Four types of quality inspection services are usually distinguished. Each one corresponds to a particular step in the production process. They are all part of the toolbox of every importer when it comes to buying in China and other low-cost … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2010
China product quality: any improvement?
Some buyers ask me if China product quality is going up over time. It is a tough question. I am not going to badmouth Chinese factories in this post. They are certainly not the only ones to blame. A good proportion of quality issues in … [Read more...]
Checking the export cartons
The export cartons are the cartons handled during transport to the importing country. Many importers leave the cartons' specifications up to the supplier's choice, but in Asia this can be a big mistake. Properly-designed export cartons … [Read more...]
Chinese factory workers: it’s all their fault!
Chinese factory workers are often seen as the obstacle to higher quality, fewer working hours, and better safety measures. Let's study each of these issues separately: 1. Chinese factory workers, not capable of good workmanship? As I … [Read more...]
Statistical quality control tool: get a valid sampling plan
What is the difference between statistical quality control and unprofessional inspections? A professional inspector will follow a valid sampling plan. A sampling plan should take care of three fundamental concerns: There should be a … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of sourcing products in India vs. China
What are the relative advantages of China over India, when it comes to sourcing products? The China Law Blog came up with two different posts covering this question... And a reader called Joel Waldman came up with very interesting comments … [Read more...]
How to do QC inspections by yourself
A sourcing agent working out of Shenzhen recently asked me for some advice. He just moved to China and he is going to do his first QC inspections for one of his clients. Going through all the details and all the possible situations would … [Read more...]
Delays and re-inspections: what impact on delivery dates?
I got an interesting email this morning from a reader from India, working on some kind of thesis for her professional training program: I want to know more about how delays and re-inspection affects delivery dates and how can it be … [Read more...]
Partnering with a Chinese factory: a sweet dream?
Most new buyers coming to China want just one thing: to find one or two good manufacturers that they count on, and partnering with them. They think "if I were a manufacturer, I would try to find a few stable customers and make their … [Read more...]
When Japan envied China
Everybody seems to have an opinion. I am of those who thing China will find its own path, as it has done until now, rather than following a specific model. Japan's example is interesting, but the comparison has its limits. Last week I … [Read more...]