How to Source Factories & Artisanal Goods in Mexico for Wholesale & Export

Being in Mexico City last week, walking around some incredible artisanal markets, I came across amazing skills and pieces that would be to die for in retail outlets and ecommerce. However, it has always been noted that it is pretty difficult to find out how to source in these different countries.

So whilst I was there, I did a little investigating for myself from the top stall owners and how they source their products and whether it is applicable to create in the same way for big wholesale, export orders. Now, yes it is!

One thing is that a sourcing agent, is always a good thing to start with. This will allow you to have someone on the ground to help with managing factories and the quality that is expect/ required from you.

However, as a well-established buyer, relying solely on a few images and conversations, is not the best thing to (1) gain a relationship with those suppliers and (2) understand the legitimacy of the factory.

As I was walking around this place, what I could sense is Mexico is great for the following:

1.       Ceramics

2.       Textiles

3.       Glassware

4.       Metalwork

Which are the top priority categories, for a home and kitchen brand.

So, lets go back on how to source factories in Mexico. Similarly to China and India, there are different regions specialising in different materials and techniques. So, dependant on what you are looking for, you would have to head to these areas. Here’s a quick summary:

• Tlaxcala & Guanajuato are great for ceramics

• Tonalá & Tlaquepaque, Jalisco – Handmade & Recycled Glass

• Chipas and Maxcala – for textiles, clothing and soft goods. The embroidery seen is stunning!

• Taxco, Zacatecas and Guanajuato  – for jewellery. However, I was told Taxco was the best due to being "The Silver Capital of Mexico"

Now, how do we find them? I was told every Saturday morning, in each region, there is a “Mercado” (market) a bit like a trade show, where all factories come out and display their goods. They will then discuss and look at wholesale pricing with you also, so you can compare with other suppliers.

For example, the Taxco weekly market for jewellery and silverware is called Mercado de Plata ó Tianguis Sabatino is open every Saturday, where you can wonder around and find anything that would suit.

Also, Mercado de artesanos in Tlaxcala will have a breadth of suppliers for ceramics. With beautiful handmade kitchenware and tiles with stunning designs.

Now it is interesting to see that the manufacturing, mainly for ceramics and glassware are of a hand-made feel, so I saw that not every piece will be the same. This could in fact be a selling point, as it has a story to tell and history behind it. Utilise this to your advantage and create a story around your product, which will be an advantage against your competitors.

I hope this helps people on their journey to investigate manufacturing in Mexico. It still may be a viable option with the current trade in USA, as shipping will be cheaper and 25% now rather than 45% China is now facing. If there is anything that you want to ask about manufacturing in Mexico, please get in contact!