Working with "consumer products contract manufacturers" is just a fancy way of saying outsourcing. But outsourcing doesn't have to mean sending your work overseas. There's such a thing as consumer product contract manufacturing domestically, and it might do your business a lot of good.

Running consumer goods contracts with another company only makes sense if you're going to save time, money or both. Keep in mind that the struggle of training personnel to run, service or maintain your own manufacturing machinery costs both time and money, and the time needed for administrators to learn new systems can be represented in both time and money as well. If all this makes having consumer products contracts sound attractive, you're ready to look into local outsourcing. Here's how to get started:

1. Calculate the costs of your current manufacturing process or the wholesale prices for purchasing consumer goods.

2. Use business directories to find consumer market contract manufacturers in the United States.

3. Contact a consumer contract manufacturer directly to set up a contract.

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

Price check consumer product contracts before you buy

Before you run out and secure several big consumer market contracts, check wholesale prices and make sure you can't find what you're looking for ready to ship for less. The only way to be certain buying contract manufacturer consumer goods will save you money is to put the time into this step so you have something to bargain with and compare contract goods prices with.

I recommend: The Giant Wholesale is a good place to start looking for wholesale prices, and Wholesale Hub can help you track down wholesale distributors and pricing on specific products.

Track down consumer products contract manufacturers to compare

So you think consumer market contract manufacturing services could save you money. It's time to track down possible manufacturing services for the goods you need.

I recommend: Using the right directory can help you keep your search--and dollars--in the US and avoid hassles with customs, currency exchange and foreign taxes. ThomasNet provides a directory of US-based businesses that offer consumer market contract manufacturing services. Be on the lookout for companies like Gateway Manufacturing that offer pick and pack services in addition to manufacturing.

Get down to the nitty-gritty on consumer products contracts

There's no way to get out of negotiating consumer product contracts if you want to outsource your goods.

I recommend: Contract Manufacturing Consultants and Lake Crescent both offer consulting services geared specifically toward helping you identify and negotiate contracts with consumer products manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The cost per item of establishing consumer product contracts with out-of-country companies may be attractive, but consider this: The cost of manufacturing, shipping, and engaging the contract services can still be prohibitive if you're not looking at a high enough quantity. According to one industry source, outsourcing products doesn't make monetary sense at all unless you're looking at $50,000 or more of product per year.