I just found an interesting Linkedin Q&A: If you had to read one book (okay, two or three) on China before going to work there what would it be? Is this question naive?? Here is the response from my friend Etienne Charlier, manager … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2012
How can Chinese manufacturers differentiate their products?
Chinese manufacturers feel the pressure of competition. Those based in Guangdong are up against the lower costs of other provinces. And, in certain industries, they all face the lowest costs of Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan... A new … [Read more...]
Imposing fines on Chinese suppliers
Last week I received this question from a reader: What are your thoughts about imposing fines on suppliers for late delivery and quality issues? Does it work or just causes more problems ? My short answer is: yes it can work, but only if … [Read more...]
Adapting to the mentality of your Chinese suppliers
I recently read How to Win Friends and Influence People. It was written by Dale Carnegie, an American author, in the 1930s. And I kept thinking "this is a good description of how to adapt to the mentalities of Chinese suppliers!" Here are … [Read more...]
A good analysis of Apple’s China scandals
I am tired of reading newspaper articles and random commentaries about Apple's problems in China. The situation is complex, and most people don't fully "get" it. One person who "gets" it, though, is Richard Brubaker, Founder of … [Read more...]
Clarify your product specs!
Some importers are totally disorganized, and they don't give clear instructions to their Chinese manufacturers. Here is a funny drawing that gives a good idea of the general process: Source: OnQuality. … [Read more...]
Directories of Chinese suppliers & manufacturers
Over the past 8-10 years, the emergence of supplier directories on the internet has made sourcing in China more efficient for importers. It is easier to identify exporters and to have a quick idea of the market price for a given product. … [Read more...]
How to select the cartons to inspect in a factory
Let's say you intend to conduct a final random QC inspection, after all the products are packed. (I already explained why the whole order should be ready for final QC). You need to select a few cartons at random. What are the best … [Read more...]
Top 10 mistakes when outsourcing your China sourcing
Some importers don’t have the expertise, or the time, to find and manage Asian manufacturing partners. They typically need help from an external sourcing agency to handle the tasks associated with China sourcing: Identifying, … [Read more...]
Useful tips for visiting China trade shows
Many importers are preparing their visits to the April trade shows in the Hong Kong & Guangzhou area. I thought it would be useful to reproduce these excellent tips for visiting trade shows. (I found these tips in a past edition … [Read more...]