Frequently Asked Questions
About Manufacturing In Vietnam

Vietnam has become one of the main alternatives to China, especially for buyers looking to diversify risk.

The advantages:

• Lower labour costs in many categories
• Strong trade agreements (especially with EU & US)
• Less exposure to tariffs compared to China
• Growing manufacturing capability

But let’s be clear, Vietnam is not a replacement for China in every case.

China still wins on:

• Scale
• Speed
• Advanced manufacturing
• Deep, vertically integrated supply chains

Vietnam works best for:

• Competitive labour costs (in the right categories)
• Strong trade agreements and lower tariff exposure vs China
• Best suited to labour-intensive production
• Strong in natural materials and craftsmanship (wood, bamboo, rattan, etc.)

If you’re expecting China-level pricing and flexibility, you’ll probably be sorely disappointed. If you’re looking for a reliable, competitive alternative, Vietnam is a strong option.

MOQ in Vietnam varies a lot depending on the product and factory.

Typical ranges:

• Handicrafts: low MOQs (sometimes a few hundred pieces)
• Furniture: medium MOQs
• Metal/plastic mass production: higher MOQs

Here’s the reality most people won’t tell you:

Factories may agree to a lower MOQ, but increase the unit price to compensate. This isn’t the factories being greedy, it’s because they will also be getting MOQ’s from their raw material suppliers.

So yes, you can start small, but it will cost you more per unit.

This is where most buyers get it wrong.

You don’t just need a “factory”, you need the right factory for your product.

Key things to check:

• Do they actually manufacture, or just trade?
• Have they made similar products before?
• What machinery and processes do they use?
• Can they handle your required quality level?

A polished website means nothing.

The only things that matter:

• Production capability
• Consistency
• Communication

Yes…. but only if you give them something clear to work from.

Vietnam is strong at OEM manufacturing and custom production, not product design from scratch.

Most factories:

• Don’t offer full product development services
• Won’t create designs from a rough idea or sketch
• Prefer clear technical input from the buyer

Where Vietnam performs well:

• Customising existing products
• Private label manufacturing
• Material-based products (wood, metal, rattan, textiles, plastics)
• Adjusting size, finish, colour, and packaging

What you’ll need to provide:

• Technical drawings or detailed dimensions
• Material specifications
• Reference samples or clear product images

What to expect:

• Product sampling (usually 2–4 rounds)
• Some trial and error to get details right
• Tooling costs for certain custom designs
• Longer development timelines than China in many cases

If you’re looking for “design + manufacture” as a full service, Vietnam can be limiting.

If you already have a defined product and need a reliable manufacturer to produce it, Vietnam works very well.

There’s no fixed answer, but here’s what actually drives cost:

• Materials (this is often the biggest factor)
• Design complexity
• Order volume
• Packaging requirements

Vietnam is rarely the cheapest option.

But it often offers better value when you consider:

• Quality consistency
• Lower risk
• Trade advantages

If your only goal is the lowest price, Vietnam is probably not your best bet.

Typical timelines:

• Sampling: 2–4 weeks
• Production: 30–60 days
• Shipping (depending on destination):

• Sea freight: 25–40 days
• Air freight: 5–10 days

Delays can happen, especially around:

• Peak seasons
• Material shortages
• Vietnamese holidays (Tet new year is a big one)

Build buffer time into your planning. Always.

You don’t “hope” for quality, you control it.

And it starts with choosing the right factory.

Vietnam has some excellent manufacturers, but also plenty that will say yes to anything and figure it out later. If you match with the wrong supplier, no amount of inspection will fully fix it.

Best practices:

• Work with a reliable, export-ready factory (this is critical)
• Approve pre-production samples (not just photos, must be physical samples)
• Set clear, detailed specifications (materials, dimensions, finishes)
• Align on packaging and labeling early
• Conduct inspections before shipment (ideally during and final)

Most quality issues come from:

• Miscommunication
• Assumptions
• Poor factory selection
• Lack of follow-up

Factories will usually produce exactly what you ask for, not what you meant.

If your brief is vague, your product will be inconsistent.

If your factory isn’t the right fit, problems will keep repeating.

If you’re not checking, you’re guessing.

It depends entirely on the factory and product.

Common certifications include:

• BSCI
• ISO
• FSC (for wood products)
• Sedex / SMETA (in some cases)

Certifications are becoming more common in Vietnam.

As competition increases, more factories are investing in them to win export business, especially with Western buyers.

At the same time, many good factories (particularly smaller ones or craft-based producers) still don’t have certifications. And some certified factories still produce poor quality.

Certifications are a tool, not a guarantee.

If a factory doesn’t have the certification you need, it’s still worth asking the question.

Some are willing to obtain it, especially if:

• Your order volume justifies the cost
• They see long-term potential
• It helps them win future customers

In the right situation, your project can be the reason they upgrade.

Just don’t rely on certificates alone, look at actual capability, consistency, and how they manage production.

Yes, this is one of Vietnam’s strongest areas.

Vietnam has a wide range of natural and sustainable materials:

• Bamboo
• Rattan
• Seagrass
• Recycled materials

It’s especially strong in:

• Handmade and craft-based production
• Natural fiber products

However:

• Consistency can be a challenge
• Scaling production can take time

Sustainable doesn’t always mean simple.

Not always.

You might not need one if:

• You have a team on the ground
• You understand manufacturing processes
• You can manage suppliers directly

You probably do need one if:

• You’re new to sourcing (especially in Vietnam)
• You don’t have local presence
• You want to reduce risk and save time

One thing many buyers underestimate:

Experience in other countries (like China or India) doesn’t always translate directly to Vietnam.

There are cultural and communication differences.

Factories here tend to be more relationship-driven, less direct, and often won’t push back even if something isn’t clear.

That can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or quality issues if not managed properly.

The biggest mistake buyers make?

Choosing the wrong factory, not negotiating the wrong price.

That’s where experienced sourcing support makes the biggest difference.