Anyone can have access to manufacturers worldwide, if they do their homework but getting started may be a bit taxing.
Picture yourself walking among the stalls in an ancient open-air bazaar, where traders and merchants from across the known-world hawk their wares. Many of them have similar products that they thrust in front of your face as you walk past their stall.
This can be a very confusing and bewildering environment to a newcomer who is not familiar with local customs and practices. At the same time, this can also be a place of great reward if the buyer is educated to take advantage of the situation.