These days, offshoring is a pretty common thing. We buy products and receive customer service from companies that are situated on the other side of the globe. While this may be a good financial move for some businesses, though, it's not an ideal solution for everyone. Despite the fact that foreign-based electronic manufacturing companies may offer a lower cost to you, you could actually end up paying more in the long-run. Prices that seem too good to be true usually are, and such a relationship will only lead to grief in the long run. Still not convinced? Take a look at some of the many reasons why you should consider keeping the manufacture of your printed circuit boards on American soil.
Industry Standards
One of the biggest issues surrounding a partnership with an overseas company is that they aren't necessary held to the same industry standards are we are in the United States. While we are required to comply with certain performance and safety regulations, these offshore manufacturing services may adhere to a different set of rules or even be quite lax. This can create issues of the boards produced and delivered to you don't comply and cannot be used or sold in America.
Labor Standards
In addition to industry standards, America has certain rules and expectations with regards to how laborers are treated. On a moral level, it's important that your business never supports a company that does not treat its employees safety. Whenever you go offshore with your manufacturing processes, you run the risk that the laborers involved are being subject to unsafe conditions are are not receiving fair compensation for their work. It's smarter and safer to stick with a US company.
Counterfeit Parts
Another major problem with foreign-based electronic manufacturing companies is that many have a tendency to utilize counterfeit parts. This helps the company to reduce its own expenses which is one of the primary reasons why the cost to you is much lower. in the end, though, these parts could raise compliance issues, compromise the safety and integrity of your product, reduce electronics efficiency, and cause you to lose business. In extreme cases, you could even be subject to a lawsuit.
Timeliness 
In many cases, board prototypes and batch orders need to be turned around very quickly in order to stay competitive. Can you count on a foreign business to be able to complete the project and ship the product to you on time? You'll receive quicker service with American companies.
Customer Service
You can't put a price tag on quality customer service. Many Americans gripe that when patched through to representatives on foreign soil, there are language barriers that make the transaction quite difficult. If you have very specific requirements for your board layout and manufacture, you need to feel confident that those needs will be met and that you will be understood. In addition to this, if problems or questions should arrive, you should be able to easily communicate with your electronics manufacturing service.
Fulfillment Services
Once the board has been manufactured and shipped to your location, there may come a time when you require the original design specs or even troubleshooting and repairs. Many offshore companies fail to offer these kinds of fulfillment services which can create problems. To eliminate this type of stress, seek out an American company that will take care of you post-production.
Though you may initially be tempted to jump on the seemingly inexpensive services offered by an offshore electronic manufacturing company, it could end up costing you a lot of money and grief in the long run. The smartest decision that you can make for your business, your product, and your customers is to partner up with a reliable and experienced contract manufacturer that is based here in the United States. You'll get the most bang for your buck and enjoy the highest level of success.
