Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

One more thing... Should I look to Mexico or China for plastic pieces to be made?

We looked into overseas manufacturing, attracted at first by the extreme low prices coming from China. After some research, we abandonned that idea. If we do go out of the country, we`d like choose Mexico.

First, the Chinese labor market is close to slave labor.

Secondly, there are almost no intellectual property rights guarantees, so there`s no real protection against stealing ideas and products.

Third, the quality totally blows in these kinds of low-end products and even in higher-end product manufacturing.

Fourth, the quantities required for a minimum container shipment.

Fifth, the logistics problems in the event of a ship sinking, dock-worker strike, political upheaval, or other international interference with trade.

In a worst-case situation, manufacturing in Mexico, the order could be delivered by ground transport. Not so with China, where only ocean or air transport would work.

If it applies, you can get a non-disclosure note. Hopefully, that`ll prevent the company from cross-pollinating your idea. But I`m pretty sure you`d have to have a patented idea in the first place. Talk with an attorney. I`m NOT an attorney. :-)

-------------------------

http://www.slowcookermate.com
http://www.twitter.com/yslowcook