3 Questions To Ask When Choosing Your Manufacturing Partners

 

You’ve created a wonderful idea for a product, but it needs to be manufactured. You toyed with the idea of doing this yourself, though the cost of setting up a manufacturing facility was too great. 

Instead, you’re entering the process of vetting different manufacturing partners to find the right ones for the job. While you do this, be sure to ask these three critical questions: 

What are your main capabilities?

You must learn what a company is capable of before choosing it to manufacture your products. Many manufacturers may seem great, but they end up struggling to deal with things like really heavy products or extremely intricate designs. 

Be sure you have 100% confirmation that the manufacturer is fully capable of doing what you ask. For instance, a company like JDI Plastics specializes in injection molding and if you learn about the company, you’ll see it can handle the most complex tasks. This would make it ideal if compared against a similar manufacturer that doesn’t possess the same capabilities. 

Partnering with a company that is not capable of doing exactly what you ask will lead to serious financial losses. You’ll also waste loads of product parts and have to figure out a way to safely get rid of them. 

What is your manufacturing process?

It is so easy to find a company that looks like a great outsourcing partner for your business. They seem to demonstrate the capabilities you’re after, so you go ahead and sign the contract. It’s only after doing this that you realize their manufacturing process does not align with your wishes. 

For example, they could use 3D printing, which you wanted to avoid. If you wanted to go down this route, you could easily have done it yourself. Or, you want to cultivate a brand that cares for the environment, but you discover your manufacturing partner uses wholly unsustainable methods. 

Get confirmation and clarity on how manufacturers will make your products to check that this aligns with your wishes and your brand image. 

How much do you charge?

We’ve saved the biggest question until last! Every business must know how much a manufacturer charges for its services. From here, you can work out the true cost of making your product. It will tell you if you can legitimately make a profit from sales. When a manufacturer charges really high rates, it could cost too much money to make each product. Compared to similar products on the market, yours would have to sell for a premium price. 

You can make this work in some situations, but you need to sell the quality of the product to consumers and convince them it is worth more than your rivals. There’s a low success rate with this approach and every chance you’ll have to slash prices to make sales, just to try and break even or mitigate losses. 

Partner with companies that charge affordable rates based on your pricing strategy. You don’t want to pay too much to make your product if you can’t sell it for a profit. 

We definitely encourage you to ask more questions, but these three are great ones to lead with. Never rush the decision of choosing manufacturing partners - this choice can make or break your business idea. 

5 Easy Ways To Become More Sustainable

 

77% of Americans have admitted to wanting to live more sustainably. In comparison, over 80% of those surveyed by Forbes admit it is already recycling at home or using reusable items such as grocery bags or takeout cups that can be used again and again.

But what does living more sustainably mean, and how can you achieve it? Being more sustainable means being aware of the products you're using and how they impact the environment. For example, if you get one takeout coffee daily, each cup can take up to 30 years to break down, and with 32% of the population drinking takeout coffee every day, a lot of coffee cups are sitting in landfills waiting to break down. Being more sustainable means taking your own cup with you to your favorite coffee shop and forgoing the disposable one. At one coffee per day, this is over 350 cups saved from landfill each year.

If this sounds doable, then read on to find out how else you can live more sustainably with little effort.

Switch to electric travel options.

Have you thought about making the switch to an electric vehicle yet? If you were in the market for an upgrade, moving from a gas or diesel-powered auto to an electric one can help you reduce your impact on the world and travel more sustainably. While walking and cycling are the most sustainable options, they're not always viable, and if you need a car to get around, swapping to electric is an option. These days, thanks to technological advances, companies like VinFast are listening to consumers and making the changes to ensure their vehicles are the best they can be and live up to the demands of modern lifestyle.

No plastic

Again, this is another really easy option to do, something you likely won't even notice. However, forgoing buying anything wrapped in plastic or being thoughtful about your purchases to reduce how much plastic packing you buy can be a great place to start. It likely won't even cost you anything; simply look for those that aren't wrapped at all, i.e., fruits and vegetables, or come in paper packaging. Avoid buying plastic wrap and opt for sustainable wraps instead, and look at your options when buying food and drinks on the go to reduce how much plastic packaging comes with them, i.e., drink lids or straws, for example.

Turn the lights off.

Again, it is something straightforward and doesn't even cost you anything to do; in fact, it can even make you money if you have a solar-powered home. Turning the lights off when you leave a room will reduce your energy consumption, and this, in turn, will benefit the environment, make your house more sustainable, and reduce your energy bill; what's not to love? To go one step further, you can change your bulbs to LED options and watch the savings increase. LED light bulbs are more sustainable than traditional bulbs, lasting longer, making them better for the environment.

