When seeking an engineering supplier, one of the first things that should be assessed are the kind of supplies that are needed. What tools will be required? What kind of materials will be needed, and in what quantities? These are important things to consider and get right, understanding exactly whats needed in advance is a crucial part of any engineering project.

Once the type of supplies have been determined, the next question is where should they be purchased from. A big determining factor in this is if the supplier is located overseas or a domestically. There are advantages and disadvantages for each so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons depending on the requirements of the project. Here are several examples:

Domestic suppliers have higher manufacturing quality and labor standards. It’s easier to communicate as there is no language barrier, and there are faster shipping times. Overseas suppliers have lower manufacturing costs, with a high number of manufacturers to choose from. However, they often have a lower perceived quality from customers.