The Scout House mission: to connect you with your ideal manufacturers in China
Top Questions, Answered.
What does Scout House actually do?
Scout House is a boutique sourcing agency that helps founders and brands find, vet andmanage manufacturers - primarily in China. We support everything from supplier discovery and sample coordination through to production planning, quality control and logistics guidance.
We act as your sourcing partner, not a middleman reseller.
Who is Scout House best suited for?
We work best with:
- Founders launching physical products
- Entrepreneurs with an idea
- Ecommerce and retail brands
- Mum-and-dad investors entering product manufacturing
- Businesses scaling production
If you are serious about quality, and long-term supplier relationships, Scout House isbuilt for you.
How do you find and vet suppliers?
We use a combination of:
- Verified factory networks
- Trade show connections
- Direct factory relationships
- Industry databases
- Background screening tools
Chinese manufacturers and suppliers are assessed for production capability, compliance standards, export experience and reliability before being presented to clients.
Will I own the relationship with the factory?
Yes.
You maintain ownership of your supplier relationships. Scout House facilitates introductions, negotiations and production setup, but you are never locked into exclusivity or hidden markups.
Transparency is core to how we operate.
How much money can I realistically save by sourcing in China?
Most Scout House clients reduce manufacturing costs by 30% to 60% compared to NewZealand production, depending on product type, volume and complexity.
Do you work with small startups or only large brands?
We support both early-stage founders and scaling brands. Many of our clients start with one product and grow into ongoing production partnerships.
Our tiered packages allow you to enter at the right stage for your business.
What expertise do you have in sourcing Manufacturers in China?
We have a talented and experienced team with a range of relevant skills. Find out more.
Which Manufacturing Industries do you specialise in?
We commonly source across:
- Apparel and textiles
- Consumer products
- Homeware
- Packaging
- Accessories
- Light electronics
- Custom branded products
If your product is physical and manufactured at scale, we can likely support you.
How long does sourcing and production usually take?
Timelines vary by product, but typical ranges are:
- Supplier sourcing: 1–3 weeks
- Sample development: 2–6 weeks
- Production: 30–60 days
- Shipping: 10–40 days depending on method
We provide a custom realistic timeline for every project.
Can you help me at Canton Fair?
Absolutely.
Scout House provides hands-on, on-the-ground support during the Canton Fair.
We guide you through supplier meetings, help evaluate factories in real time, assist with negotiations and ensure you leave with actionable sourcing outcomes - not just business cards.
View the options here.
Do you guarantee suppliers or production outcomes?
While no sourcing agency can guarantee manufacturing outcomes, Scout House significantly reduces risk through supplier vetting, quality control coordination and professional production planning.
We focus on prevention, transparency and smart decision-making.
How does payment work with Scout House?
Scout House charges transparent project-based fees or hourly consulting rates. Manufacturing payments are made directly between you and the factory, not through Scout House. This ensures full transparency and keeps you in control of your funds.
Do you take commission from factories?
No. Scout House does not accept commissions or kickbacks from suppliers. We are paid solely by our clients so our advice remains unbiased and aligned with your best interests.
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Canton Fair Packages