If you’re thinking about switching contract manufacturers, you’re not alone. Many companies reach a point where their current partner just isn't meeting expectations, whether that’s due to bad quality control, poor communication, rising costs, need to scale, or limitations in capability. Whatever the reason, making a switch is a big decision. And when you’re relying on a contract manufacturer to bring your product to life, every step counts.
Here’s what you need to know before making the leap.
1. Evaluate Why You're Switching Contract Manufacturers
Before looking at new contract manufacturers, take a close look at your current situation. Ask yourself:
- Are quality issues becoming more frequent?
- Are there delays or production bottlenecks?
- Is your manufacturer unable to scale with your growth?
- Are you getting clear, timely communication?
Clearly defining the “why” helps you avoid making the same mistake twice, and makes it easier to find a partner who better aligns with your goals.
2. Look for a True Manufacturing Partner
Not all contract manufacturers offer the same level of support. Some may seem like a quick, cost-effective way to get to market, but unexpected costs and limitations often show up down the line. Others, like Hatch, provide full support including design for manufacturability (DFM), prototyping, testing, and full-scale production.
When evaluating new contract manufacturers, consider:
- Engineering support: Can they assist with design improvements or optimize for cost and efficiency?
- Quality assurance processes: Do they meet your industry standards? Or has their quality decreased over time?
- Tariffs: Do they have a plan in place to navigate potential tariff-related challenges and global trade shifts?
- Flexibility: Can they handle level set production into batches or jobs that meet your demand?
- Communication: Do you have a responsive point of contact who understands your product and priorities?
3. Plan Your Transition Carefully
Switching contract manufacturers isn’t as simple as handing off a file. There’s a knowledge transfer involved, one that can be either seamless or full of pitfalls. To ensure a smooth transition:
- Document your current manufacturing processes thoroughly
- Include detailed specifications, BOMs (including costs and vendors), test procedures, and certifications
- Communicate timelines and expectations upfront
- Catalog any raw material or finished goods that need to be transferred to the your new CM
- Try to highlight any undocumented changes or bandaids that might have been done in the past.
- And most importantly, build in time for onboarding and prototype validation with your new partner
At Hatch, we treat onboarding with precision leveraging our Hatchworx onboarding process. Our veteran team works to understand your product inside and out so we can hit the ground running without missed steps or surprises.
4. Consider Proximity and Responsiveness
While completely offshore contract manufacturers may offer appealing pricing, the tradeoffs in communication, lead times, and risk can be significant. US-based manufacturers like Hatch offer direct access to engineering teams, faster iterations, and clear accountability.
You should be able to pick up the phone and talk to someone who knows your product, not wait 48 hours for a reply that doesn’t address your concerns.
5. Think Long-Term
Switching contract manufacturers isn’t just about fixing a short-term issue; it’s about setting your product up for long-term success. The right partner will help you scale, innovate, and evolve your offering over time.
At Hatch, we’re not just a vendor; we are an extension of your team. We help startups and established brands alike bring complex products to life with agile engineering, rapid prototyping, and scalable production solutions.
Ready to switch contract manufacturers?
If your current contract manufacturer isn’t delivering the quality, communication, or flexibility you need, it may be time to make a change. At Hatch, we specialize in helping companies transition smoothly and scale confidently. Whether you’re launching a new product or improving an existing one, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about how Hatch can support your next chapter.
