I got an interesting comment on a previous article (4 proven ways to enforce your quality standard in China): If I am hiring a third party to do the quality control should I get a “perfect sample” from the factory, then send it to the … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2010
Inviting a regular Chinese supplier to your country
If you have found Chinese suppliers that you can rely on, you should make sure they like you. I am not saying that you should become "good buddies who go to parties together" (don't do it!), but it is good business practice to do certain … [Read more...]
Quality control solutions: a honest comparison
Should importers simply contact a quality control firm, explain their situation, and follow the advice they receive? I don't believe so. It might actually not be the best use of their money, if they want better results out of their … [Read more...]
Dealing with “the Chinese way of doing business”
Foreigners from Europe or from the US often have a hard time dealing with the way business is conducted in China. Understanding cultural differences is already difficult. Addressing them effectively is the most difficult. I started … [Read more...]
When changes in plans are not the buyer’s fault
Sometimes a client does everything he can to ensure that inspections will take place in good conditions. They send me clear specifications about the product, they pass the right message to the supplier, and they keep a couple of days … [Read more...]
When QC inspections are at the supplier’s charge
The usual process for third-party inspections of production is this: The buyer appoints an inspection firm and communicates the product specs; An inspector is sent to the factory with a sampling plan and a checklist; The buyer uses … [Read more...]
The lack of quality control is an education problem
In the industry, we estimate that 80% of importers don't do control the quality of what they buy (i.e. either by one of their employees, or an external inspector). Even when the goods are headed to demanding markets like Europe or the … [Read more...]
Help! My Chinese production is split in 4 factories!
I already wrote about my feelings regarding 80%+ of Chinese trading companies. The most disturbing for QC inspectors is when an order is split among several factories. But the real loser, in this situation, is the importer. Of course, … [Read more...]
Rising costs: where is the next China?
Josh Green, the CEO of Panjiva, came up with a thoughtful article entitled Spread The Word: There Isn't A ‘Next China’. Manufacturing products in China is going to get more expensive over time. For many importers who survive with a 5% or a … [Read more...]
The impact of electricity shortages on China production
If you work with several Chinese suppliers, you might have heard them complain about electricity shortages. You already heard about Chinese New Year, substandard quality, rogue factories... Here is one more risk in your supply … [Read more...]