How to find a manufacturer that already manufactures a product I need?

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How to find a manufacturer that already manufactures a product I need?

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TinaScott

posts: 5

Jul 19, 2009 5:33 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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That might sound a little confusing. I have an idea, a GREAT one at that, but I`m at a loss at what to do next. I`m wanting to sell a specific product that is already made (and sold by numerous companies), but HOW I sell it will be different from all of them. So I don`t think that my idea is even patentable. Without giving away the bank, the product is flip-flops. So I would like to find a company overseas to make the flip flops with options of different patterns and colors. Does anyone have a good resource that they would be willing to share? Or advice?? Thanks!

Tina

mmdona

posts: 58

Jul 20, 2009 12:19 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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One directory for manufacturers and suppliers is www.AliBaba.com. Another is the Thomas Register (www.ThomasNet.com).

Best regards,

Molly Donaldson

nevadascul

posts: 651

Jul 21, 2009 11:46 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Molly,
One place to start is with is with ThomasNet. It used to be called Thomas Registry. It contains contact information n a wide range of manufacturers as well as useful information for small businesses. I`ve put their web site Below.

http://www.thomasnet.com/

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

Ashton

posts: 25

Jul 21, 2009 5:18 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Tina,
I`m with GSS, a product development and sourcing consultant. The websites mentioned above are good places to start. You will likely find numerous vendors for flip-flop products on Alibaba.net. You can also try globalsources.com, or made-in-china.com.
We`ve assisted other product developers and start-ups like yourself to develop and source products. Our website can be found at www.productgss.com if you want to learn more about us. Or feel free, if you have any questions, to contact me at Audall@productgss.com.

Ashton

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TinaScott

posts: 5

Jul 21, 2009 6:19 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks for the replies. The one thing that I`m not sure of is I`ve been on Alibaba and yes, there are a ton of flip flop manufactures, but I really haven`t found one that sells the specific ones that I want (at least by looking at the pictures). Am I making bad assumptions by thinking that is all they can make (the ones they show). I have so many ideas of how to market the product, and sell the product....I just don`t know how to get the product. I also am very leary since you hear about all the warnings with dealing with oversea manufactureres. That is why I was hoping I could get some referrals. I will definitely keep looking. Thanks again for all your suggestions!

Ashton, I will definitely look into your company. Thanks for the information.

MarkChina2West

posts: 5

Sep 01, 2009 5:08 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 1 Vote

Hi Tina,

Did you have any luck finding any supplier for your exact flip-flops on alibaba.com, made-in-china.com etc?

You are right that there are thousands of suppliers, a lot of them selling identical goods, and also you'll be happy to know that most of them don't put all of their products online. Their capabilities are normally greater than shown (not all the time though!).

I work for China 2 West with our HQ based out in China we are the eyes and the ears on the ground, have a look at www.china2west.com.

If you want, send me an e-mail mark.clayton@china2west.com with a photo and description of the exact flip-flop you're looking for and I'll get the team to search the local supply source to see what we can come up with.

Mark

---

Mark Clayton

China 2 West Services Ltd.

303 Ping An Building,

Yuan Lin Road, Ji Da,

Zhuhai, 519015 China.

+86 756 3828382

Fallacy

posts: 57

Oct 30, 2009 11:34 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I found valuable information from Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) Wan Chai, China

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