You’ve had this product idea for your company for several years now. After countless hours of research, you have identified a clear need in the marketplace. The essential groundwork has been laid, including filing for a patent and drafting the initial design blueprints.
The pivotal moment has arrived: choosing a custom thermoforming company to bring your idea to life. But where do you begin?
Partnering with a manufacturer that understands your objectives, respects your timeline, and is willing to work within your budget constraints is critical. This decision will shape the path ahead, ensuring your project’s completion and success.
To help you transition into the next phase of your endeavors, I’ve compiled 5 key factors to consider when selecting a thermoforming manufacturer.
1. Years in Business
My first recommendation is to partner with a thermoformer that has a proven track record and at least 20 years of experience. This is about your livelihood, and you want to entrust it with a company that has weathered the storms of the industry.
Being a manufacturer during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was arguably one of the most challenging times in history for custom thermoformers. Navigating employee shortages, supply chain disruptions, escalating costs, and ever-changing government regulations posed significant challenges to cash flow and operational stability. Those companies that managed to keep their doors open demonstrated tremendous resilience.
Seeking out a partner that is not only strong and viable but also has a secure supply chain is of utmost importance, especially if the market becomes volatile. In many ways, longevity in the manufacturing sector can be viewed as a form of insurance – it provides peace of mind that your project will be completed without major hiccups.
2. Price
Choosing the right manufacturer doesn’t necessarily mean opting for the lowest price. We’ve all heard the age-old saying, “You get what you pay for.” This adage particularly holds true when searching for the ideal thermoforming company.
As with many facets of life and business, it’s wise to prioritize value over simply finding the cheapest alternative. If you receive a quote from a partner that falls toward the higher end of your budget but offers a wealth of on-site resources, I encourage you to give that company serious consideration.
The rationale behind this line of thinking is that consolidating several stages of the project under one roof will save time, minimize stress, and reduce costs in the long run.
For instance, partnering with a manufacturer that provides in-house engineering and mold-making capabilities will streamline the process and increase the likelihood of achieving your quality standards.
Read more about the factors that effect thermoforming costs here.
3. Location
The mantra “location, location, location” is frequently heard in the real estate world, but it certainly comes into play in your quest for the best manufacturing partner as well.
Ideally, your manufacturer should be located relatively close to your business. Given that shipping costs have spiked in recent years, you will want to do everything possible to keep costs down. By doing so, you can enter the marketplace at a more competitive price point.
In the best-case scenario, the manufacturer would be within driving distance from your business. This proximity allows for in-person visits at any point in the project. If any issues or concerns arise, you could sit down and discuss matters face-to-face.
4. Communication
How many times have you called a company and, despite your best efforts, found it impossible to reach a live human being? You’re directed to an options menu and repeatedly press “0” to speak to a representative, only to be placed on hold and hear, “We are experiencing extremely high call volumes. The estimated wait time is approximately 40 minutes.”
These experiences often leave me questioning the company’s commitment to customer service. In some instances, it leads me to wonder if they are understaffed or attempting to deflect accountability. If direct communication is a priority for you, then a manufacturer that makes speaking with someone in person difficult is probably not a good fit.
Another cause for concern is when a business insists on interacting exclusively via email. While electronic communication is excellent for documenting conversations and sending files, having the opportunity to periodically speak with your point of contact will strengthen the relationship between your two companies.
5. Customer List
My last recommendation is to ask the manufacturers you are interviewing for a list of their top 5 customers. This will provide valuable insight into their quality, production capacity, and their ability to meet the demands of a wide range of clients.
Let’s consider a hypothetical situation where you connect with a manufacturer whose top clients are smaller companies with low production requirements for three-dimensional objects. While this thermoformer may satisfy all previously discussed criteria and be eager to take on your project, they might lack the expertise to handle large, complex jobs with tight deadlines.
A more suitable choice might be a thermoformer with a diverse portfolio, capable of handling both low and high-volume production runs. They would be better equipped to shoulder the workload and understand how to collaborate effectively with companies of all sizes.
Your Manufacturing Match
Selecting a custom thermoforming company is a decision that should not be taken lightly. This choice extends beyond just finding a good manufacturer; it involves forming a strategic partnership that will contribute to the success of your product and, ultimately, your company.
Each of the five key factors discussed play a vital role in identifying a partner capable of thermoforming the highest quality products in the most efficient, and cost-effective manner possible. If you have narrowed your list down to two or three manufacturers, the final choice may come down to relying on your instincts to determine what feels right.
Did you know that GPI…
- Has a rich history of thermoforming excellence that spans over three decades?
- Manufactures for a wide variety of clients, ranging from major airlines to emerging startup businesses?
- Welcomes the opportunity for prospective customers to personally visit our facilities and meet our highly-skilled and knowledgeable team.
- Offers a comprehensive suite of services that encompass engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing capabilities.
- Has nine state-of-the-art vacuum forming machines, including eight rotary machines and one shuttle machine?
If you need custom thermoforming for your next project, request a quote from GPI.
