Commercial Grade Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Manufacturer

• Price competitive with cost-effective commercial quality gym accessories
• Our products can bear long-term abusive use for your commercial gym
• One-stop for Your Gym Accessories (From A-Z)

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• Made from biodegradable 100% natural tree
• Non-toxic foaming
• Excellent grip & slip resistance
• Suitable for all types of floor activities

Factory

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Over 95% clients choose to cooperate with Yanre Fitness, after visiting our factory and trying our commercial gym equipment personally.

Patents

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Our gym equipment meet ISO 20957 standard, with over 40 patents (Utility Model Patents & Appearance Design Patents)

R&D Invest

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For more than 20 years, Yanre Fitness invested over 8 million USD for technology development.

Natural Yoga Mat Manufacturers – Definitive FAQ Guide

Most gym owners are always on the lookout for natural yoga mats manufacturers they can order in bulk from. 

The process of finding a reliable yoga mat manufacturer is no easy task, though. 

In this FAQ guide, we are trying to tackle all the problems that you will face in finding a trusted & reputable natural yoga mat manufacturer.

We will tell you how to go about being a distributor of natural yoga mats in your area, as well. 

So, without further delay,

Let’s begin,

Table of Contents

1. Do wholesalers and distributors buy from natural yoga mat manufacturers?

Yes, they do. In fact, both of them are a part of the target audience for a natural yoga mat manufacturer.

Apart from wholesale buyers & distributors, yoga mat manufacturers sell to retailers, as well.

Figure 1 – The target buyers for a yoga mat manufacturer

2. What is the advantage of buying from a natural yoga mat manufacturer for a distributor?

There are many things to gain as a distributor from placing an order with a natural yoga mat manufacturer, such as:

• Cost-effective
• Proper Supply Chain
• Chances of Growth
• Low Marketing Budget
• Word-of-mouth Marketing
• Insider Knowledge
• Referrals

Cost-effective

As a distributor, it is cost-effective to place your order with a manufacturer. You will pay for the materials, the production process, & delivery.

The low labor costs & high production capacity of the manufacturer ensures that your bottom line is safe.

Figure 2 – Distributors along with wholesalers get a lower price point

The other advantage of buying directly from a yoga mat manufacturer is the price. When you are ordering in bulk, you get a price discount from the manufacturer. 

For new distributors, there is usually an MOQ or minimum order quantity limit. Though, as the relationship with the manufacturer continues, it is no longer needed.

Proper Supply Chain

Distributors are good for the business of a natural yoga mat manufacturer. They ensure that the sales keep going.

So, distributors are usually one of the few people who always have access to the products. It helps maintain a constant supply chain that is beneficial for business.

As your clients & orders grow, so do the sales for the yoga mat manufacturer.

Chances of Growth

Your relationship with a reliable yoga mat manufacturer will help you keep on growing your business.

Your clients realize the quality of the product they are getting. It will keep the retailers interested in doing business with you.

All you will have to decide is the path you want your business to take. 

Figure 3 – When you provide a quality product, the retails will keep on coming

Low Marketing Budget

One of the biggest advantages of a natural yoga mat manufacturer is that you get to save on marketing.

There is no need to worry about time & resources for advertising the product.

In most cases, the manufacturer has a budget for marketing its products. It is available to you as you are the distributor.

You can do a basic sales pitch to the retailers to further increase the visibility of the product with it. 

Figure 4 – Quality products & timely delivery ensure a low marketing budget

Word-of-mouth Marketing

Word-of-mouth marketing is an invaluable tool for a distributor. Give your retailers access to quality products. 

They will further mention them with their clients & colleagues.

It will direct other retailers to consider your products. In the long run, it will immensely benefit your business as a distributor.

This way you can use your existing retailer as part-time advertisers of your brand.

Figure 5 – Good word-of-mouth marketing boosts distributor sales

Insider Knowledge

A distributor is a go-between a manufacturer & the retailer. It is a unique position to be in. 

You get a chance to observe both sides of the business.

You are the manufacturer’s connection to the needs & wants of the customers. In turn, they will allow you access to the latest technology & product designs.

Referrals

Sometimes, a manufacturer will refer clients to their sole distributors. It is beneficial to both the manufacturer & the distributor.

Referrals decrease the risk for the manufacturer. They do not have to spend much time with a client & ensure that the client still has access to their product.

