Approaching a UK manufacturer

g4fne

Hi Folks.

I am a newbie at business, revisiting an old idea of mine. I am looking to open an eBAY shop & need a supplier. I have identified a UK manufacturer that interests me. They invite people wanting a trade account to email them. I am aware a credit account is highly unlikely so have some cash aside for a first order.

My question is, what should i be asking ?? & how should i word it ??

What i really need to know is if there is a MOQ & what the trade prices are. Is it on first correspondence a question i should be asking or is that a bit "full on" initially ??. I would like to try & avoid looking the newbie if possible

Your advice would be appreciated

InsideInsurance

I personally would start with a request for a discussion rather than a list of questions. Most of the data you have identified are going to be fairly standard and not something they should need to go away and discuss unless there are some particular quirks in your or their business model.

fred7777

Obviously we don't know what you are getting manufactured so your approach may be have to be different. But when I contact new companies it's generally with an email on the following lines:

Please find attached (drawing/specification/3d file) of part/s I would like a quotation for. Please quote on (1,10,50 or MOQ) tooling & lead time.

Alternatively if it's more complex or you need to work out if the manufacturer is suitable ring them up and ask to speak to someone in sales. Don't worry about looking like a newbie I have been getting things made for almost 20 years and still look like a newbie at times.