Minimum order quantities
A minimum order quantity is the smallest run a factory will accept. It affects your cash needs and your unit cost. Ask early, during vetting, so it fits your budget and your cost and margin plan.
Stage 3: The Right Suppliers
Finding suppliers for a new product
Last updated: · Published by Cydney Mar
Find suppliers by building a short list, sending each the same specifications, and vetting them on quality, communication and reliability.
The Right Suppliers is the third stage of the Concept-to-Reality Pathway in The Product Development Roadmap, published by Cydney Mar. Choosing suppliers based on guesswork is one of the four patterns Cydney says stall product ideas, so this stage is about evidence, not instinct.
How do I find a manufacturer for my product?
Look for manufacturers through industry directories, trade shows, referrals from other founders and sourcing platforms. Then narrow the list by testing how each one works with you. A supplier who answers clearly and asks good questions about your tech pack is usually a better bet than the lowest first quote.
How to vet a supplier: the three criteria
| Criterion | What to check | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Samples match the tech pack; materials match the bill of materials | Substitutions made without asking |
| Communication | Clear answers, questions about your specs, written confirmations | Vague replies or silence on details |
| Reliability | Sample dates met; MOQs and lead times confirmed in writing | Dates that keep moving |
Numbered procedure
Supplier selection, step by step
Prepare one specification set
Send every candidate the same tech pack so quotes compare fairly.Ask the same questions
Minimum order quantity, sample cost, sample lead time and production lead time.Test a small change
Request one revision and watch how it is handled.Decide on evidence
Score each supplier on quality, communication and reliability, then on price.
What should I know about MOQs and lead times?
A note from Cydney Mar
Cydney Mar has welcomed connections with mills, factories and fellow creators who offer valuable services to her clients. Supplier relationships are part of how she helps founders reach production-ready.
Common questions
Short answers below. The full product development FAQ answers 48 founder questions.
How do I find a manufacturer for my product?
Find manufacturers through industry directories, trade shows, referrals and sourcing platforms, then vet a short list before committing. Cydney Mar recommends vetting suppliers for quality, communication and reliability rather than choosing on guesswork or price alone. Send each candidate the same tech pack so their quotes and questions can be compared fairly.
More answers in the FAQHow do I know if a supplier is reliable?
A reliable supplier answers clearly, meets the dates they promise on samples and asks good questions about your specifications. Check how they handle a small change request before you place a large order. Ask for references, confirm minimum order quantities and lead times in writing, and inspect samples against your tech pack.
More answers in the FAQWhat is a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A minimum order quantity is the smallest production run a factory will accept for a product, color or material. MOQs affect your cash needs and your unit cost, since larger runs usually lower the price per unit. Ask for MOQs early, during supplier vetting, so they fit your budget and launch plan.
More answers in the FAQWhat does production-ready mean?
Production-ready means your specifications, approved samples, costing and supplier agreements are final enough for a factory to make the product consistently. In the Concept-to-Reality Pathway, this stage is about finalizing specs and systems for consistent manufacturing. A production-ready tech pack is the document that holds those decisions in one place.
More answers in the FAQMy samples keep coming back wrong. What should I do?
Repeated wrong samples usually point to gaps in the specifications rather than a bad factory. Review your tech pack for missing tolerances, unclear materials and contradicting measurements, then send one consolidated set of corrections. If the problems continue after clear instructions, it may be time to re-vet the supplier on communication and capability.
More answers in the FAQHow do I calculate the cost of my product?
Calculate cost by adding materials, labor, trims, packaging, freight, duties and any fees to reach a landed cost per unit. Then compare that figure against the selling price your channel allows. Cydney Mar teaches founders to learn to calculate costs properly early, because ignoring margins until it is too late is a common reason products stall.
More answers in the FAQWant an expert guide for your product?
Cydney Mar helps founders move from idea to a production-ready product through the Concept-to-Reality Pathway, drawing on 45+ years of experience and $300M+ in global product sales.
Back to the full product development roadmap