Businesses are shifting their focus to overseas manufacturers for scalability and product diversification, but navigating the global supply chain can be complex. This guide provides a roadmap for finding overseas manufacturers, walking you through where to look, how to vet candidates, and common challenges of working with them, along with examples from the houseware industry, so that you can build reliable international manufacturing partnerships.

Local vs Overseas Manufacturers: Which is Right for Your Business?

Local manufacturers offer easier communication and the ability to coordinate quickly, thanks to similar time zones. Plus, shipping is faster and often less costly. Working locally can also simplify quality assurance, as it gives brands more direct oversight of production.

Then again, the downside is that product variety and options are more limited, making it difficult to come up with unique, competitive products. The scalability of domestic manufacturers may be lower as well, depending on the region.

On the other hand, overseas manufacturing may potentially come with lower production costs, as well as access to specialized materials or technology available in specific places, and a better chance to scale production for larger orders.

However, global sourcing can present challenges in terms of logistics and cultural differences. Nevertheless, brands can gain an edge in the market if they can develop a strategy to balance cost, quality, and supply-chain efficiency for overseas manufacturing.

As we can see, both local and overseas manufacturing come with their own pros and cons. Here’s a summarized comparison:

Production Model	Local Manufacturer	Overseas Manufacturer
Production Cost	Higher	Potentially Lower
Scalability	Often Limited	Higher Capacity
Product Options	Limited	Wider Variety
Communication	Easier, faster (same language/time zone)	More complex (time difference, potential language barriers)
Shipping Time	Faster shipping	Longer (sea freight, customs, unforeseen delays)
Quality Oversight	Direct, hands-on, and easier to enforce	Requires robust third-party inspection and diligence

If you are still wondering if overseas manufacturing is right for your brand, check out our article for a deeper dive into this topic: What is Global Sourcing: Pros, Cons, & Houseware Strategy

How to Find Overseas Manufacturers: 5 Basic Steps

Finding a reliable overseas manufacturer takes careful planning and research. Here are 5 basic steps to guide your process:

Specify Product Requirements: Define your product’s materials, dimensions, packaging, and quality standards. The clearer your specifications, the easier it is to find manufacturers that meet your expectations.
Research Manufacturers: Begin compiling a list of potential overseas factories to see your options. Later in this article, we’ll cover which platforms and methods work best for global sourcing.
Request Quotes and Samples: Reach out to shortlisted manufacturers to compare pricing and lead times. It’s also wise to order physical samples so that you can inspect quality firsthand. We’ll dive deeper into the factors to consider when choosing a manufacturer later on.
Negotiate Contract Terms: Once you identify a promising partner, clarify payment schedules, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and production timelines before signing.
Start Production and Manage Partnership: After production begins, maintain regular communication and quality checks to ensure your standards are met consistently.

For a more detailed explanation of the general process, you can also refer to our guide for finding manufacturers.

Where to Find Overseas Manufacturers: 8 Ways to Look

Now, we’ll explain the 8 methods you can use to find overseas manufacturers.

1. Search on B2B Websites

There are digital marketplaces connecting global businesses and manufacturers. Common options like Alibaba are excellent for sheer volume and initial price comparison, while platforms like Global Sources tend to focus on higher-quality, export-ready manufacturers, often requiring higher MOQs. Meanwhile, certain B2B websites have a regional focus, like Europages for Europe and Thomasnet for North America (both the US and Canada).

With these B2B websites, businesses can gain access to a massive, searchable database, so, for instance, a houseware brand can find and compare 50+ specialized ceramic mug manufacturers in a matter of minutes. These platforms also come with built-in communication and quote features, while some even offer buyer protection and payment processing.

The downside of finding an overseas manufacturer with this method is that initial quality claims can be misleading. Careful vetting is a must to avoid unreliable suppliers on such platforms.

2. Contact Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) or SCORE Offices

These US-based organizations, often connected with the Small Business Administration (SBA), offer free or low-cost counseling, particularly for companies new to international trade. Their resources usually include vetted lists of international trade consultants or agents.

With this method, businesses gain localized, expert advice, which is a great starting point for understanding import/export basics. However, the focus of these organizations is broad business assistance, not specialized international sourcing, so the leads they provide may not be as direct or current as industry-specific sources.

3. Consult Industry Trade Associations

Trade associations specific to your sector—whether it’s for home décor, house appliances, ceramics, or metalware—often maintain lists of certified or member-vetted manufacturers, including international options.

The best part about working with trade associations is how they can help you reach out to specialized manufacturers. Plus, due to their high credibility, the leads they provide are typically reliable and compliant with international standards.

Nevertheless, trade associations may require membership or consultation fees. Be sure to check their terms and make room in the budget before working with them.

4. Get Referrals from Industry Peers

Networking with other houseware brands, suppliers, or even logistics partners can help uncover reputable overseas manufacturers. These word-of-mouth referrals are generally trustworthy since they are based on first-hand experience.

