How do I Find Manufacturers, Domestic and International

“Your product is only as good as your manufacturer.” The manufacturer you choose for either producing the raw material or getting the finished product directly determines the quality of your product, which ultimately impacts your business reputation and growth. According to the 2018-2021 data report of the US Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Manufactures (ASM), there are approximately 600,000 manufacturing establishments in the US. Finding the right one among hundreds and thousands of options is the real marathon. And in this blog, we will answer your question – how do I find manufacturers? 

Who is a manufacturer?

A manufacturer is a person or company that produces raw materials or finished goods and sells them to consumers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, or other manufacturers. 

There are different types of manufacturers you deal with.

• Domestic manufacturers: Based within your country, offering faster shipping and easier communication
• International manufacturers: Often providing lower costs but requiring more complex logistics
• Contract manufacturers: Producing products to your specifications
• Private label manufacturers: Creating products that you can brand as your own

Understanding the US manufacturing industry

Before we find out how to find the right manufacturer for your business, we must first understand how the manufacturing industry operates.

The US manufacturing industry is the second largest in the world (after China), employing over 13 million people and contributing $2.5 trillion to the US economy. 

But still, most local US businesses import products rather than finding local manufacturers. In 2017, the average US supplier imported 14.5% of goods from China. 

Why is that? 

There might be several reasons, including the low costs associated with imported Chinese goods, difficulty finding the right manufacturer, or complex supplier cycles, which accounted for 17% of total procurement challenges. 

Trump China Tariffs

We are all aware of the recent trade war between the US and many other countries. Trump increased duties (Tariffs) from 10% to 49% on almost all imports, but China was hit the hardest. 

Trump imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. This impacts not just China but also US local businesses importing from China. 

After Trump implied new tariffs on US imports from China, businesses in the USA are struggling to find the right local manufacturers that can help them get the products they need without compromising quality or their bottom line. 

In this guide, this is what we will do. We will learn how you can find a manufacturer for your business, either domestic or international and how to avoid costly mistakes while selecting the manufacturers.

How do I find manufacturers for my product?

STEP 1: First, know what you’re looking for

Before you search for manufacturers, you need clarity on a few basics:

1. What is your product idea about 

Write down the materials, size, packaging, design, and finish – everything you want in your product. If you’re unclear, manufacturers will be, too. 

Gather;

• Detailed technical drawings
• Material requirements
• Quality standards
• Packaging specifications

2. How much order volume do you need

Are you planning a small test batch or looking for bulk production from day one? We suggest you always start with a sample. Gather samples from multiple suppliers, shortlist them, and then, based on the best product, start production of your first batch. Make sure to keep the sample so you can cross-check your batch with the sample provided to eliminate any discrepancies and maintain quality control.
Get clear on;

• Production volume needs
• Budget constraints
• Timeline expectations
• Quality control requirements

3- What is your MOQ (Minimum order quantity)

It might look small, but it directly affects your bottom line. That’s why you must negotiate MOQs in the initial phases of finding a supplier. If you are just starting out, you might not need a large inventory, so you can negotiate your MOQ.

You might be thinking, why would a manufacturer agree to our MOQ? What’s in it for them? Yes, you must understand what motivates your manufacturer and how low they can go in terms of MOQ. Are they concerned about generating more ROI or onboarding a new business?

By evaluating the pain points and questions, you can negotiate with them and find some common ground to start a partnership.

4. Domestic vs. Overseas

Are you looking for a domestic or an international manufacturer? Based on that, start your search. There are different directories and websites available where you can individually find domestic or international manufacturers. 

5. Dropshipping?

If you’re starting a dropshipping business, you won’t store products yourself. You’ll need suppliers who:

• Handle inventory
• Ship directly to your customers
• Have fast and reliable fulfillment

After identifying your needs, you can actually get ready to find your right match.

6- Certification required?