For a distributor, referrals increase retailers & business for them at the same time.

3. What are the steps for being a successful distributor to a natural yoga mat manufacturer?

If you want to be the sole distributor to a natural yoga mat manufacturer, follow the steps below:

• Conduct Proper Research
• Complete Documentation
• Get a Warehouse
• Pick a Reliable Yoga Mat Manufacturer
• Proper Marketing Campaign
• Business Relationships
• Up-to-date Insider Knowledge

Conduct Proper Research

An extensive & in-depth research process is a must for a successful distributor. Know all about the following topics before you begin:

• Construction of natural yoga mats
• Types of natural yoga mats
• Advertisement campaigns for natural yoga mats
• The target audience for you as a distributor
• Location of your customer base 
• Your future business plans

This is just a small list of things you should research before you start, as a distributor. The rest you will learn as you go.

Figure 6 – Doing proper research will decrease mistakes & help with the supply chain

Complete Documentation

Wherever in the world you are working, you will need proper documentation. Things like a distributor license, sales tax documents, business registration, etc., are all necessary to work legally.

These requirements are specific to your location. I have below the documents you will need to work as a distributor in the US, UK, & Australia.

The United States

• You need to confirm your business’s name on TESS to confirm that it is available & not already taken. TESS stands for Trademark Electronic Search System.

• If the name is not taken by someone else, fill the form to register it. It is available on the website of The US trademark & Patent Office.

• Now you need an employer identification number or EIN. You can get this at the Internal Revenue Service.

• To pay your employees, register your business for payroll taxes.

• Learn about the licenses & permissions you need to work as a distributor & apply for them. You learn about these at the concerned agency. Check at the US SBA for it.

The United Kingdom

• For sole traders, follow these rules.

• For limited companies, the guidelines are as follows.

• Depending on your work, you can look for a license here.

• To import or export products from overseas, be aware of all the rules & regulations.

Australia

• You will need an ABN & register your business at the ASIC business registration system. An ABN stands for Australia Business Number.

• Make sure the name of your business is available before starting the registration process.

• Apply for an ATN or Australian Tax Number at the tax office.

Figure 7 – Have proper documentation for your business

Get a Warehouse

To work as a distributor, you will need a warehouse to store your inventory. It will help you ensure the safety of the products & have easy access to your stock.

For people new to the business, it is better to rent a warehouse until they find their footing.

When looking for a suitable warehouse, keep the following points in mind:

• Locality
• Ease of access
• A versatile space
• Experience level
• Qualified employees
• Association membership
• Access to technology
• Additional services
• Client profiles
• Risks

Figure 8 – Find the warehouse to match your business

Locality

You may have heard of the saying, location, location, location!

It is not an exaggeration when it comes to your warehouse. Find a place close to your customer base. It will help cut down on the transport costs & give you easy access.

You will save on the shipping & delivery charges, as well.

Figure 9 – Take your time & choose a proper location

Ease of Access

Ease of access provides you with many options as a distributor. It will let you make deliveries on time & prevent order cancellations due to a delay in the delivery.

For ease of access, your warehouse should follow the following criteria:

• Public transport nearby
• Low traffic load
• Conditions & safety level of the roads
• Highway access
• Proper road signs & directions

A Versatile Space

A versatile space is a big advantage. Choose a warehouse that doesn’t have a standard layout & has a variety of uses.

It will allow you to deal with deliveries fast & keep track of the stock available, as well.

A traditional space offers storage only. A versatile warehouse will come with storage, transport, & labor.

Experience Level

Before choosing a warehouse, check how long it has been operational. It is an indicator of the experience level.

Also, it is an extra benefit if the warehouse has been a storage facility for natural yoga mats in the past.

Qualified Employees

Whether you are renting a warehouse or buying a space, it is a valid point to consider. 

Employees with experience in warehouse work will decrease your workload. They will streamline the delivery & storage process of your inventory.

Also, confirm that the number of employees available at a given time matches the size of the space. It will ensure proper management.

Association Memberships

A warehouse that is a member of a proper association is reliable & trustworthy. It will follow the protocols of the association for storage facilities.

It also means that the facility is a part of the warehouse lending service.

Access to Technology

Technology means saving on time & effort for a distributor. A warehouse with access to the latest technology will help you save on overall costs in the long run.