Still, some peers may be reluctant to share their best suppliers, especially if there's any competitive overlap. Moreover, the leads may not be a perfect fit—for MOQs and other production terms—particularly for newcomers or small startups.

5. Attend Trade Shows

Businesses can attend trade shows to meet manufacturers in person. For example, annual events relating to housewares and consumer goods include the NYNow in New York, the Ambiente in Germany, ZUCHEX in Türkiye, Maison&Objet in France, the Canton Fair in China, and so much more.

Trade shows are excellent for building trust and networking, as businesses can communicate with the manufacturers face-to-face. It is also a great way to inspect sample quality, material, and finish, without ordering it from across the world. Some manufacturers even provide bulk order discounts or additional collaboration benefits at trade shows for extra cost savings.

Despite this convenience, businesses will have to prepare carefully and look up the attending manufacturers beforehand to effectively screen them on the spot. The cost and time commitment have to be considered as well, since attending these trade shows may involve booking travel and accommodation.

6. Browse Manufacturer Websites

Brands that are interested in specific manufacturers can directly browse their official website. This is a quick way to get information, as the websites often provide a complete picture of their capabilities, product offerings, certifications, and contact details.

On the flip side, some manufacturers may provide limited transparency on their websites, exaggerating their capacity or experience. Some sites also have poor English translation, making them difficult to understand.

7. Explore on Google

A targeted Google search with keywords like "stainless steel utensils manufacturer Taiwan" or “ceramic dishware Vietnam” can help reveal niche or boutique suppliers, options. You can also use Google to search for official government or trade databases in foreign countries. For example, a query for "Taiwan trade promotion database" might lead you to resources like the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), which lists verified exporters.

This method is completely free and flexible, and ideal when looking for specialized products. The drawback is that Google searches can be quite time-consuming, especially when looking for multiple products. It can also be difficult to verify credibility and requires due diligence to confirm the manufacturer’s authenticity, especially for suppliers found outside of official lists.

8. Delegate Supply Chain Management Agencies

Businesses that prefer professional assistance can work with a supply chain management agency, such as Life & Living, which coordinates overseas production, quality control, and logistics for houseware brands.

This method offers immediate access to a vetted, high-quality network. Although it requires additional service fees, the investment can be worth it in the long run as businesses mitigate issues like intellectual property (IP) disputes and standard compliance risks. It also simplifies logistics and language barriers into a single point of contact, saving time.

How to Choose Overseas Manufacturers: 8 Factors to Consider

To ensure product quality, compliance, and long-term reliability, evaluate each overseas manufacturer candidate using these 8 key factors:

1. Industry Expertise

Choose a manufacturer with experience in your product category. For example, if you produce stainless steel cookware, work with a supplier familiar with heat-resistant alloys and safe food-grade coatings. Industry-specific knowledge ensures better design insight, efficiency, and fewer production errors.

2. Certifications and Regulatory Compliance

Check whether the manufacturer meets international and U.S. compliance standards, such as ISO 9001 for the quality management system, BSCI for fair labor practice, FDA or LFGB certifications for food contact approval.

Make sure to request the manufacturer’s current documentation and verify that it is up-to-date. This ensures that your goods meet required safety, quality, and ethical manufacturing standards.

3. Production Capacity and MOQs

Assess the manufacturer’s capacity to handle your projected volume, both now and as you scale in the future. Most importantly, ask about their Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), as it varies greatly by factory and product type. For example, a custom-molded plastic houseware typically has a much higher MOQ than simple metal utensils. If the stated MOQ exceeds your budget, ask about paying a slightly higher per-unit cost for a smaller trial run.

4. Sample Quality

Always request product samples before signing a contract. Inspect them not just for aesthetics (e.g., the shine on stainless steel) but for dimensional accuracy, material durability, and packaging quality. This is the clearest sign of their manufacturing consistency.

5. Lead-time and Logistics

Evaluate how long production and delivery will take. Manufacturers closer to major ports, like those in coastal China or Vietnam, can often ship faster. Furthermore, experienced manufacturers should also be familiar with common freight requirements, packaging standards, and key shipping documents, minimizing costly customs delays.

6. Intellectual Property and Contract Protections

Contracts must clearly outline ownership of tooling, quality specifications, and dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent IP theft or component substitution. When it comes to information protection, different agreement types may apply depending on product sensitivity, including NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), NNN (Non-Disclosure, Non-Use, Non-Circumvention), or dedicated IP protection clauses within the main contract.

In practice, most brands and suppliers commonly rely on NDAs or confidentiality clauses embedded directly in purchase or manufacturing agreements, rather than formal NNN contracts. These clauses help define the ownership and usage rights of molds, packaging designs, drawings, trademarks, and other proprietary assets, ensuring legal clarity and reducing the risk of imitation or unauthorized resale, especially for houseware products with unique features such as stackable lids or ergonomic handles.

7. Payment Structure and Partnership Terms

Discuss payment terms upfront. These terms should balance financial safety with maintaining goodwill. Many overseas manufacturers require a 30% deposit to start production and 70% upon completion/pre-shipment inspection (PSI).

