Here is a rule for every business owner: buy low and sell high. When you start an LED lighting business, you need to find reasonably priced products. The cheaper you can source your product, the higher the potential profit you get. Usually you’ll order things from distributors or contractors as a user, but as a seller, it is necessary to cut the costs surged by the middleman. If you need a large number of items for your business, direct purchase from LED makers can save you a lot of money. Nowadays, the rapid development of Internet makes it possible to buy anything you want online. With a simple click of the mouse, you can reach LED lighting manufacturers from around the world.
As a newbie, you might be confused by the hundreds of search results when you Google “led lighting manufacturers”. Along with the most famous brands like Cree, Osram, Yaham Lighting, there are still thousands of middle-sized makers. Companies who claim that they are professional “manufacturers” might import items from China while adding their own logo to them.
In these conditions, selecting a suitable manufacturer is a headache. Here’s a list of recommended steps to follow and a series of questions to ask when assessing a potential lighting manufacturer partner:
1. Know as Much as Possible About the Company’s Background
When did they start the LED lighting business?
Where are their headquarters and factories?
How many employees are in their company?
Who owns the company?
Do they have a professional website?
Do their products qualify with the standards of CCC, CQC, CE, RoHS, C-tick, ETL, PSE and so on?
Before you hassle the sales managers with emails, check their official website and have a glance at the company’ introduction page. Most information is detailed on this page. If you are satisfied with all the questions, move on to step 2. If their answers to their business background don’t meet your demands, switch to another manufacturer.
2. What Kind of Product Do You Want to Outsource?
What kind of certification do you need for this product?
How many generations of this product have they had? And what are their differences? What are the advantages of the series you will outsource?
What is the range of lumen outputs?
What’s their kelvin temperature?
Are they dimmable and energy-efficient?
Are there any difficulties in installing?
What about their shape and design, and do they have any case studies?
Does the company have price advantages?
If you still feel good about the products, then move on to the final step.
3. Follow-up Service
Can the product be continuously supplied?
How long is the guarantee (period)?
Are there freight allowed levels?
What process is needed when ordering?
Will replacements be easily available and easy to get?
Who can I contact if we have an urgent product problem?
Above all, if you want to find a manufacturer that provides products with competitive prices and quality, you can vet them from their company background, product specifications and follow-up service. Pay attention to what they claim to do, if they really keep their promises, and think about their customers. Find a good partner worthy of long-term cooperation.
