The Cannabis Buyer’s Guide to Overseas Manufacturing

The Factory Is Only One Part of the Supply Chain

Overseas manufacturing can unlock better pricing, deeper customization and access to specialized production. It can also create complexity across suppliers, time zones, specifications, quality control, freight, customs and communication.

Start With a Real Specification

Do not source from a photograph alone. Define materials, dimensions, performance, decoration, packaging, documentation and acceptable tolerances. Samples should be approved against the intended specification, not treated as the specification themselves.

Shop Capability, Not Just Price

Two factories can quote similar-looking products at very different prices because the underlying materials, processes and QC are different. Ask what is actually being supplied and whether the factory has experience with the required process.

Control Changes

Many quality failures begin with an undocumented substitution or process change. Production should be tied to an approved specification, and material or component changes should require approval.

Plan Freight Before Production Ends

DDP, FOB and EXW quotes are not interchangeable. Know who is responsible for freight, export, duties, customs and final delivery. Build these costs into the purchasing decision before issuing the PO.

Use an On-the-Ground Team

Greencoast combines U.S.-based account and project support with sourcing, manufacturing and quality capabilities in China. The customer gets one relationship while the operational work happens where it needs to happen.

Before your next overseas order, check Greencoast.