{"id":3616,"date":"2022-09-16T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/au\/blog\/supplier-manufacturer\/"},"modified":"2025-09-19T19:56:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T19:56:05","slug":"supplier-manufacturer","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/au\/blog\/supplier-manufacturer\/","title":{"rendered":"Supplier and Manufacturer Guide: What to Look for, What You\u2019ll Need, and Where to Find Suppliers and Manufacturers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Table of Contents<\/p>

** Minutes<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

What is the difference between a supplier and a manufacturer?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier and manufacturer quick reference guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you need to know about finding a supplier<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you need to know about finding a manufacturer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the next step?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get started with ShipBob<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier and manufacturer FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re running an ecommerce business, you need reliable suppliers and manufacturers to help you maintain seamless supply chain operations<\/a>. That\u2019s why you need to pay extra close attention to the sourcing process so you can identify reliable and long-term partners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we walk you through the process of finding suppliers and manufacturers for your business. Let\u2019s jump in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between a supplier and a manufacturer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between a supplier and a manufacturer is that the supplier sells products to other businesses such as retailers and vendors whereas the manufacturer produces the products. In other words, the manufacturer creates the goods, which the supplier then supplies in bulk for other businesses to sell to end consumers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, the manufacturer also acts as a supplier and sells the products directly to retailers and vendors. Additionally, suppliers in the manufacturing industry also supply raw materials and parts to manufacturers instead of selling finished products to retail businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier and manufacturer quick reference guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Type<\/th>Overview<\/th>Red Flags<\/th>Green Flags<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Supplier<\/td>Supplies to other businesses<\/td>– Lack of communication
– Quality concerns
– Prone to mistakes
– Late deliveries
– Lack of compliance
– Lack of transparency
– Overpriced<\/td>		– Relevant and up-to-date quality certifications
– Strategically located
– Competitive pricing
– Financially stable
– Maintains transparency
– Capability to scale
– Credibility in the industry
– Offers flexibility
– Delivers on time
– Quality customer service<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Type<\/th>Overview<\/th>Red Flags<\/th>Green Flags<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Manufacturer<\/td>Manufacturers the product<\/td>– Lack of communication
– Lack of necessary certifications
– Requires upfront payment
– Lack of transparency
– Lack of flexibility
– No dedicated point of contact<\/td>		– Possesses necessary expertise
– Maintains quality standards consistently
– Credibility in the industry
– Good communication and transparency
– Competitive pricing
– Offers flexibility<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What you need to know about finding a supplier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The product sourcing<\/a> process is a bit more complicated than reaching out to just any random supplier. You need to take an organised approach that will allow you to narrow down suppliers that fit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you need first<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before reaching out to a supplier, make sure you\u2019re prepared with the following information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

List of supplies<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Have a list of everything that you\u2019ll need from the supplier\u2013whether it\u2019s the items from your product range or the components you need to manufacture a product. Make sure the supplier can accommodate all your supply needs before you decide to work with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your budget<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Clearly outline how much you can afford to spend on the supplies. Include an estimate of the expected cost per unit and the maximum you\u2019re willing to spend after negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions for your potential supplier<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Be prepared to ask important questions that will help you narrow down your selection. Make sure you\u2019re asking questions related to lead times, minimum order quantities, setup fees, sustainability practices, defect policies, shipping methods, and shipping costs among many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

End goal<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

What do you want to achieve through your partnership with the supplier? Don\u2019t forget to clearly specify your end goal so you can easily identify a supplier who can help you achieve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to look for in a supplier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When choosing a supplier, make sure they meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n