Here is a perhaps unexpected place to get new product ideas. 

Finding new product ideas isn’t usually easy. Polling customers, sifting through piles of Helium10 or JungleScout data, looking at “bought together with on Amazon…” 

But do you know who almost always has their finger on the market pulse? Who is constantly in a process of research and development in many marketplaces? Who churns out hundreds—if not thousands—of new product types every year? 

Your Chinese factory. 

Factories are often a treasure trove of information when it comes to product ideas. Aside from their own operations, many factory owners and operators are tapped into their manufacturing network—talking to people, attending events, and consuming media and information. 

Here are some questions to ask you factory: 

(1). What are some of your top selling products in other markets?

(2). Are you developing or have you developed any new products? 

(3). I sell X, what other product types do brands like mine typically buy?

(4). What is the best-selling colour in X product? 

(5). What other marketplace do you think X product could sell well in? 

(6). Are there any emerging trends you’ve noticed recently? 

(7). What feedback have you received from other clients about recent product launches?

Most factories will love talking about product research and development with you. They genuinely want to help and, hey—new products mean more business for them too. 

So, next time you’re looking for product ideas, hit up your factory contact on WeChat. The best format is by video call and of course nothing beats meeting them in person. 

Happy sourcing!