It is also crucial to clarify the methods of payment, such as bank transfers (TT) or letters of credit (L/C), and confirm the exchange rate stability and banking fees that come with international partnerships.

8. Communication System and Transparency

Smooth collaboration depends on clear, timely communication, whereas miscommunication about specifications or lead time can lead to production errors and losses. Look for manufacturers with fluent English representatives, responsive project managers, and transparent reporting systems.

5 Common Overseas Manufacturing Risks and How to Avoid Them

Overseas manufacturing introduces operational and contractual vulnerabilities that must be actively managed. With this in mind, here are the 5 common risks and the strategies to avoid them:

1. Quality Fade and Consistency Issues

One of the most common challenges when working with overseas manufacturers is quality fade, which is when the product quality gradually declines over time. In the houseware industry, this can mean inconsistencies in stainless-steel finishes, uneven coating thickness on cookware, or changes in material durability across production runs.

To avoid this, establish strict product specifications, request detailed inspection reports, and schedule third-party audits at different stages of production. Consistent sampling and random inspections help ensure the manufacturer maintains quality standards over multiple product lines.

2. Intellectual Property Theft or Misuse

IP risks are especially high when sharing product designs, molds, or packaging artwork. A supplier might copy your product or sell it under another brand. To avoid this, register your trademarks and patents in the country of manufacture, and use NDAs or IP confidentiality clauses in contracts.

3. Supply-Chain Disruption

Supply chains are vulnerable to political instability, economic fluctuations, labor shortages, or global shipping delays. For example, rising freight costs or port congestion can delay houseware shipments before peak retail seasons.

To manage this risk, diversify your suppliers across regions, maintain safety stock, and build flexible logistics arrangements. You can also consider nearshoring or working with manufacturers that have multiple production sites in different countries.

4. Hidden Costs

Even after agreeing on per-unit prices, hidden costs like shipping, customs duties, packaging, or currency conversion fees can erode profit margins. For instance, stainless-steel cookware or glass containers may face higher import tariffs due to material classification.

To prevent surprises, request a full cost breakdown that includes shipping methods, tariffs, and insurance. Factor these expenses into your landed cost calculations before signing any contract.

5. Brand Reputation Risk

Non-compliance with safety or labeling regulations can severely damage your brand. Namely, importing food containers without FDA-approved materials or failing ASTM standards can lead to recalls or fines.

Ensure your manufacturer adheres to international safety and environmental standards. Furthermore, regular audits and clear compliance clauses in your contract can protect your brand from potential legal and reputational harm.

Life & Living: Your Partner for Overseas Houseware Manufacturing

Partnering with a reliable expert like Life & Living ensures a seamless overseas manufacturing experience, from supplier coordination and production oversight to quality control and logistics. Our team bridges the gap between concept and completion, overseeing every stage of the process to guarantee product consistency, regulatory compliance, and on-time delivery.

With deep roots in the houseware industry, Life & Living has supported leading global brands in developing cookware, drinkware, tableware, and storage solutions, whether it’s to expand the current product range or optimize an existing supply chain.

More Overseas Manufacturing FAQs

Which partnership models do overseas manufacturing companies offer?

When working with an overseas partner, you'll encounter several common business models:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): You provide the product design, and the manufacturer handles production. This model works well if you have a clear design but need manufacturing expertise and scalability.
Original Design Manufacturer (ODM): The manufacturer designs and produces the product, and you brand it for sale. This option is ideal if you want to bring a product to market quickly without investing in design resources.
Contract Manufacturer (CM): The manufacturer produces components or products based strictly on your specifications. CMs are suitable when you need precise control over design and quality but require external production capacity.
Trading Company (TC): A trading company acts as an intermediary between you and manufacturers, coordinating communication, quotes, and logistics. TCs help navigate language, cultural, or logistical barriers without directly managing manufacturing.

The right choice—whether you need the design control of an OEM or the speed of an ODM—is entirely dependent on your brand's specific needs, internal design capabilities, and speed-to-market goals.

How do I reach out to an overseas manufacturer?

To contact an overseas manufacturer, you can use email, their official website’s contact form, or messaging features on B2B sourcing platforms.

As you reach out, provide a clear product brief that includes design specifications, materials, dimensions, and your desired production volume. Mention your target timeline and any compliance requirements to help the manufacturer assess feasibility.

Being specific and professional demonstrates that you are a serious buyer, which increases the likelihood of receiving accurate quotes and prompt responses. If you don’t hear back within a week or so, just follow up politely.

How should I calculate landed cost for overseas manufacturing?

Landed cost is the total expense of getting your products from the overseas manufacturer to your warehouse. It includes the product’s manufacturing cost, shipping fees, customs duties, import taxes, insurance, and any handling or freight-forwarding charges.

To calculate it, sum all these components per unit. Accurately estimating landed cost helps you set pricing, manage margins, and avoid unexpected expenses. For houseware products, make sure to consider variations in weight, packaging, and international shipping regulations that may affect fees.