Factories
Factories are the actual manufacturers who own the production facility. Unlike online-only companies, GPSOURCES works directly with and within our factories.
Step 02 · Our Process
Sourcing
GPSOURCES spent years cultivating strong relationships with a wide array of APEC manufacturers. Our on-site staff closely monitors every aspect of our manufacturing process. We've helped dozens of companies lower their manufacturing costs simply by transitioning production operations to new, more cost-effective manufacturers.
As a premier sourcing company, we help clients source over 100 different kinds of products every day. Not only do we provide competitive prices, we also get the latest product recommendations from factories. The agents in our company can help you source consumer products in categories spanning household, garden, toys, outdoor, apparel, stationary, electronics, hardware, and more.
The Sourcing Stage
What are the different types of suppliers?
Traders
Traders are similar to wholesalers, but differ in the way that they typically don't take ownership of the goods. They tend to be better communicators, but don't accept liability for defective products.
Sourcing Companies
Sourcing or procurement suppliers will locate and select businesses based on your specifications and their networks. Sources help find the right supplier for your products.
Factories
Manufacturing factories range in size, quality, production capacity, and product ranges. The industry changes rapidly, and continually breaks stereotypes. Over the last couple of decades, countries in the APEC region improved their labor practices significantly, and many are actively implementing their country's new regulations on pollution.
Factories often lack effective English communicators as they specialize in production rather than marketing, advertising, or outreach. When communicating with them virtually, you may suspect they are using translation software for communication.
Despite the translation issue, factories are experts in production. If they are experienced in manufacturing your product, they will understand your technical requirements. However, they are not marketers and may not fully comprehend the needs of the Western market. You'll have to be very clear with your factories on your expectations.
Factories are best to work with if you have these three things going for you:
- You understand the product and its manufacturing process really well
- You need almost no customization for the product
- Service quality is not hugely important for you
Sourcing Companies
Sourcing companies fully manage importing and Quality Control (QC) operations for their clients, essentially becoming their client's office overseas. We oversee their sourcing and product development, handle negotiations, manage contracts, ensure QC, and frequently handle logistics. We differ from trading companies by maintaining independence, and we don't earn commissions from sales on behalf of factories. Consequently, our interest is vested in best representing our client's business, rather than in protecting manufacturers.
Sourcing companies vary significantly in size, scope, and sophistication. Across the industry, you'll find freelancer sourcing agents, small to medium-sized companies with anywhere from three to fifteen employees, and very large sourcing companies that work primarily for retail giants.
Different sourcing companies fit with different kinds of buyers. Some are great for buyers just starting out, while others suit buyers with massive orders and different priorities.
Sourcing companies are advantageous because they can leverage pre-existing supplier networks for better per-unit costs and conflict resolution. Disagreements could arise over delivery schedules, quality of the goods, variance in price, intellectual property infringements, or other issues — and sourcing companies know how to troubleshoot. A good sourcing company works to understand specific consumer needs, and tries to solve product issues by understanding the root of the problem, rather than offering an under-researched quick fix.
Critical components of the process — compliance, certification, and international trade procedures — can be confusing to those who aren't experienced with them. Sourcing companies tend to better understand these processes, helping ensure imported products meet the standards and regulations of the importing market.
Need help sourcing?
Tell us what you're making — we'll match you to the right manufacturer.
Contact Us