Are you dealing in products that need some additional certification or approvals? For example, if you deal in cosmetics, you might need manufacturers that comply with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which runs toxicology tests on products to ensure they are free from hazardous materials. 

• You must also pay heed to certifications, such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), while selecting the supplier to ensure that the supply chains are free from human trafficking.
• Another one is UFLPA, to check if they follow the guidelines regarding not sourcing products produced in the XUAR region of China.
• Also, check if the products being produced follow the Quality, safety, ethics, and sustainability standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

STEP 2: Options available to find your preferred manufacturer

1-  First – Google it

The simplest way to find your relevant manufacturer is to Google it using keywords like “OEM (Original equipment manufacturer),” “wholesale supplier,” or “[product] manufacturer near me/(city/area name).”

If simply writing a manufacturer doesn’t work, try googling wholesalers, distributors, or suppliers. Not all companies have updated content, which makes it hard for Google to identify them. 

Use Google Maps

If you are having trouble finding a supplier near you, add the keywords (Industry + wholesale + manufacturer) and look for the business listed for that keyword.

Source

2- Use NAICS codes to find industry-specific suppliers

The North American Industry Classification System is responsible for applying unique codes to business establishments to analyze, collect, and publish statistical data related to the US business economy. 

How do these codes help find manufacturers? There are specific NAICS codes associated with industry-specific suppliers. You can simply use that code to find your industry-specific supplier from their large professional directory. 

Add filters for the USA, enter the industry you are interested in, and you will have a list of manufacturers. Shortlist the manufacturers based on your requirements. 

Source

3- Referrals

Use the power of referrals. 

• Talk to your fellow entrepreneurs or business owners working in the same industry for contacts.
• Join a LinkedIn or Facebook group and read reviews for the manufacturers. You can also read reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to check if a supplier is trustworthy and if there has been a recent complaint filed against it. Based on business reviews, you can choose with caution. 

Next, you can also ask for suppliers who might not be the perfect fit for you directly, but they can provide you with valuable contacts or information on manufacturers that have previously worked with businesses like yours or have made similar products. 

4- Online manufacturing directories

There are several domestic, international, free, and paid manufacturing directories available online where you can access information about your relevant suppliers. 

Free and domestic directories for manufacturers and suppliers

1- Thomasnet

• Features over 500,000 suppliers
• Focuses on North American industrial products and services
• Offers detailed supplier profiles 

2- MFG.com

• Global manufacturing marketplace
• Connects buyers with manufacturers
• Free for sourcing companies 

3- Kompass

• Offer a global manufacturers database along with distributors and suppliers

• Users can filter by:
  • Location
  • Production capabilities
  • Minimum order quantities (MOQs)

Paid and domestic directories for manufacturers and suppliers

1- Maker’s Row

• Connects entrepreneurs with US-based factories and suppliers
• Database of verified manufacturing partners
• Detailed Factory Profiles: Including:
  • Manufacturing capabilities
  • Previous project portfolios
  • Certifications
• Focus on American manufacturing 

2- Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) 

• Part of the National Association of Manufacturers, representing 14,000 member companies
• Covers diverse manufacturing sectors
• Members receive special benefits and resources
• Tools for shaping legislative and regulatory environments
• Helps members advocate for manufacturing industry interests 

Online overseas directories

1- AliExpress 

• No minimum order requirements
• Specialized tools for dropshipping businesses
• International accessibility
• Guarantees for refunds and replacements
• Mediation for buyer-seller conflicts 

2- IndiaMART 

• 138,000+ categories available
• Behavior-based supplier recommendations
• Mobile-first platform design
• Thorough supplier verification processes
• Government tax registration verification 

3- Sourcify 

• Access to 3,000+ vetted manufacturing facilities
• Comprehensive quality assurance
• Web-based application for order monitoring
• Educational resources for users
• Multi-production run management
• Private Labeling/customization options available 

