Lessons from 25 Years in the Supplements Space

Insights from James Klein

This week on E-commerce On Tap we sit down with James Klein to talk all things supplements. Listen to James dive deep into the wild early days to current e-commerce trends and best practices for aspiring founders.

Here are our top 3 takeaways: 

1. Third-party testing and proper certifications are now non-negotiable for long-term success.

2. White labeling can be a good first step, but true differentiation comes from custom formulation and authenticity.

3. Focus on scaling through Shopify, Amazon, and emerging platforms like TikTok Shop

Are You Actually Vetting Your Manufacturer the Right Way?

Most sourcing disasters can be traced back to one thing: poor vetting. This week’s guide breaks down the exact checklist Sourcify uses when evaluating overseas manufacturers. It’s the same framework that prevents quality issues, delays, ghosting, and costly rework. You’ll learn how to assess legitimacy, QC systems, production capacity, pricing transparency, communication reliability, IP protection, and more.

What’s inside:

• 10-step manufacturer vetting checklist

• What documents to request (and red flags to watch for)

• How to test a factory’s true capabilities

• How Sourcify pre-vets suppliers so you don’t have to

If you're planning a new production run or sourcing outside China for Q1, this is the strategic framework you need before sending your next RFQ.

Looking to improve your sourcing or move production with confidence?

Our team helps brands find trusted factories, streamline production, and reduce risks when scaling or relocating manufacturing.

Schedule a Call to explore how we can support your sourcing goals.