Story

Cody Umberger specializes in mechanical design and product development across multiple industries — from helping manufacturers and companies design food processing equipment to developing medical devices and consumer products. An inventor at heart, Cody came up with an idea for a clicking “haptic coin” during the fidget spinner craze that he ultimately designed and patented. When he wanted to produce and sell his invention under his Umburry brand, he had trouble finding a manufacturer who could create his coin designs in the small quantities he needed to get started, so he turned to Alibaba.com.

Solution

Cody’s first experience with Alibaba.com was buying a fiber laser engraver. Because he was able to source the engraver easily and at a competitive price, he returned to the B2B ecommerce marketplace in search of a manufacturer with the capability to produce small orders of his haptic coin design. He found the platform’s real-time translation and communication tools effective and has since connected with multiple overseas suppliers who can create his coins in the amounts he needs, which he then sells directly to consumers from his offices in West Milford, New Jersey. Cody has also recently expanded his product line, sourcing blank coins on Alibaba.com that he engraves with unique designs using his laser engraver.

Cody tried Alibaba.com Payment Terms for one of his orders and found the ability to pay by invoice on 60-day terms for no cost really helped with cash flow. Using the service has allowed him to double the size of his orders — it has also encouraged him to continue working with the suppliers that accept Alibaba.com Payment Terms.

Success

In the past year, Umburry’s revenues have tripled as Cody has been able to introduce new designs and is able to source greater quantities of his haptic coins. Cody loves what he is able to create with his Alibaba.com suppliers and is looking forward to continuing to design and sell products that he enjoys.

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