Upcycle or donate

What do you do with items you no longer need or use? If the answer is to throw them in the trash, then you should rethink your approach. Instead of throwing it away to languish in a landfill, why not look at the recycling or upcycling options for each item? For example, did you know that electronic waste is the third most significant type of waste in the US? Instead of discarding old electronics, look for e-waste recycling companies in your area that can repurpose the parts and avoid them being dumped. Or you can upcycle clothing, old furniture, materials, or anything you have on hand. If you can't do this yourself, donate them to people or companies who can breathe new life into the ice and look as good as new.

Go veggie

It doesn't have to be full veganism if you don't want it to, but reducing your meat consumption and having more veggie-based meals can help you reduce your carbon footprint and increase sustainability. Even just one night off the meat can help. Whether you forget meat altogether and get your protein from beans, tofu, or fish, or you choose one of the many meat substitute products in the market, give it a try, and you never know, you might find your new favorite meal.

Being more sustainable simply means you need to be more aware of the resources you are using and how this impacts the world. These small swaps can help you to avoid excessive waste and play your part.

Win a $10 Amazon GC In The Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop hosted by Mama The Fox. This event runs 12/1- 12/15. Enter below to win a $10 Amazon Gift Code! Open to US/CA. Be sure to visit all the blogs in the hop for even more chances to win. Good Luck! 🎄

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MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Neakasa S1 Pro 8-in-1 Pet Grooming Vacuum for Dogs & Cats

Disclosure: Susie's Reviews receives compensation or products from brands in exchange for the posts on this site. Our opinions are honest and our own

🌟 Exciting News for Pet Owners! 🌟

🚀 Introducing the latest innovation in pet grooming. The Neakasa S1 Pro 8-in-1 Pet Grooming Vacuum for Dogs & Cats  🐾 Set to take the world by storm, this global launch is the event of the season for pet enthusiasts everywhere!

Get ready to elevate your pet care game. The Neakasa S1 Pro 8-in-1 Pet Grooming Vacuum for Dogs & Cats is designed to blend seamlessly into your life, enriching the bond between you and your beloved companion. 🐶🐱

🔹 Sleek Design

🔹 Cutting-edge Features

🔹 Ultimate Convenience

🔹 Worldwide Availability

Embrace the future of pet care and join the Neakasa family. Let's make every moment with our pets even more special. Experience the tranquility of grooming time with the revolutionary one-click suction system. The fan remains silent during pet grooming, activating only when you press the hair suction button, ensuring your furry friend enjoys a noise-free grooming session.

The Neakasa S1 Pro 8-in-1 Pet Grooming Vacuum for Dogs & Cats is a versatile pet grooming vacuum kit that combines the functions of a vacuum cleaner, de-shedder, trimmer, and house cleaning tool in one, helping you maintain your furry friend's fur health while creating a comfortable and fur-free living environment.

3 Types of Detachable & Replaceable Brushes

The detachable grooming brush, dematting brush and deshedding brush can gently remove loose hair and eliminate tangles, keeping your pet's coat healthy and shiny.

3 Trimming Clippers and 2 Cleaning Tools

With an upgraded high-frequency low-noise motor running at 7000 RPM, cutting pet's fur and nails will be smoother and safer. Two selected hair cleaning tools provide you with a fur-free environment. Along with exceptional grooming and cleaning, they prioritize convenience and efficiency for an enhanced user experience.

3L Larger Dust Box

The 3L dust box can accommodate the hair of a large dog in one go, allowing you to clean for extended periods without the need for frequent emptying. Its generous capacity makes it an ideal choice for multi-pet households.

Maximized Dust Collection Performance

The powerful centrifugal force, combined with the high-quality motor in the air duct system, delivers rapid and robust suction, greatly increasing the dustbin's capacity by compressing pet hair and improving vacuum efficiency without any issues of hair getting stuck.

Multi-layer Filtration System

After conducting Neakasa laboratory dust testing, they have ultimately opted for a 3-layer HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) protection filtration system, which theoretically can accurately intercept at least 99.7% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers (µm), to strictly prevent secondary pollution.

For more information, visit online and follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Please leave a comment telling us what you think of the Neakasa S1 Pro 8-in-1 Pet Grooming Vacuum for Dogs & Cats 

Sebby Brand Jackets Will Keep You Warm this Winter & Make Great Holiday Gifts!

 

Disclosure: Susie's Reviews receives compensation or products from brands in exchange for the posts on this site. Our opinions are honest and our own

Bundle up this holiday season with Sebby, featuring the must-have outerwear that will turn your wardrobe into a source of warmth and comfort for cold-weather activities. You’ll feel at your best wearing these trendy jackets and coats, available at Kohls, Macy’s, and Nordstrom Rack.

Experience luxury this winter with the Sebby Collection's Women's Hooded Heavyweight Jacket. ($105 -- on sale for $84) - The perfect parka to conquer cold weather! Designed to hit above the knees. Available in six colors and sizes S-XL at Kohls.

