I always tell importers not to trust Chinese manufacturers’ certificates. I am trying not to cast doubt on ALL Chinese suppliers, because some of them are honest. On the other hand, it is better to push inexperienced importers to be on the … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2012
How to reduce the frequency of quality inspections
Over the last month, I received several messages from readers on this topic. So I tried to think of a few ways to reduce the frequency of QC inspections without taking high risks. 1. Two methods I approve of The two most common solutions … [Read more...]
Training for QC inspectors: Q&A with an expert
I recently had the opportunity to work with Hubert Delelis Fanien, founder of Aka Outspring. He has set up a training center for QC inspectors in Shenzhen, China. He also helps local companies hire and evaluate their inspectors. I was … [Read more...]
Understand the Chinese side in your negotiations
There are frequent misunderstandings between importers and their Chinese suppliers, and they could be avoided if the purchaser placed himself in his supplier's shoes from time to time. Andrew Hupert came up with an excellent reminded … [Read more...]
Supervising production in china
If you import from China, you are probably frustrated by the lack of updates about production advancement. Not only that, but you must have been shocked by the lack of reliability of any update or forecast that your suppliers give … [Read more...]
The 2 types of inspection companies
Let's say you are an importer, looking for a provider of QC inspection services in China. You will evaluate candidates on how serious they look, on their size, and maybe on their knowledge of your product line, right? Well, you'll be … [Read more...]
Managing independent quality control: what it takes
Some importers often over-estimate the amount of time it will take them to manage a third-party quality control (QC) firm. So I made a list of the main "touch points" and of the required steps. Writing clear specifications and/or sending a … [Read more...]