Evaluating Your Manufacturer: Partner in Success or Just Another Sale?

Choose the Right Manufacturing Partner

Choosing the right manufacturing partner is crucial for the success of your architecture or construction project. Some manufacturers are true collaborators, ensuring code compliance, smooth installations, and overall project success. Others focus solely on sales, leaving you vulnerable to errors and missed opportunities.

Are you confident in your manufacturer's support? Use this guide to distinguish the difference.

The Manufacturer’s Role in Product Application

Manufacturers dedicated to your success will:

• Provide Technical & Application Support: Offer clear guidance, quality checks, and training for correct product use.

• Conduct Training & Oversight: Perform job site inspections, train certified installers, and manage oversight programs.

• Guarantee Compliance & Safety: Ensure products meet all relevant regulations and keep you informed on code changes.

• Process Documentation & Warranties: Maintain organized records and handle warranties transparently.

• Deliver Post-Installation Support: Troubleshoot issues after installation to safeguard product performance.

• Gather & Act on Customer Feedback: Use your input to refine products and services.

Why In-House Support Matters for Spec-Driven Products

For products like doors, hardware, cladding, lighting, waterproofing, or advanced HVAC units—those governed by strict specs and regulations—manufacturer support is essential. Reliable support provides:

1. Accurate Product Selection: Confirms features, compliance, and suitability for your project requirements.

2. Timely Assistance: Fast, knowledgeable responses prevent costly design delays.

3. Enhanced Collaboration: Direct, expert guidance for tackling project challenges and custom needs.

4. Risk Reduction: Helps verify data, certifications, and installation procedures to avoid mistakes.

5. Ongoing Education: Supplies training, documentation, and sample coordination for informed decisions.

Without strong support, you risk project delays, design revisions, and even legal complications.

Are They a True Partner or Just Trying to Sell?

Signs the Manufacturer is Genuinely Helping:

• Gives unbiased technical advice, discussing both strengths and limitations.

• Offers workshops, training, or site support beyond just pre-sale.

• Provides direct access to technical experts—not just sales reps.

• Makes documentation easy to obtain and updates resources proactively.

• Responds promptly to questions, sample requests, and feedback.

• Maintains transparent communication about regulatory changes and risks.

• Continues post-sale support to help ensure long-term satisfaction.

• Encourages honest feedback and acts on it.

• Advises if their product isn’t the best fit for your needs—no pressure.

Signs They’re Just Selling:

• Focuses only on features and benefits, avoiding limitations or application concerns.

• Pushes products whether or not they fit your project.

• Limits your access to technical expertise, relying on sales teams.

• Is slow or unresponsive about certificates, data, or documentation.

• Avoids conversations about code compliance or technical fit.

• Disappears after the sale—no troubleshooting or follow-up.

• Dismisses concerns or feedback about product flaws.

• The more items you can check off under "Genuinely Helping," the more likely you’ve found a true manufacturer partner.

• If your experiences match the "Just Trying to Sell" side, seek alternative suppliers or request better support.

• For spec-driven products, robust technical support isn’t a luxury—it’s a project safeguard.

Bottom line: Collaborating with manufacturers who offer more than just sales will safeguard your project, reputation, and financial outcomes. Utilize this checklist to select partners who enhance your design process, rather than those merely seeking a transaction.