• Features an attached hood, quilted lining, snap and zipper front, long sleeves with thumbhole cuffs, and waterproof zippers. Windproof and water-resistant. 

More than wardrobe staples, these affordable finds are machine washable and absolutely lovely! 

The Faux Leather Trench Coat highlighted below is the next big trend!

Faux Leather Trench Coat ($140 -- on sale for $70) - Trending! Step out in timeless elegance and elevate your outerwear collection with this chic trench coat. Available in S-XL at Macy’s.

• Featuring a double-breasted design and a belted waist, this coat offers a flattering silhouette.

• Side entry pockets for convenient storage, belted for a cinched waist and feminine shape, and a double-breasted sophisticated design.

Faux Leather Short Puffer Jacket ($120, on sale for $49.97-- will not run out of stock!) - The best faux leather puffer! Smooth faux leather creates a polished appearance in a puffer jacket boasting an abbreviated hem for on-trend appeal. Available in Black and Ivory, sizes XS-XL from Nordstrom’s Rack. 

• A 23" length with a front zip closure and snap storm placket.

• Stand collar and long sleeves

Sebby Jacket Brand Keeps You Warm this Winter (and make great holiday gifts)!

About Sebby: Sebby is the name for affordable, quality vests, jackets, and coats for today’s fashion-forward women. The exclusive outwear brand has been in business for 40 years and family-owned for three generations. Follow them on Instagram @sebbyclothing. 

Don’t Make These 5 Business Launch Mistakes

If you are launching a business then you need to make sure that you avoid these top launch mistakes. If you don’t then you may find that you end up running your company into the ground before you know it. 

Failing to Make a Plan

It is so important that you create a solid business plan. A lot of rookies, or new entrepreneurs don’t make a plan at all because they think that they have the right approach mapped out in their head. This is a major mistake. You need to have a solid plan because if you don’t then you may find that you don’t have a rallying point for your team and that you are unable to give them milestones to try and hit. This is the last thing you need, so try and make sure that you avoid this by taking the time to create a plan now that supports you in the future.

Poor Financial Preparation

It’s very common for business owners to neglect financial planning. They also tend to lowball how much they need to get their small company up and running. The result is often the inability to achieve goals. If you want to avoid problems such as this then you need to prepare your financial projections ahead of time. You need to know how much you have to pay out in the first year so you can secure the right financing.

Not Marketing

A lot of people don’t market their start-ups as they believe that when they open their doors, people will flock to the company. This is not true at all. If you want to do something here then one thing you need to do is market your company efficiently. Make sure that you have a solid PR team as they can post all of the right news information about your company, ensuring that it is distributed on the right channels. It’s wise for you to hire a media placement agency here as they can work with you to make sure that you get the result you want out of your investment.

Not Monitoring Process

Your business plan and your business projections, over time, will end up gathering dust. If you want to stop this from happening then you need to continually monitor your progress. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to update your plan and make the right changes. Little things like this can help you to get the best result out of your business efforts and you would be surprised at what a difference it can make to your overall success.

Avoiding Help

Sure, you may know what help you need when it comes to starting your business, but if you don’t seek it then this is another major mistake. You need to hire people because if you don’t then you won’t be able to focus on the core aspects of your business. Things will eventually fall apart, leaving you in a sticky situation that could have been avoided.

Enter to #Win Lugz Women’s Legacy Oxford Sneakers! #Giveaway Open To US & Ends 11//30

Disclosure: Lugz sent me their Women’s Legacy Oxford Sneakers to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

Meet the Women’s Legacy Oxford Sneakers, a modern update to the classic Lugz sneaker. The upper features perforated detailing and the soft cushioned insole make these stylish kicks a comfortable on-trend choice.

The right pair of sneakers can be like walking on clouds from the moment you try them on. One of the main benefits of sneakers is that they provide support for your feet while you do a range of activities – running for your train, jumping up and down, and much more. Being able to walk, run, and jump without worrying about getting injured is one of the things that makes trainers such a popular choice.

Features

• Breathable

• Closure Type: Lace-Up

• Upper/Outer Base Material: 100% Synthetic

• Shoe Lining Material: Synthetic

• Sole Material Content: 100% Thermoplastic-Rubber

• Country of Origin: Imported

Always an innovator and leader in footwear, Lugz first made a name for itself in October of 1993, bringing its first line of boots to market, with the initial product consisting of two styles of boots, a quilted vest and a pair of jeans. From its inception, Lugz footwear has been an innovator in the footwear market from its signature styles, to creating trendsetting styles beyond boots!

Buy It: Head over to Lugz to see the Women’s Legacy Oxford Sneakers.

Learn more by following Lugz on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and promotions.

Enter To Win!

Lugz is offering one of our lucky readers their very own pair of Women’s Legacy Oxford Sneakers! The winner may choose size and color based on in-stock options. This giveaway is open to the Continental US only and will close 11/30/23. Good Luck! 

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