The Benefits of Small Batch Manufacturing
It’s no secret that in an effort to save time and money many businesses opt for working with large-scale manufacturers, placing bigger orders with well-established brands.
With eco-friendly living on the rise and greater awareness around climate change, the shift toward more sustainable manufacturing practices is on the rise.
Thanks to the advent of social media and everyday ‘influencers’ in the marketing sphere, it’s been easier for smaller businesses to develop a legit presence with their brands and sales, using small-batch manufacturing (i.e. typically fewer than 500 units or “pieces” of the final product).
Here are some reasons small-batch manufacturing is so friggin cool:
Less Risk
When you’ve got a new product on the market, or are trying to save materials and be more eco-conscious, smaller orders of a product allow for more wiggle room if changes or modifications are needed.
In other words, the business that’s “building” the product hasn’t spent heaps of money on something that needs to be changed or can be improved.
Therefore, less waste and less time and money spent.
Better Efficiency
It’s also easier to evaluate how sales are going, more accurately forecast growth, and decide if the design, price point, or other aspects need to be modified before more of the same product is created.
Plus, the brand has more control over the production cycle!
In other words, viable product testing can be in full swing without wasting a lot of time, resources, or cost.
More Sustainable
Smaller batches of the product mean fewer “end result” products being thrown out if it’s discovered that it’s faulty or not selling well.
In other words, there’s greater control over the materials and more conscious decisions can be made about the overall sourcing and production of the product.
Greater Demand
The value of irreplaceable, handmade, artisan, and sometimes local or regional products is on the rise! In fact, according to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the global fashion market has continued to trend toward niche or tailor-made products.
“Today’s artisan culture forms an extraordinary and inimitable blend of past and future, tradition and innovation. It’s an extraordinary place to arrive at as an industry, and one that offers more opportunities than ever for small batch production artisans and makers, no matter where in the world they may live,” says, Jessica Donovan of Makers Valley.
Choosing to seek out small-batch products means you’re likely supporting a smaller business and saving the planet.
Or, as Dame Vivienne Westwood once said, “Buy less, choose well, and make it last.”
