Domestic vs. overseas suppliers

Both domestic and overseas sourcing have their advantages and disadvantages:

Domestic sourcing

Advantages

• Higher manufacturing quality and labor standards.
• Easier communication with no language barrier.
• Marketing appeal of being made in North America.
• Easier to verify reputable manufacturers.
• Faster shipping time.
• High intellectual property right protection.
• Greater payment security and recourse.

Disadvantages

• Higher manufacturing costs.
• Less product choice (there are many items that just aren’t made in North America anymore).

Overseas sourcing

Advantages

• Lower manufacturing costs.
• High number of manufacturers to choose from.
• One-stop services have made it easy to navigate suppliers.

Disadvantages

• Lower perceived quality from customers.
• (Usually) lower manufacturing and labor standards.
• Little intellectual property protection.
• Language, communication and time zone barriers can be difficult to navigate.
• Difficult/costly to verify manufacturer and visit on-site.
• Longer shipping time.
• Cultural differences in business practices.
• Product importation and customs clearance.
• Less payment security and recourse.