Identify potential suppliers (this information is easy to find on internet directories) based on a quick and subjective screening. And we contact them to confirm their contact information is up to date.
The key, before this service is launched, is to define the profile of the "ideal supplier". A few examples of criteria to define are listed below (and we will be happy to suggest other important points based on your situation):
- Product: it is important to describe the type of product you need as clearly as possible (if possible, tell us about the processes/technologies used to manufacture it).
- Low cost vs. mid-market vs. high quality: do not expect the get the lowest price AND the highest quality. Should the the factory be focused on low-cost & high volume, or on more complex/customized projects?
- Company size: your orders should represent less than 40% of their annual volume, and if possible more than 10%. Similarly, minimum quantities issues have to be evoked as early as possible.
- Main market: do you need a supplier who is familiar with your market’s requirements? Or do you want to avoid suppliers who might also work for your competition/customers? Similarly, your production peaks should not overlap excessively.
- Development capability: will you rely on them to do heavy development work?
- Geographical area: do you need the factory to be in a certain province/city?
- Type of business: do you accept to deal with intermediaries? Or should we eliminate all suppliers that clearly look like trading companies?
This information will orient our research, but the goal is to get a first list to work on. We won't ask these questions to each supplier (this is done in the next service step:
Screening By Questionnaire).