Figure 10 – Access to technology cuts costs

Additional Services

Along with storage & delivery, other services at your warehouse are always an added plus. It includes services like labeling, transport, packaging, returns, etc.

Figure 11 – Extra services by a warehouse

Client Profiles

Some warehouses work with small businesses & have a limited clientele. While others have large companies as customers.

Choose a warehouse that matches the size of your business. A small warehouse will not be able to deal with all your needs if you have many retailers.

If you are just starting, dealing with a large warehouse will affect your budget.

So, choose wisely.

Risks

A professional warehouse is able to handle all the requirements of packing, labeling, transport & shipping.

There are safety processes in place to deal with any delay or mishap. The company overseeing the warehouse has an insurance policy to deal with any damages & compensations.

Pick a Reliable Yoga Mat Manufacturer

There are two things that you should look for in a reliable yoga mat manufacturer.

Try communicating with manufacturers that are already searching for distributors. It will make the process easier for both of you.

Create a list of the manufacturers that you are considering & verify their details. Due diligence pays off in the long run.

Proper Marketing Campaign

The yoga mat manufacturers take care of the marketing campaign for the most part. You have to make your retailer aware that these products are now available in the local market.

They can source the yoga mats from you rather than shipping them internationally.

Figure 12 – Importance of a proper marketing campaign

Business Relationships

In business, relationships are of utmost importance. A manufacturer you have been working with long-term will offer more benefits than a new one.

To nurture a business relationship, take care of the following:

• Start new interactions on a positive note.
• Consider meeting your manufacturer one-on-one. It shows sincerity on your part.
• Consider cultural do’s & don’ts when dealing with international manufacturers.
• Be on the same page with your business partners.
• Meet your responsibilities as a reliable distributor.
• Keep the lines of communication open always.
• Try a compromise in case of disagreements.
• Be honest & above board.
• Make payments on time & meet your deadlines.

                                    Figure 13 – A smooth business relationship is of utmost importance

Up-to-date Insider Knowledge

As a distributor, you have exposure to all kinds of inventory. You can get other gym equipment & accessories to sell too.

If you want to be a distributor of the fitness industry, you do not have to limit yourself to yoga mats.

The only rule is to have the latest information on what is going on in your chosen field of work. It will help you turn a profit faster.

4. What are the qualities a natural yoga mat manufacturer wants in a distributor?

Figure 14 – Top 10 properties of a reliable distributor

Now that we know what to look for in a manufacturer, let’s see what they are looking for in a distributor:

Stable Finances

It means that a distributor should have enough money to start & continue a business. Payments on time & a reliable credit score are a must.

Industry Savvy

If you are working in the fitness industry, it stands to reason that you are familiar with the ins & outs of it.

Manufacturers look for people that can handle their business & generate more sales.

Familiar with the Local Marketplace

It means that you know what your customer base wants & what the new trend in buying is going to be.

Growth

A distributor that understands the market trends & accommodates them has more potential for growth.

Managing Stock

A large company will look for a distributor that has the resources to handle its business.

Proper Emergency Plan

A professional distributor always has a plan in place to deal with any untoward emergency. It invites confidence in their ability to deal with mishaps.

Experience

Experience matters in every field. Manufacturers look for distributors with staff & facilities with work experience in the related field.

Overall Fit

You & your manufacturer have a smooth working relationship. All else will fall in place too.

5. What is the business model of a distributor for a natural yoga mat manufacturer?

There are three business models that a distributor can choose from:

• Dropshipping
• Wholesale
• Private Labeling

Dropshipping

Dropshipping means that you take the product from the manufacturer & send it to the buyer. There is no need to rent a warehouse.

Figure 15 – The process of dropshipping

You can do this in two ways:

• Come to a deal with a yoga mat manufacturer to source products only when you receive an order & pay afterward.

• The other way is to pay for a small number of natural yoga mats that remain in storage with the manufacturer till you make a sale. The number will reduce following each sale.

Either way, you will not need a warehouse. There are pros & cons to each method for both parties.

The benefit is that most of the process will be taken care of by the manufacturer. The con is that you will need to work hard to make sales.

Wholesaler

A wholesaler buys in bulk & stores the inventory in the warehouse. Ships to the retailer after an order is in place.

It is a business model compatible with a standard distributor.

