Of course we've looked into 3D printing and yes, we've seen 'that' youtube video, but as amazing as 3D printing is, it's still not the best option for producing an alpha-prototype with multiple materials and moving parts.
lean
While many business do actually get their stuff produced cheaply in China, they're not startups with no money and no industry knowledge or contacts. Writing to China with a few blueprints from a hotmail account isn't going to get you very far.