Overview

Amazon sellers who want to launch private‑label items must decide whether to source manufacturing from China or India. The choice affects unit cost, shipment speed, product consistency, communication, and protection of intellectual property, all of which directly impact profitability and brand reputation.

Key Points

• Unit Cost Gap — A simple silicone phone case produced in a Guangdong workshop can be sourced for as little as $0.80 per piece, while an equivalent factory in India typically charges around $1.10, reflecting higher labor and material expenses.
• Shipping Timeline — A 40‑foot container shipped from Shanghai to Los Angeles usually arrives in 12‑16 days; the same container leaving Mumbai averages 20‑25 days, adding roughly a week to the overall time‑to‑market for Indian‑made goods.
• Quality Assurance Levels — Chinese plants often embed dedicated QA crews that perform real‑time inspections, keeping defect rates under 1 % for large batches; many Indian suppliers depend on external labs, which can introduce a 3‑5 % variability in final product quality.
• Language & Communication — Factories in China commonly assign English‑proficient account managers, whereas Indian manufacturers may require sellers to work through regional translators to convey detailed specifications accurately.
• IP Enforcement — China’s “China Compulsory Patent Law” provides statutory protection but enforcement can be inconsistent; India’s Patents Act 1970 offers clearer judicial precedents, though legal resolutions often take longer.

How Sourcing Decisions Work

1. Clarify Product Specs — Draft a precise brief that lists dimensions, material grades, and any regulatory standards; for instance, a seller needing a BPA‑free 500 ml water bottle must specify FDA‑approved plastic.
2. Scout Potential Partners — Search supplier directories such as Alibaba for Chinese factories and IndiaMART for Indian producers; a typical shortlist might include three manufacturers from Shenzhen and two from Hyderabad that meet the technical brief.