• Lower production costs

We recommend never ordering directly with overseas factories that you have not seen or verified.  We have been dealing with Asia for many years, we know what to look for and what factories are best for what products.  Its not worth the hassle to do it yourself too much can go wrong, especially with quality control.  An example is in years gone by, we did an order for 5000 diaries for a large well-known company, we had the pre-production sample, and all signed off, everything was going well.  We received the 5000 diaries and the front inside page was crooked.  We deal with this factory all the time for diaries, so they told us the truth to what happened and re did the 5000 diaries at their expense in quick time.  The quality controller in the factory had fallen asleep at the end of the line!  Something that simple can go wrong.  If you don’t know the factories – they would not tell you or take any blame for what happened and definitely would not do the job again as they would have your money and don’t need to do anything to rectify the situation.

When we look at what you need, the quantities and time frame, we can then advise what we think is best for your situation, leave it to the experts.