There are plenty of posts regarding PCB prototype services. I already work with several PCB houses that give good results.
I'm looking for a low cost contract manufacturer to hand populate a couple of simple boards (about 100 components, nothing smaller than 0603). The prices locally are pretty high for prototype population.
Can anyone recommend a company that they have used successfully?
Obviously, companies in China will probably be the cheapest, but they generally do not want to do just a few boards. That's why it's so high to do just a couple. Maybe you can find some individual locally who wants to moonlight. I've done this in the past (a guy I work with will do outside work for me).
That is right.
I am Roy from China. Few boards are even more expensive than in the your local.The cost is increasing all the time in China mainland.
Good luck to you.