Ideally, a manufacturer should be capable of giving legitimate customer references. It would be a strong sign of reliability, and a great marketing tool. In my mind, they should show a list of foreign customers to their prospects and say … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2011
Agent vs. trader vs. importer: what differences?
I was asked several times about the difference between an agent, a trader, and an importer. The question often comes from someone trying to start a business to help domestic buyers (in their country) get the products they need. The truth … [Read more...]
Should you tell China suppliers about your target price?
An importer asked me what he should do when Chinese factories ask for his "price targets". I think it is a legitimate question from factories (when it comes to trading companies, though, it makes sense to be suspicious). Here is the … [Read more...]
The 5 advantages of shipping smaller quantities
I used to work for an importer who had a rule to ALWAYS importer full containers from China and Vietnam. One order was one container. He was in the fashion business, so there was no reorder for most references. Only one-shots. Either they … [Read more...]
Procedure for quality inspections: a simplified version
A quality inspection is a standardized service, but it is not a simple service. An untrained inspector, who does not follow a good procedure or who makes poor decision calls, might make big mistakes. I prepared a simplified version of … [Read more...]
How to ensure that your factory can pass a social audit?
I have been contacted several times by trading companies or importers to "prepare the field" for a social audit. Generally, one of their potential customers conducts a social compliance audit to qualify factories, before issuing any … [Read more...]
How to check the loading of a container by a factory?
How do you ensure that the factory ships the right kind of product in the right quantity to you, when you import by full containers? By sending someone on site when they are loading the goods in the container(s). You might send your … [Read more...]
How to check the production status in a factory
One of the purposes of QC inspections is to check the production status. You want to confirm product quality, but also make sure the manufacturer is not behind schedule. If you--or an inspector you appointed--come after the whole … [Read more...]
Hands-on sourcing: pay more to make more profit
Many inexperienced importers think they don't need any on-the-ground support when they buy directly from factories in developing countries with immature legal systems like China. After a few bad experiences, they are usually confused as to … [Read more...]
Sourcing Agents in China: The Good, the Bad,and the Ugly
A reader recently asked me how to find good sourcing agents in China. Many dark stories involving rogue sourcing agents have shaped my opinion on this topic. My response will probably sound radical to first-time importers. The way I see … [Read more...]