Why Smart Product Developers Sample Multiple Manufacturers — and Save Time Doing It
Meta Description: Learn why smart product creators sample from multiple manufacturers at once — and how Jackson Hedden helps reduce risk, time, and cost.
The Myth of the “One Factory Fix”
One of the most common misconceptions in the product manufacturing process is this: you find one good-looking factory, send over your specs, and wait for a perfect sample to land on your doorstep. Easy, right?
Wrong.
In reality, manufacturing is a process, not a transaction. And in that process, sampling from multiple manufacturers isn’t overkill — it’s essential. The smartest product developers understand this, and they use it to compress timelines, reduce risk, and improve product quality from day one.
Why Manufacturer Quality Varies So Widely
Not all factories are created equal — even when they say they make the same product.
Several factors can drastically affect the outcome:
Material sourcing: Two factories might use dramatically different resin, fabrics, metals, or components — and not disclose it.
Manufacturing tolerances: Some use outdated or poorly calibrated equipment.
Workmanship standards: Attention to detail in finishes, seams, adhesives, or coatings can make or break a consumer-grade product.
Experience: A factory may say they’ve made your type of product, but never for a high-end or brand-sensitive market.
Communication gaps: Missed details, unclear expectations, or cultural misunderstandings lead to errors that delay or derail the entire product.
That’s why manufacturing quality control starts long before mass production — it begins with strategic, comparative sampling.
Sampling Is Not a Step — It’s a Strategy
If you're serious about smart product development, you must treat sampling as a core phase, not a checkbox.
The reality: some factories won’t even deliver a sample worth evaluating. Others may get close, but fall short on consistency, detail, or function. And occasionally — you find the one — a factory that gets it just right.
But the only way to know is to test multiple suppliers in parallel.
At Jackson Hedden, we routinely kick off three to five suppliers simultaneously in the sampling phase. Why? Because:
You can compare quality side-by-side.
You avoid wasting 30–45 days on one failed supplier.
You identify red flags early.
You create leverage in negotiations.
The goal isn't to guess who might deliver — it's to let real samples prove the right partner.
Why Starting with 4–5 Suppliers Saves Time
Many first-time developers worry that launching with multiple manufacturers will cost more.
Ironically, it actually saves you money — and time.
Here’s why:
Waiting 45 days per sample adds up. You might burn 3–4 months before you find someone who can produce your product correctly.
Simultaneous sampling compresses your schedule into a single month.
Early failures give you quick signal. If one supplier misses the mark, you already have other options in motion.
Comparative testing improves decision-making. You choose your manufacturer with data, not guesswork.
Time is the most expensive currency in product development. The faster you vet, the faster you scale.
The Hidden Costs of “One at a Time” Thinking
Trying to sample factories one at a time introduces a cascade of hidden costs:
Missed launch windows — losing your seasonal, retail, or investor milestones
Rushed rework — fixing a bad sample under pressure, at premium cost
Poor first impressions — launching with a subpar product that harms your brand
Supplier dependency — being stuck with a single factory that may not scale with you
In contrast, multiple manufacturers sourcing gives you options. And options give you power.
How Jackson Hedden Streamlines the Process
At Jackson Hedden, we’ve built our reputation by guiding clients through high-stakes product development with precision.
Our sourcing strategy includes:
A pre-vetted network of domestic and international manufacturers
Simultaneous sample kickoff with 3–5 qualified factories
Side-by-side product sampling analysis and documentation
Clear quality benchmarks and tolerance validation
Negotiation support and final selection consulting
We do this because we know great product design means nothing without great execution. The sample is where vision meets reality. That’s why we front-load the process with industrial design sourcing expertise that sets the foundation for long-term manufacturing success.
Build Smarter: Sample Like a Pro
If you’re serious about building a product that wins in the market, stop thinking of manufacturing as a linear sprint.
Start thinking like a strategist:
Sampling is iterative.
Quality must be proven.
And time is saved by going wide early, not slow and narrow.
Let Jackson Hedden help you do it right the first time.
