How Do I Compete with Companies That Outsource?

by | Jun 18, 2025 | Uncategorized

The Fear: “They’re Bigger, Cheaper, Faster…”

If you’re running a powder coating shop—or just getting ready to launch—it’s easy to feel like you’re up against giants. Learning how to compete with companies that outsource can be crucial for maintaining a successful business. If you’re wondering how to compete with companies that outsource, the answer isn’t price—it’s positioning.

Big OEMs, national distributors, and fabrication companies who outsource their coating work often get:

  • Lower per-piece rates
  • Bulk pricing
  • Long-term contracts
  • Logistic support

And you’re thinking: “How do I compete with that?”

Here’s the truth most people miss:

You don’t have to match their scale. You have to exploit their weakness.

What Outsourcing Can’t Do (But You Can)

1. Speed

Outsourced coating adds:

  • Transport time
  • Queuing in someone else’s production line
  • Shipping delays

You?
 You can quote, coat, and deliver the same-week.
Local = faster. And speed wins deals.

2. Control

When a company outsources, they give up control of:

  • Color consistency
  • Cure quality
  • Scheduling
  • Customer communication

You own the process.
That means fewer reworks, fewer excuses, and more trust.

3. Customization

Outsourced coaters work in volume, not variety. They’re optimized for:

  • One color
  • One process
  • One-size-fits-all

You can offer:

  • Short runs
  • Color switches
  • Specialized prep
  • One-offs, prototypes, and rush jobs

Flexibility isn’t a weakness—it’s your market differentiator.

4. Relationship

Big outsourcing facilities are factories. You’re a local partner.
People buy from people they trust—and can text when something goes wrong.

That relationship is your moat.

Your Competitive Edge: Local, Nimble, and Trained

Most outsourced operations were built for volume.
You were built for value.

And value always wins if you communicate it.

Here’s how to position your shop:

1. Promote Speed + Flexibility

Your site, quotes, and marketing should highlight:

“Same-week turnaround available”
“Custom colors + short runs welcome”
“Work directly with the owner”

These are things outsourced coaters can’t say.

2. Use Training as Your Quality Anchor

Joey’s training is what separates you from the guy who watched YouTube videos and started spraying.

Let people know:

  • You’ve been trained by Joey Golliver / Powder-X
  • You follow industry standards
  • You’ll get it right the first time

3. Showcase Jobs They Can’t Handle

Feature case studies or photos of:

  • Custom builds
  • Multi-coat projects
  • Rush jobs with tight deadlines
  • Local contracts you’ve rescued from outsourcing gone wrong

Pro tip: Use captions like “Outsourced once. In-house now. Trust restored.”

Real Talk from Joey

“Outsourcing is built for average. You’re not in this to be average.
You’re in this to be available, accurate, and accountable. That’s how you win.”

Final Word: You’re Not Competing. You’re Winning Differently.

You are not trying to be the biggest.
You’re trying to be the most responsive, the most reliable, and the most respected.

Outsourced jobs can’t do that. You can.

Need Help Positioning Your Shop?

We help new coaters:

  • Market their advantage
  • Sell custom work with profit
  • Build a shop that doesn’t just survive—but wins locally

📞 Schedule a startup session → 800-326-4840

https://powderx.com/whatispowdercoating/

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/market-research-competitive-analysis