Lu'an stainless steel signs factory direct sales, in the end reliable? Let’s talk about the ways and choices

Recently, many friends have been asking questions on the backstage and WeChat.: “Editor, I have seen a lot of information about "Lu'an stainless steel signs factory direct sales". The price seems really attractive, but my heart is pounding. Is this reliable? Will there be any pitfalls? ”

To be honest, I encounter this kind of problem almost every day. After all, the four words "factory direct sales" are too attractive to anyone who needs to purchase signs - it means eliminating middlemen, better prices, and more direct communication. It sounds perfect, but the reality is often It’s a little more complicated than imagined. I won’t go through those empty industry reports, but use vernacular, combined with my experience in contacting large and small manufacturers and customers in the past few years, to talk to you from the bottom of my heart about the “doorway” here and how you can make smart choices.

We need to understand, how many "faces" does "factory direct sales" have?

In Lu'an and surrounding areas, the stainless steel signage industry does have a certain foundation, and many manufacturing companies have gathered. The so-called "factory direct sales" can be roughly divided into the following categories.:

1. “True source factory" type ： This is what everyone dreams of. They have their own decent factory building, with complete one-stop equipment for laser cutting, etching, polishing, welding, electroplating (or outsourcing). They can handle most of the processes themselves, from the entry of plates to the shipment of finished products. They open a sales department or set up an e-commerce department to directly receive orders. This type of manufacturer has the strongest strength and obvious price advantages. It is suitable for orders with large quantities and stable process requirements.

2. “"Front and back factory" type ： The scale may not be that large, but production and sales are indeed integrated. They may focus on certain links (such as being good at cutting and welding, or good at surface treatment), while other parts are outsourced and collaborated. They also face customers directly, have high flexibility, and are suitable for orders with small and medium-sized batches and some personalized requirements.

3. “"Listed direct sales" type ： You have to pay attention to this. Some trading companies or middlemen register a name, rent a small place in an industrial zone, put some samples, and use the banner of "manufacturer direct sales". They do not have a complete production line themselves. After receiving the order, they turn to find a truly cooperative factory to make a profit. Price, this is not necessarily a bad thing. If the other party is honest, has good service and strict quality control, it can be regarded as a reliable purchasing channel. However, I am afraid that some will attract you with low prices, and then cut corners on material thickness and workmanship details, or increase prices later and shirk after-sales.

When encountering "factory direct sales", don't just look at the price, you must learn to "look, hear and ask".

• A "look"”: Look at "hard power"” , Now is the Internet age, just looking at website pictures is not enough, boldly ask for a video connection to see the live situation of the workshop, or see the factory environment through the map. Manufacturers with real confidence will generally not refuse this opportunity to show their strength. Check whether their equipment is old and new, whether the workshop management is orderly, and whether the workers' operations are standardized. These details can often reflect many problems.

• Two "smell"”: Listen to "word of mouth"” , inquire from many sources, use the Internet to search the name of the manufacturer and add keywords such as "evaluation" and "feedback", ask old customers they have cooperated with (if the other party is willing to provide it), and listen to comments from peers or industry insiders. A manufacturer that has been in the local area for many years and has a stable customer base is usually more reliable than the "ultra-low-price direct sales" that suddenly appear.

• Three "questions"”: Ask "details"” , don’t just ask “how much does a brand cost”, be specific: What brand of stainless steel to use (304 or 201? Which specific manufacturer of boards? ), what is the actual thickness (standard thickness or actual thickness? ), is the surface treatment mirror, brushed or sandblasted? What kind of paint is it? How is the weather resistance? How to calculate the construction period? How to deal with shipping packaging? What are the after-sales guarantees? The more detailed you ask, the easier it will be to tell whether the other party is an expert or a "second-rate dealer". Regular manufacturers know the craft well and can give you professional advice. ； And those who just want to make quick money may be vague.

• Four" cuts”: Try to "cooperate"” , for the first cooperation, especially if the quantity is not large, you can make a reasonable request: Making a small sample first and paying for the proofing fee is a sign of sincerity. You can also judge the other party's craftsmanship, material quality and attitude through the small sample most intuitively. This is a very effective step to avoid risks.

Let’s go back to the regional label “Liu’an”.  Some manufacturers in Lu'an do play an important role in the signage supply chain in the Yangtze River Delta region and have certain cost and geographical advantages. However, when choosing, don't be limited to the word "Liu'an". Surrounding areas and even some professional production areas outside the province may also become your choice through efficient logistics. The key is to see whether the manufacturer itself is reliable, and whether the communication and transportation costs caused by distance are within an acceptable range.

Let’s talk about mentality.  It’s absolutely right to pursue cost-effectiveness, but don’t fall into the “price-only theory”. The material cost and process cost of stainless steel signs are there. If the price of a “direct sales” company is ridiculously low, far lower than the reasonable range of the market, then you must be vigilant.: The money saved is likely to be made up for in quality, service life or after-sales. Signs are often the "face" of a company, or they have to withstand wind, sun, rain and wind for a long time outdoors. If the quality is not up to standard, later replacement and maintenance will be troublesome and the overall cost will be higher.

“"Lu'an Stainless Steel Signs Factory Direct Sales" is an option worth exploring. There are indeed treasures in it, but you also need to keep your eyes open to identify it. Don't be afraid of trouble. Spend more time in the early stage to investigate, communicate, and compare, and establish a stable and reliable supplier relationship. It will definitely save worry and money for the company in the long run.

I hope these truths can help you clear up some of the fog and find the "reliable manufacturer" that is really suitable for you. If you have any specific questions, you can come back to chat at any time.