How to Find and Verify US Manufacturers: Buyer Checklist

1. Define exactly what you need

Suppliers can only quote accurately if your request is specific. Prepare a short specification: the product and its material, dimensions, standards or certifications required, target quantity and yearly volume, desired delivery date and destination country. Include drawings or reference photos when you have them. Vague requests get vague, unreliable quotes.

2. Find candidate manufacturers

Look in several places and build a shortlist of three to five suppliers rather than relying on one:

• Online marketplaces and directories of US manufacturers, such as Fromerica, where you can search by product and see each exporter's location, capacity and markets.
• Trade shows and their exhibitor lists.
• Industry and trade associations, which often have member directories.
• State economic development offices and the US Commercial Service.
• A request for quote that goes to multiple suppliers at once.

3. Verify that the company is real

Before you go deep on price, confirm the business exists and is in good standing:

• Look up the company in its state's Secretary of State business registry to confirm its legal name, status and registration date.
• Check that the address, phone and website are consistent and that a real facility exists (satellite imagery and a video call walk-through help).
• Ask for and check trade and bank references, and for references from other exporters or importers they have worked with.
• Look for reviews and ratings from other buyers. On Fromerica, ratings and reviews come from importers who contacted the exporter.
• Remember that information in a supplier profile is typically self-reported, so verify anything important yourself.

4. Screen them against restricted-party lists

Even when you are buying from the US, check that your counterparty is not on a US restricted-party list, and if you are a US importer, your own compliance obligations apply as well. It takes a few minutes and protects you and your bank.

5. Evaluate quality before you commit

• Ask for certifications relevant to your product, such as ISO 9001 or industry-specific standards, and verify them with the issuing body.
• Order samples and test them against your specification.
• For larger orders, consider a third-party inspection before shipment, or a factory audit.
• Ask about production capacity and lead times so you are sure they can meet your volume.

6. Understand landed cost

The factory price is only part of the cost. Add international freight, insurance, import duties and taxes in your country, customs brokerage and inland transport. Ask the supplier for the correct classification code and check your country's duty rate. Choose Incoterms deliberately so it is clear who pays for what.

7. Agree the terms in writing

• A written purchase order or contract with the specification, price, quantity, delivery date and Incoterms.
• Payment terms that balance risk: for a first order, many buyers use a deposit plus the balance against documents, a letter of credit, or a secure escrow-style arrangement.
• Quality and acceptance criteria, and what happens if goods are defective or late.
• Who owns tooling, molds or designs you paid for.

Frequently asked questions