How To Find The Original Manufacturers of Branded Products in China

As a sourcing agency based in China, we have received many requests from Buyers asking to “find the original manufacturer for brand XXX“.

As a reader of this blog, you may have come across a successful branded product and are thinking of purchasing it directly from the manufacturer to capitalize on its high profitability.

While this is a tempting idea, it's important to recognize the potential obstacles and time-consuming processes involved in finding reliable manufacturers.

Let's discuss whether this strategy is worth pursuing or if there are better alternatives to increase your profit margins.

China has long been known as the world's manufacturing hub, producing many branded products for companies worldwide.

However, finding the original manufacturer of a specific branded product in China can be a daunting and often impossible task. This article will explore the main reasons behind this difficulty and advocate for a shift in mindset towards creating original products instead of copying others.

Multiple Manufacturers

One of the primary reasons that it is challenging to identify the original manufacturer of a branded product in China is that many brands utilize multiple manufacturers for the production of a single product. This approach allows brands to mitigate risks, lower costs, and maintain flexibility in their supply chain. Consequently, even if you managed to find one of the manufacturers, there likely wouldn't be a single "original" manufacturer to pinpoint.

Manufacturers Specializing in Components, Not The Whole Products

Many Chinese manufacturers specialize in producing specific components rather than complete products.

As a result, even if you were to find one such manufacturer, they might only be responsible for a small part of the final product.

Non-Disclosure, Non-Use, and Non-Circumvention Agreements

Branded products often involve the signing of Non-Disclosure, Non-Use, and Non-Circumvention (NNN) agreements between the brand and the manufacturer.

These agreements are designed to protect the brand's intellectual property rights and ensure that the manufacturer does not disclose their relationship or sell the same product to other parties without the brand's permission.

As a result, even if you were to find the manufacturer, they would likely be unable or unwilling to confirm their involvement or sell the product to you directly.

The High Cost of Product Development

Developing a new branded product involves considerable time, effort, and financial investment.

From design and prototyping to mass production, successful brands usually have dedicated teams managing these operations.

If you are attempting to source the original manufacturer in hopes of obtaining the same product, you will likely face the challenge of either having the design files or not.

Without access to these design files, replicating the product will be much more difficult, if not impossible.

It is not only about charting, product development also involves material selection, testing, cost optimization, and much more.

Complex and Ever-changing Supply Chains

Brands can sometimes change manufacturers over time in response to factors such as cost, quality, or capacity. This fluidity can make it even more challenging to identify the original manufacturer.

The Importance of Developing Original Products

Rather than trying to find the original manufacturer of a branded product and copying it, as an e-Commerce business owner, you should focus on developing your own unique products.

This approach allows you to build your brand identity, establish intellectual property rights, and create value for your customers.

Innovation and originality foster long-term success, whereas copying others' products may result in legal disputes, damage to reputation, and limited market potential.

Become A Distributor For The Brand

If you are really interested in selling a specific branded product, send an email to the brand and discuss the possibility of becoming their distributor.

Usually, the brand will have a specific requirement for you to become their distributor.

But it is worth a try!

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