Starting a manufacturing business can be really fulfilling. You can finally have full control over your business, from product design to manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and so on. It is the way to go if you want to become rich!
Unfortunately, there are numerous pitfalls that entrepreneurs don’t consider when starting a manufacturing enterprise. For example, you have to find a cheap source of raw materials and analyze its long-term viability. You should also consider industrial tents for storing inventory, how to manage cash flow, etc.
In this article, we will share a few tips that will teach you how to start a manufacturing business.
The advantages of a US-based manufacturing business
Although manufacturing is a complex process that requires a certain level of experience and professional maturity, it does have a lot of advantages. Here are some of the reasons why you should start the process in the US instead of outsourcing it abroad:
- Reduced transportation costs
- High safety standards
- Great quality control
- Faster delivery and improved customer satisfaction
- Environmental responsibility
- Stimulating domestic economy
The greatest challenges of a manufacturing business
While starting a manufacturing process in the US is a responsible thing to do (economically speaking), you will likely encounter many challenges. In most cases, you will struggle with higher production costs, but you might also have some other issues as well:
- Lack of trained personal
- Higher cost of labor (and production)
- Stricter government regulations
Tips for starting a manufacturing business
Here are some of the main things you need to consider when planning a manufacturing business:
Consider the viability of your business model
A lot of manufacturing companies go under due to poor planning. Even if you properly analyze the market and create a necessary infrastructure, you might still struggle during the first few years. Often, inexperienced manufacturers have to modify and improve their processes and technological systems as they go. One of the things you can do is analyze the business model of your competition and implement it for your business. If possible, you should even improve upon it.
Create a viable business plan
In your business plan, you need to address some of the burning questions regarding your product, market situation, competition, availability of skilled labor (and their price), initial investment, and required financial and legal assistance. Even if you think you have enough experience within the field, it is much better to contact a financial and manufacturing expert for the initial consultation. Most importantly, you need to determine how long it will take until you get back your money and whether you can stay afloat if that period becomes longer.
Prepare the infrastructure and consider materials
As mentioned in the introduction, you need to check if you have access to the necessary raw materials. The product cost is directly connected to the material costs, and any fluctuation can hurt your bottom line. Alternatively, you would be forced to raise your prices, which could allow the competition to overtake you. Among others, you will need warehousing, production facilities, advanced machinery, and software, etc. One of the ways to circumvent most of these issues is to buy out an existing company that already has everything in place. However, such a move usually costs more.
Consider logistics
Manufacturing location is of crucial importance. You need fast access to materials and the ability to ship the finished products to other cities and regions. The location should also be easily accessible to the workforce. If the business requires skilled labor, you must consider whether these employees wish to move to the area. Every state has different taxes, so that will also play a role.
Start marketing early
You can never invest enough money in marketing. Also, you can never start marketing too early. The faster you start promoting the business, the easier it will be to establish new business connections and create brand loyalty with potential customers. Just make sure that the product is close to being ready. You don’t want to advertise something that is still in its R&D phase.
Find the right team
Like in any other profession, the recruitment process plays a major part in the company’s success. You need to find enthusiastic individuals, and most importantly, who believe in what you’re selling. Employees are more likely to become dissatisfied if they don’t believe in the product, company message, and vision. Furthermore, you should find people who have worked within the industry. This also goes for the legal, HR, and financial team.
