Questions you need to ask before selecting your contract manufacturing partner:

1. Do I need a simple commodity supplier or a contract manufacturing partner?

   If it's a commodity supplier you need, you need to look for the right capacity and the right price. It's that simple. If you need a trusted partner, you need a company that not only has the capacity at a competitive price but also technological development, marketing ideas, and production expertise.
    

2. What fundamentals do I need from my contract manufacturing partner? What do I need and want from my partner? Which contract manufacturers have the capabilities, experience, desire, assets and expertise to meet your requirements?

   If you have decided that you need a contract manufacturer, you need to decide what you want your partner to deliver. Sea Link International is ready to be your trusted partner for contract manufacturing and we can help you outline your requirements. Even if you don't select our company for your project, we would be happy to help you determine your requirements.

   Once you have determined those requirements, you need to research the available companies.

3. Another issue with contract manufacturing is investment. You need to ask yourself, is your contract manufacturing partner in business for the long term or is their involvement simply opportunistic? Does your proposed partner understand your industry and it's unique intricacies? Are they willing to invest capital to ensure your success

   As you review your possible contract manufacturing partners, these are important questions to ask. You need to review their previous projects and agreements to ensure that they want to be your partner and are willing to invest the time, money and resources to ensure your success.

4. Lastly, trust is one of the most important aspects of your contract manufacturing partnership. Will your contract manufacturer uphold your company's high standards? Will they engage in a partnership that benefits both companies and will your intellectual property be protected

   Many companies have an uneasy feeling about contract manufacturing and assembly. Unfortunately, many companies have abused their partnerships and crossed the line with intellectual property. When reviewing a partnership with a contract manufacturer, you need to make sure that your partner will protect your property and your product. One way to ensure this is if your partner owns their own facilities.