4- Dun & Bradstreet 

• Business database of 455 million companies
• Detailed company reports and analytics
• D-U-N-S Number System – Unique business identifier system
• Automatic updates of supplier data
• Multiple source verification process
• Consistent company data format

Each platform serves different needs in the manufacturing and supplier discovery process, with some focusing on specific regions (like Maker’s Row for US manufacturing) and others offering global reach (like AliExpress and Indiamart). The choice of platform would depend on specific business needs, such as:

• Geographic preferences
• Production volume requirements
• Verification needs
• Budget constraints
• Industry-specific requirements

5- SeeBiz – B2B Wholesale Marketplace

Seebiz is a b2b wholesale marketplace that connects manufacturers with wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers. Here, you can find verified local US manufacturers. Verified means they have checked all the boxes and meet all the standards required to sell in the USA and other countries. 

If you are a wholesaler looking to start your own online store, you can build your store here. You are also given additional services like marketing for free for a time period, along with a feature on the homepage absolutely free of cost.

So, either you are looking to digitize your business or looking to find vendors, Seebiz is your place.

STEP 3: Evaluate the manufacturer

Don’t jump at the first supplier who responds. Vet them properly:

1. Ask for product samples

This is non-negotiable. Test the quality before you invest big. Also, ask for samples with your customizations (logos, packaging, material).

2. Check communication speed

If they take five days to reply during the sales phase, imagine how they’ll respond once you place your order. Most businesses get multiple online quotes in a day. If they are fast enough to get back to you in their given response time, then they might be a good fit; if not, try finding other options.

3. Review MOQs and lead times

• Make sure their Minimum Order Quantity fits your budget and plan.
• See how long production and shipping will take.

4. Look for certifications and the QA process

Ask for:

• ISO certifications
• Factory audit reports
• Any specific quality standards for your product niche

5. Request references
Ask for contact info of 2-3 past clients (especially from your region). Reach out and ask about their experience.

Step 4: If you’re dropshipping

Dropshipping has different needs. You don’t want just a manufacturer – you want a fulfillment partner.

1. Find dropshipping-friendly suppliers

Popular tools to find them:

• Spocket – U.S. and EU dropshipping suppliers
• Inventory Source – Directory + automation tools
• DSers (for AliExpress) – Directly connects to Shopify

Make sure they support:

• Inventory sync
• Order automation
• Custom branding or packaging (if needed)

2. Shipping times and return policy

Fast delivery and smooth returns matter a lot in dropshipping. Always test their speed with a trial order.

3. Platform integration

Manual processing wastes a lot of your time. Make sure to use tools that can easily connect with your store (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce) and automate repetitive tasks. 

Step 5: Seal the deal

Before you go all in:

1. Negotiate

Talk openly about:

• Price per unit
• Payment terms (50/50 or Net 30)
• Delivery schedules
• Bulk order discounts

2. Sign a contract

It doesn’t need to be 20 pages long. But it should cover:

• Responsibilities
• Payment terms
• Ownership of product design/IP
• Handling of delays, defects, and disputes

3. Start small

Place a pilot order. Test how they handle real transactions, not just samples.

4. Evaluate long-term

Track:

• On-time delivery
• Product defect rate
• Communication
• Customer feedback

Don’t get lazy. Just because they were good once doesn’t mean they always will be.

Final thoughts

Now we believe you have the answer to how do I find manufacturers? Finding the right manufacturers doesn’t come with a single Google search (or it might be in some cases), but still, you need to make sure it’s a right fit. Because where you manufacture directly impacts your business and customer relationships. The relationship between manufacturer and vendor is a long-term collaboration, and changing it every few months might not be a good idea. Therefore, before starting any long-term partnership, do your research, be patient, and use smart filtering.

If you need help sourcing manufacturers that actually deliver?

Check out Seebiz – a wholesale and B2B platform built to simplify sourcing, fulfillment, and growth by connecting manufacturers and wholesalers with vendors, retailers, and customers.