I just read the latest issue of the CHaINA magazine (edited by the Supply Chain Council) and I found a very nice explanation of the changes from Incoterms 2000 to Incoterms 2010. To sum it up grossly: Two changes for the FOB … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2011
The real Alibaba fraud: not the one everyone talks about
Since the official declarations about the fraud committed by some of Alibaba's salespeople, everybody in the sourcing industry stresses the need for proper qualification and quality assurance. And they are right. In my mind, the fraud … [Read more...]
How to avoid problems with suppliers [e-book]
A few months ago I published an ebook about quality assurance in China. I also offered it for download on my company's website and I got great comments about it. This time I am listing 15 strategies to avoid problems with your suppliers … [Read more...]
How to test the protection of your products during transport
This is the third article where I reproduce the insights from Kevin Howard, a consultant with deep experience about packaging issues. Our previous Q&A are on The importance of packaging optimization and Saving money thanks to better … [Read more...]
Saving money thanks to better packaging
This is the sequel to our previous post about packaging optimization, where Kevin Howard (principal consultant at Packnomics) responds to my questions. Question: Can you share an example where the importer saved money through smarter … [Read more...]
The importance of packaging optimization for importers
I recently got in contact with Kevin Howard, the principal consultant at Packnomics. He has been working on packaging issues since 1984, and has been involved with China since 1987, when he taught Distribution Packaging and Testing at the … [Read more...]
Some products are difficult to find in China
I was discussing with a friend of mine, who works as a purchaser for a French company. Her employer imports electrical products and sells them to supermarkets and specialized chains. Their salespeople regularly see nice new products on the … [Read more...]
Developing a prototype with a Chinese factory
I found a very interesting article about the development of prototypes on the Berkley Sourcing Group's website. It sums up nicely the technologies and the challenges associated with prototyping plastic products, metal products, and cut … [Read more...]
Sampling plan calculations for quality inspections [infographic]
![Sampling plan calculations for quality inspections [infographic]](https://qualityinspection.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/UPshutterstock56722456.jpg)
Most inspections only involve 1 or 2 references, and can be conducted in one man-day (i.e. one inspector on site for one day). However, in certain situations, deciding on a sampling plan is very difficult--see my previous article about … [Read more...]
36 Tips to communicate effectively with Chinese suppliers
The Foreign Entrepreneurs In China blog posted a very interesting article: 36 Tips on How to Deal or Negotiate with your Chinese Suppliers. I started reading it, and I had so many comments to add that I am reproducing it all below. … [Read more...]