Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save in-house resources with electronic contracting

Your company can produce the ideas and the marketing efforts while you outsource your electronic contract manufacturing services. Electronic manufacturing services can save your human resource department from hiring, placing and providing benefits to an entire department. Your contract electronic manufacturer only works when your product is ready, and your name appears on the finished product.

I recommend: Thinkmate provides electronic hardware to the software industry through a middle electronics distributor or directly to the owner of the design. VR Industries is a full-service contract electrical equipment manufacturer that prides itself on relationships that last over time on continuing projects.

Hire a consultant to handle the electronic contracting details

If you are going to outsource the electronic contract manufacturing services, you should consider turning over the entire process to an outside consultant so that you can move on to the next project. Consultants have contacts and can weave through the negotiations with contract manufacturers of electronics, saving you a learning curve.

I recommend: CMC works for original electronics manufacturers as a go-between to solve problems and seek out the best solutions for electronic contract manufacturing services. They do not receive any compensation directly from an electronic contract manufacturer. Technology Forecasters is a global consulting firm for electronic manufacturing services and original electronic manufacturers.

Skip all the middlemen and go directly to an electronic contracting vendor

Startups in particular need to use resources wisely and may not need the acumen of a consultant or a big job from a major electronic contract manufacturer. You know your budget and your abilities. Start out on an in-depth electronic contract manufacturing directory for your first few projects.

I recommend: On the IQS electronic contract manufacturing directory, you can request a quote directly from a contract electrical equipment manufacturer. Jayde is a B2B search engine and offers and extensive list with contact information of electronic contract manufacturing firms.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you are using an electronic contract manufacturer directory or a consultant, ask for and call referrals from the electronic contracting company. This is a growing field and not all the players are as experienced as they claim to be.