How to Master the Co-Manufacturing Search

We hear stories all the time about the struggles brands face during their co-manufacturing search. Here are a few examples:

• "I talked to five manufacturers and even spent $10,000 on a trial run, but no one could make my product."
• "I paid a consultant $15,000 for a list, but none of the options were the right fit."
• "I wanted to save on legal fees, so I let the manufacturer take the lead. Now I’m locked into an exclusive contract and don’t even own the rights to my recipe."

Ouch.

To help you avoid these missteps, we’ve gathered some of the richest insights on how to run an effective and smart manufacturing search. These are the tried-and-true tricks of the pros—brands that follow them consistently see better outcomes.

Quick plug: You can find all these tips, presented exactly when you need them—along with tools, templates, and a co-manufacturing database of over 9,000 options—on tryrescale.com.

1. Start with a Big List of Prospects

Here’s the first counterintuitive step: cast a wide net. Yes, you’re looking for one perfect manufacturer, and yes, proximity seems like a plus. But limiting your search too early is a recipe for disappointment, as it limits your leverage.

Here are a couple of example scenarios:

Scenario 1: You stop at “The One”
You find a local manufacturer who checks all the boxes—on paper. They’ve got the equipment, and they seem interested. But as weeks go by, you’re constantly chasing them for updates. When can we do a trial? Did you get a chance to quote pricing? With no other options, you’re at their mercy. They know they hold the power, and your project takes a backseat.

Scenario 2: You keep your options open
You start with 15 manufacturers, even though some are further away or might not work out. Ten confirm they have the equipment for your product, and you set clear timelines:
"We’re conducting trials with three other vendors and plan to make a decision by [date]."

This approach creates urgency and competition. Manufacturers feel the heat, stay on schedule, and sharpen their bids—sometimes lowering prices by as much as 30%! In the end, that manufacturer five states away may be your best partner after all, or they'll help keep your local options on their toes.

Let's be real— managing 20+ bids in your inbox is a nightmare. That’s where Rescale shines. Our platform organizes and streamlines your search with tools built specifically for food and beverage brands. Book a demo here.

2. Nail Down Your Formulation and Packaging Before You Start

Manufacturers have told us that they receive about 100 inquiries every month — only take on 1-2 new projects. If you show up unprepared, you’ll likely end up in their “not worth my time” pile.

Don't end up in that pile! Here's what you need:

• Formulation: Your recipe needs to be by weight, not volume (e.g., tablespoons → grams). Convert the entire recipe into percentages, so the total equals 100%. This means you need to get out that kitchen scale and weigh those 2 TBS of nutmeg. Voilà! You have a professional-grade formulation.
• Packaging: Be ready with specifics, but know where you can flex.
  • Specific: "I need a partner who can fill 6oz glass bottles with a 15mm opening."
  • Flexible: "I need a 6oz glass bottle, but I’m open to different shapes or finishes."

Show up with this level of detail, and you’ll stand out as a serious contender.

3. Turn Every “No” Into More Leads

The co-manufacturing world is more fluid than you think. Manufacturers shift focus, expand capacity, or pivot their offerings all the time. Here’s the secret: a “no” doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation.

When a manufacturer isn’t the right fit, ask: "Do you know anyone who might be?" This simple question can unlock new leads you wouldn’t find otherwise.

Fun fact: manufacturers often know who else has capacity in their niche. They talk. Use this to your advantage!

This ever-changing landscape is one reason we built Rescale. Our database tracks over 9,000 manufacturers and lets you add your own independently sourced options for free. We’ll even vet them for you.

4. Documents for Dummies: NDAs and RFPs Are Non-Negotiable

Once you’ve narrowed your list to 8–10 manufacturers, it’s time to get into the weeds. At this stage, you need to share the intimate details of your product, packaging, sales projections, and more.  You also need to protect that information.

• NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement): Protect your formulation, packaging details, sales projections, and anything else you’d rather not share with the world. While manufacturers aren’t in the business of stealing ideas, it’s smart to safeguard your work—especially if they also work with competitors.
• RFP (Request for Proposal): A well-crafted RFP provides all the details a manufacturer needs to evaluate your project and decide if they can take it on. Include (among other things):
  • Formulation and process steps
  • Packaging specs
  • Certification requirements
  • Sales projections

Sloppy RFPs create extra work and confusion, which can kill momentum. Rescale’s templates make it easy to get it right the first time.

5. Expect Trials to Be Slow and Messy

You’ve made it to the final stretch: samples, trials, and contracts. This phase is where manufacturers adapt your formulation and packaging to their equipment. Things don’t always go smoothly—and that’s normal!

Here are some common hiccups:

• Your sauce clogs their strainers because the particulates are too big.
• Your labels are too tall for their applicator.
• Your cookies lose shape when run through die-cut equipment.

Some manufacturers will nail it on the first try. Others might need three or four rounds. Both outcomes are completely normal.

This is also where having an expert on your side makes all the difference. Rescale is the only platform that pairs co-manufacturing search tools with real experts who’ve been through this process dozens of times. See what we can do.