Pros and Cons of Outsourcing VS Manufacturing Cabinets

As a cabinetmaker, you pride yourself in manufacturing your own products. You know how to use specialized equipment, and you enjoy crafting cabinets that will end up in your clients’ homes. But what if there were a way to sell cabinets that would save you time – and money. 

There are pros and cons to both manufacturing your own cabinets and outsourcing the work to another company. Luckily, we’ve prepared a list that will make it easier for you to make an informed decision about the future of your cabinetmaking business. 

Read on for a list of pros and cons of manufacturing cabinets vs. outsourcing. 

Cheaper: Outsourcing cabinets is cheaper than manufacturing them because the factories that specialize in outsourcing cabinet components are set up for that single purpose. They’re equipped with all the machinery, automation and software necessary to produce large quantities for cheaper. 

Faster delivery: Cabinet component outsourcing companies will reduce your average delivery time as it takes them less time to produce and to ship large quantities than if you were to manufacture and deliver the cabinets yourself.

Taking on more jobs: Since the cabinet making process will be outsourced, you will have more time to focus on designing, selling, assembling and installing cabinets. This will significantly reduce the bottleneck caused by production, allowing you to take on more jobs and make more profits. 

Reduced startup costs: If you’re starting off in the industry, you’ll have to incur startup costs. As a manufacturer, you’ll need to rent a bigger space and you’ll have to spend money on specialized machinery and inventory of materials. However, if you decide to outsource, you can rent a smaller, more affordable workspace.  

Less control: If you outsource the production process, you will have less control over the quality of the delivered products. The products might arrive damaged or there might be a mistake in sizing or shape, and you will not be able to rectify the problem until the product has been delivered to your client. By manufacturing the cabinets yourself, you have full control over the quality and delivery of the products. 

Limited product offering: Outsourcing means you’ll be restricted to whatever products that factory produces, whereas if you were to manufacture all the cabinets in-house, you can offer your clients a wider collection of cabinets.  

No rush deliveries: As a manufacturer, you are able to prioritize and to rush a delivery if need be. You can simply work longer hours or ask your employees to do overtime. If you outsource all your work, you may not be able to get that rush delivery as all delivery times are standardized.

If you’re a custom cabinet maker who doesn’t want to let go of their craft entirely, you can always take on certain jobs yourself and outsource the rest. This would give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to continue making custom cabinetry while growing your business. 

For more information about the cabinet making business, visit the Cabinet Makers Association website.