Gordon Luca, an American businessman with more than 10 years of experience in the outdoor products industry, has built a highly successful business that realized $2 million in revenue last year. This year, he discovered a new opportunity: tactical backpacks.
Gordon explains that business success involves several key factors, including business acumen, quality products, reliable suppliers and effective marketing strategies. Many have wondered how he finds the right suppliers for his products.
Below, Gordon shares his experience visiting a tactical backpack factory in China, which may be helpful to others looking for similar opportunities.
My Visit to a Tactical Backpack Factory in China
In May 2024, I flew from the United States to Guangzhou, China to visit a potential supplier, a tactical backpack factory. Why Guangzhou? Because it is a backpack manufacturing center with many factories.
Upon landing, I checked into a hotel in Guangzhou. The factory was about 30 minutes away from my hotel, on the outskirts of the city. The next morning, I contacted the salesperson of the factory via WeChat and asked her to pick me up from the hotel.
Tip: If you're going to do business in China, it's essential to familiarize yourself with WeChat. It's a multifunctional app, similar to WhatsApp but with more features. You can send messages, make phone calls, pay for goods, use public transportation, and even order food. It's incredibly convenient.
The salesperson arrived and drove me to the factory. When we arrived, the owner of the factory was already waiting outside to greet me, a perfect testament to the hospitality I often feel in China. After a warm welcome, we made our way to their office area, where I found a clean, well-organized work environment with young employees focused on their jobs.
Discussing Business with a Factory Owner
In the factory's conference room, I sat down with the owner and asked some key questions. I wanted to know how long the factory had been open, how many workers it employed, what its monthly production capacity was, and whether it had experience working with major international brands. These are all crucial details. Personally, I prefer factories that have been in business for more than 20 years and have experience working with well-known brands,such as 511, as it shows that they have the experience and ability to handle large volumes of orders and maintain quality.
Factory tour
After the conversation, we started to visit the factory.
1. Material Warehouse
We started at the material warehouse where I checked the raw materials they use, including fabrics, zippers and buckles. It is important to make sure that the factory uses high quality materials to produce durable backpacks. I was impressed with how neat and organized the warehouse was and how intact the materials were - everything was clean, organized and undamaged.
2. Cutting Department
Next, we visited the cutting department. I watched a worker carefully cut fabric and assessed whether the cut was accurate and within specifications. Efficient cutting reduces waste and ensures consistency in the production process, which is very important to me. The skill and attention to detail of the workers was evident, which put me at ease.
3. Sewing and Assembly Department
We then moved to the sewing and assembly department. There were three production lines in the factory and the workers were busy assembling the backpacks. I observed their speed and accuracy, which is an important indicator of skill. Through the factory's sales staff, I talked to some of the workers to learn about their experience and expertise. I also checked out the sewing machines and examined the stitching on the backpacks. Clean, strong seams are essential to ensure the durability of the product, and I was satisfied with what I saw.
4. Quality control department
Quality control is a key part of any production process, so I paid close attention to the factory's quality control department. I wanted to understand how they monitor quality at each stage of production and the criteria they use to accept or reject products. A good quality control process ensures early detection of defects and prevents problems from escalating into costly issues.
5. Packaging and Warehousing Department
Since I run my own brand, I was particularly interested in how the factory handles branding and labeling during the packaging process. I also viewed the warehouse where the finished products are stored. The backpacks were stored securely and protected against moisture and damage. Proper packaging and safe storage are essential to ensure that the product reaches the customer intact.
6. Product Development Department
Finally, I visited the Product Development Department. Although I was not allowed to take pictures, I had the opportunity to talk to the designers. I learned about the factory's design capabilities, prototyping process, and technology applications. For anyone looking to develop customized or innovative products, it is important to evaluate whether a factory can meet your specific design and customization needs. I am confident that this factory has the expertise to meet any special requests I may have in the future.

At the end of the tour, I was very pleased with the factory. They have demonstrated a high standard of quality and professionalism throughout the production process, from the materials to the final packaging. I am confident that this tactical backpack factory in China will be able to provide me with tactical backpacks that are both durable and stylish, which will be a great addition to my business.