It allows the retailer to have a look at the natural yoga mats in advance. The shipping & delivery is faster too.

Figure 16 – Wholesale business model

Private Labeling

Private labeling means that you market & sell the natural yoga mats under your brand. The yoga mats come from a lesser-known company that makes quality products.

Figure 17 – Private label & white label

This business model may cost you more because you will be paying for both the product & the rights to label it with your brand name.

The price will be even more if the yoga mat manufacturer is the one to customize your order with your logo.

6. How to find a natural yoga mat manufacturer?

You can use five ways to look for a natural yoga mat manufacturer:

• Referrals
• Tradeshows & Exhibits
• Online
• Sourcing Agent
• Trading Agencies

Referrals

Word travels fast in the business world. Consider asking friends, business partners, colleagues for referrals.

There is also the option of asking around for an agency or person that can direct you to a reliable yoga mat manufacturer.

Figure 18 – Look for referrals from people in your work circle

Even trade associations & the local chamber of commerce have a list of local manufacturers to share.

Don’t rely too much on word-of-mouth, though. Always do your research.

Tradeshows & Exhibits

Look for tradeshows & exhibits in your area or surrounding areas. They have many benefits. The topmost is that all the participants are screened by the organizers.

You can meet manufacturers in person & take a closer look at their products.

You can even negotiate terms, ask for discounts, & place an order with the manufacturers attending.

Figure 19 – Attend local & international trade shows, if possible

Online

The internet is a versatile tool when looking for a yoga mat manufacturer.

Online marketplaces like B2B sites & other fitness equipment selling websites have a lot of information about manufacturers.

Visit their official websites for a thorough search. Be very careful of online scams, though.

Some examples of online directories are:

• Thomasnet
• Global Sources
• Alibaba
• Madeinchina
• Maker’s Row

Sourcing Agents

Even if you don’t have time or resources for any of the above, you can always choose a sourcing agent.

They will find a manufacturer, look at samples, visit the factory, & take care of the delivery on your behalf.

You will have to pay the sourcing agent out of pocket, though.

Figure 20 – A sourcing agent will do it all for you

A competent yoga mat sourcing agent should have:

• Thorough knowledge of yoga mats
• They should know how to look for a manufacturer & verify them
• Well-versed in import & export rules, shipping procedures
• Have a well-placed network of suppliers, transporters, manufacturers
• Be transparent & above board
• Quick to deal with any issues or emergencies that may arise

Trading Agency

A trading agency will find natural rubber yoga mat manufacturers for you at a cost.

7. How to communicate with a natural yoga mat manufacturer overseas?

There are many online communication options available in the case of an overseas yoga mat manufacturer. These include:

• Email
• Landline or Cellphone
• Messaging apps (Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, etc.)

The rules of communication with an overseas manufacturer that you should follow are:

• Give a concise introduction of you & your business.
• Be aware of & respect cultural differences.
• Convey your specifications clearly.
• Get to the point.
• Make sure that the other person understands what you want.
• If you feel like your point is not getting across, ask for a conference call.
• Follow all your emails with a phone call.
• Try writing down phone conversations. It will give both parties the time to understand everything & follow up on any additions.

8. How to verify a natural yoga mat manufacturer?

Many yoga mat manufacturers can approach you at once, sometimes. To pick one from the crowd, you need a verification checklist. 

It includes:

• Company profile & details of previous clients
• Details of the natural rubber yoga mats the company is making:
  • Available stock
  • Testing certificates
  • Warranties, etc.
• Production details
  • Capacity
  • Fees
  • Manufacturing deadlines
  • Average price, etc.
• Inventory
• Wholesale order specifications
  • Average price
  • Minimum order quantity
  • Discounts
• Shipping
  • Time & cost
• Payment details
  • Terms & mode
• Additional services
  • Refund & exchange

9. Do natural yoga mat manufacturers provide product samples?

Yes, they will.

Especially if they want a working relationship with you long-term or if they consider you a bulk buyer.

Tell the manufacturer these details when requesting a product sample:

• Specifications of the natural yoga mats
• Ask for a product testing report
• Your address
• Shipping costs, Product sample fee
• No commercial value label on the package
• Product specs & company name label
• Deadline for the production & shipping
• Video chat to confirm details

Figure 21 – An example of a request form for a product sample

10. How to bargain with a natural yoga mat manufacturer in China?

Negotiation is a skill. To get your order within your available budget, follow these pointers:

• Perform proper & thorough research
• Present a professional pitch to the manufacturer
• Be ready to compromise
• Don’t appear too eager
• Always have a plan B
• Keep your initial deposit ready

There is no substitute for thorough research. You should know almost everything about yoga mats & their manufacturers.

