Working with a new manufacturer can be exciting — it’s a chance to expand your product line, cut costs, or improve quality. But it also comes with risk. Many brands waste time and money on preventable mistakes when approaching new suppliers.

Here are the top errors we see — and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Being Specific Enough in Requests

Sending vague RFQs like “I need hoodies” or “Looking for supplements” only frustrates suppliers. They can’t give you accurate pricing or timelines without details.

How to avoid it:

Provide clear specs upfront:

• Materials, dimensions, and colors

• Target order quantities (even if approximate)

• Required certifications or compliance standards

• Delivery deadlines

The more concrete your request, the faster and more accurate the supplier’s response.

Mistake 2: Choosing Only on Price

It’s tempting to pick the cheapest option. But low price often means corners are being cut on quality, communication, or timelines.

How to avoid it:

Evaluate suppliers across multiple factors:

• Lead times

• Quality control processes

• Responsiveness

• References from other buyers

The right partner is rarely the cheapest — it’s the one who delivers consistently.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Communication Red Flags

If a supplier takes a week to reply to your first email, expect delays later. Communication habits usually don’t improve after the contract is signed.

How to avoid it:

• Look for suppliers who respond within 24–48 hours

• Note if they answer all questions clearly, not just partially

• Use a centralized platform like NovaSupplier to track all communication and avoid scattered WhatsApps or missed emails

Mistake 4: Skipping Trial Orders

Jumping into a large order without testing first is one of the riskiest moves. Small errors scale up into big losses.

How to avoid it:

Start with a sample or small batch order. It validates:

• Product quality

• Packaging accuracy

• Supplier reliability

If they deliver well at a small scale, you can confidently expand.

Mistake 5: Not Defining Payment Terms Clearly

Brands often wire full payment upfront — and regret it when delays or disputes arise.

How to avoid it:

• Use milestone-based payments (e.g., deposit, post-production, pre-shipping)

• Request invoices before final transfers

• Where possible, pay through platforms with built-in protections (like NovaSupplier)

Mistake 6: Overlooking Contracts and Documentation

Too many brands rely on casual agreements or email chains. This creates risk if problems arise.

How to avoid it:

Even a lightweight contract makes a difference. At minimum, include:

• Product specs and agreed quantities

• Lead times and delivery dates

• Pricing and payment structure

• Liability for defects or delays

Upload and track these documents inside your sourcing platform for easy reference.

Final Thoughts

Working with a new manufacturer doesn’t have to be a gamble. By being specific, testing small, and setting clear terms, you build relationships that last.

At NovaSupplier, we designed the platform to help brands avoid these exact mistakes — with verified suppliers, structured workflows, and secure payments.

The result? Faster, safer, and more successful supplier partnerships.