In this episode of the Colour Plane Podcast hosted by Jack and Jesse, the focus is on the critical aspect of sourcing in the world of business and manufacturing. The hosts share their insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of building face-to-face relationships with manufacturers and suppliers. They discuss key lessons and questions to consider when engaging with potential suppliers and manufacturers.
Here's a breakdown.
Key Lessons:
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Face-to-Face Relationships Matter: Jack and Jesse stress the significance of meeting your manufacturer or supplier in person. They believe that there is no substitute for this personal interaction, as it helps establish trust and understanding.
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Cultural Understanding: Understanding the culture, especially in international manufacturing, is crucial. They explain how different cultures may have varying communication styles and expectations, highlighting the importance of knowing the cultural values of your manufacturing partners.
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Factory Conditions: The hosts emphasize the need to be aware of the working conditions and environment where your products are being made. They argue that you can't truly know this unless you visit the factory yourself.
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Trust is Key: Building trust with your manufacturing partners is essential for a successful business relationship. Face-to-face interactions play a significant role in establishing trust, which is foundational for business growth.
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Distinguish Yourself: By visiting your manufacturer in person, you set yourself apart from others who may rely solely on online communication. This can lead to better cooperation, preferential treatment, and potentially faster turnaround times for urgent orders.
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Important Questions: Jack and Jesse suggest several questions to ask potential suppliers, including whether they are a factory or a trading company, factory location, worker count, markets served, familiarity with tax and duty charges, and requesting footage of the factory and samples of similar products they've made.
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Third-Party Audits: They recommend inquiring about third-party audits and documentation, which can ensure ethical and quality standards are met.
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Building Towards In-Person Visits: While not everyone can afford to travel overseas immediately, they encourage young businesses to consider it as a medium to long-term goal, emphasizing the long-term benefits of face-to-face interactions.
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Diverse Manufacturing Experiences: Jack and Jesse share their experiences visiting various factories in Vietnam, highlighting the stark differences in conditions and emphasizing the importance of firsthand knowledge.
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Community and Support: The hosts mention their thriving Facebook group, the Colour Plane Community, as a valuable resource for young creatives and entrepreneurs to share experiences, seek advice, and find encouragement.
In this episode, Jack and Jesse provide valuable insights into the world of sourcing, emphasizing the benefits of personal interactions and thorough research when building manufacturing relationships. Their practical advice can be invaluable for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to navigate the complexities of the manufacturing process.