It will give an edge when discussing terms & price with the manufacturer.

Familiarize yourself with the business terms that are common in the fitness industry. It will add to your experience during a negotiation.

Every retailer you work with has a goldmine of information. Ask them about their dealings with other people in the fitness industry.

Do not appear too eager to close the deal during negotiation either. It will make the other party think they can get you to agree to anything.

11. Is a product testing certificate available with a natural rubber yoga mat manufacturer?

All reliable yoga mat manufacturers test their products for durability & function. The results are in the form of a product testing certificate.

It is one of the ways to verify a manufacturer, as well.

There are 3^rd party agencies present that have product testing authority too. Such as:

• SGS 
• China quality certification
• TUV Rheinlad
• CE
• Intertek
• ASTM

12. Where do natural rubber yoga mat manufacturers source the raw materials from?

The top exporters of natural rubber for yoga mat manufacturing comes from:

• Thailand
• Myanmar
• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• Malaysia
• Ivory Coast

According to OEC, these are the top exporters of raw natural rubber. OEC stands for the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

This list shows why manufacturers from China are competitive manufacturers of natural yoga mats. Many of the locations on this list are in Asia & are very close to China geographically.

Yanre Fitness is a reliable yoga mat manufacturer from China. Our yoga mats have a high-quality natural rubber construction.

Figure 22 – The factory set-up for Yanre Fitness

Our manufacturing base is in Wuhu. We have a diverse inventory of yoga, cardio, & strength training equipment & accessories.

Yanre Fitness has a long list of satisfied customers.

13. How many layers of rubber are used by natural rubber yoga mat manufacturers?

Most yoga mat manufacturers either have one or two layers of rubber in their yoga mats. The thickness of a yoga mat depends on the number of layers of rubber in it.

14. What is the construction process for natural rubber yoga mats?

The basic steps for natural yoga mats are:

• Compounding & Plasticizing: A mix of various grades of natural rubber is in a yoga mat. In this step, these different grades are put together for making a yoga mat.

• Fermentation: The mix is left to ferment for a few days. It is necessary to get the chemical reactions out of the way & for stability.

• Rubber Testing: The layers of rubber are tested for durability.

• Production process: The material undergoes production & molding. Then it is rolled into a big drum.

• Cutting: Material is cut to size.

• Quality Control: Each mat is checked for length, thickness, & elasticity.

• Printing, embossing, & sewing: Product customization takes place at this stage.

• Metal Checking: Every natural yoga mat is screened for any pieces of metal in them in this step.

• Packing: The yoga mats are plastic-wrapped to prevent any moisture damage.

15. How many types of mats do natural rubber yoga mat manufacturers make?

Hardly any wholesale manufacturer limits itself to one type of product. Natural rubber yoga mat manufacturers make various types of commercial yoga mats.

These include:

• PVC material yoga mats
• NBR material yoga mats
• TPE material yoga mats
• PU rubber yoga mats
• Jute yoga mats
• Microfiber yoga mats
• Cotton yoga mats

Making various types of yoga mats ensures the diversity of their inventory & provides more options to the customers.

Figure 23 – TPE material yoga mats by Yanre Fitness

16. Do natural rubber yoga mat manufacturers provide any yoga accessories?

Yes, natural rubber yoga mat manufacturers make yoga accessories, as well. You can place an order for them alongside your yoga mats.

The accessories are not a part of the package, though. You will have to pay for them separately. 

Yoga mat accessories include:

• Yoga Blocks
• Yoga Straps
• Yoga Bolsters
• Yoga Blankets & Towels
• Wearable Yoga Weights
• Eye Pillows
• Sandbags
• Yoga Wheels & Accessories Bags

17. Conclusion

Like any new business, working as a distributor may seem difficult in the beginning. 

If you read our FAQ guide with care, you will learn many things to make the experience easier for yourself.

Yanre Fitness is a reliable manufacturer that any distributor will benefit from. Our experience & reputation in the fitness industry speak for themselves.

Comment & ask for a quote now!