When searching for a jewelry manufacturer to produce your designs, there are a lot of factors to consider: pricing estimates, jeweler expertise, and material sourcing, just to name a few. But one factor that doesn’t always get as much attention is location; where the manufacturer’s facilities are located might have a bigger impact than you realize. If your brand is based in the United States, there are some advantages to choosing a domestic jewelry manufacturing company. Let’s take a look:
No International Duties or Fees
Using an international manufacturer can trigger fees that come with moving materials from country to country. Officially, the taxes imposed on goods being transported across international borders are called duties. There are already so many costs associated with running a successful jewelry business: production, marketing, packaging, shipping, and more. Taking duties out of the equation will improve your margins and give you one less thing to worry about, and working with a U.S.-based jewelry manufacturer means you won’t need to pay high duties or import taxes on your jewelry.
Decrease Your Carbon Footprint
Working with a local or domestic manufacturer will also help lower your carbon emissions. Domestic shipping is much more environmentally friendly than moving jewelry long distances on international flights or cargo ships, and it’s also more efficient and easier to track. According to some estimates, international shipping contributes as much as 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By producing jewelry closer to home, you can prevent unnecessary carbon production and help make the planet a little greener.
Quick Turnaround Time
When you’re eager to get your jewelry designs to market, time spent waiting on your creations to make it to your facility can slow down your profits. When you work with a domestic jewelry manufacturer, your turnaround time will be significantly shorter since shipping won’t take as long. Getting your manufactured jewelry pieces into your possession more quickly means you can get them on the shelves (or on your website) and into your customers’ hands sooner, speeding up your revenue pipeline so you can keep growing your business instead of waiting by the mailbox.
Better Flexibility
When you choose a domestic manufacturer, the chances are much higher that your professional collaboration will become more flexible and malleable. Since international shipping is both expensive and slower, most international manufacturers prefer or even require larger batch orders. If you’re a newer jewelry brand or you’re testing out a new collection, you might need to start with a smaller order instead of diving right in with huge quantities that you’re not sure will sell. Working with a domestic manufacturing partner also makes it easier to access flexible payment options like financing and loans.
Convenient Customer Service
Using a domestic manufacturer will ensure you can work in your time zone, or at least plan on having a window of overlapping work hours. Businesses don’t always run according to plan; when you need to make adjustments to an order or make a special request for expedited deliveries, waiting another day or staying up late to resolve an issue can end up being costly. Knowing that you can make a call, ask a question, or raise a concern during standard business hours will keep communication smooth and convenient, and eliminate productivity bottlenecks.
Support Your Community
The employees at a domestic jewelry manufacturer are your neighbors, at the end of the day. Choosing a U.S.-based partner instead of outsourcing your manufacturing needs is a powerful way to support your national economy and the ecosystem your business is a part of. You’ll be investing in your community and contributing to employment opportunities by choosing a stateside manufacturer, and letting your customers know that your jewelry brand manufactures jewelry domestically can help build trust. Having your jewelry manufactured close to home will give you peace of mind, and create a sense of community for your team and your customers.
Ready to partner with a stateside jewelry manufacturer? MJJ Brilliant has facilities in the United States and Mexico, and is headquartered in New York City. We have over 40 years of experience helping designers and brands bring their jewelry ideas to fruition. Our team of expert jewelers produces designs for over 25 major retailers and manufactures four million pieces every year, and we offer duty-free overnight shipping from our facilities to any location in North America. Contact MJJ Brilliant today to get started with the highest quality jewelry production backed by ethical practices, sustainable sourcing, and quick and secure shipping.
