In this episode… Renaud and Adrian from the team talk Taobao! Taobao is a huge Chinese online marketplace where it's possible to get almost anything at a decent price. The problem is, some importers have been purchasing components from … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2022
Mechanical Parts Inspections: Checkpoints & Defects
When inspecting general consumer goods (except food), most companies classify defects and checkpoints in these 4 categories: Aesthetics & smell Conformance to specs (including measurements) Function, usability, reliability … [Read more...]
The Shipping & Logistics Situation in the USA (July 2022 and beyond)
In this episode… Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran is joined again by US East-Coast supply chain and logistics expert, Marshall Taplits founder of Ship It Done. We have 3 main questions for Marshall: What is the logistics situation like now … [Read more...]
Final Prototype of your New Hardware Product: When Will You Get There?
In nearly all cases, people who are developing a new hardware product tend to overestimate the progress they have already accomplished, relative to the "finish line" (bringing a batch of finished products to market). They often think the … [Read more...]
Why and How to Control your Supplier’s Costs? [Podcast]
In this episode… We conclude the mini-series we've been doing where Renaud provides you with the advice you need to source from China yourself. We've covered the entire process from finding great suppliers, negotiating, manufacturing, … [Read more...]
Fixing Product Quality Issues: MFG vs. Product Design Causes
About two or three times a month, a client tells us about serious issues they have experienced with a certain product, and they ask if we can help fix those product quality issues. In some cases, it is relatively quick and easy. In others, … [Read more...]
What Will It Take To Comply With The EU Ecodesign Regulation? (Part 2)
In this episode… Renaud is joined again by Clive Greenwood of SMC GLOBAL Manufacturing Consultants, to continue the exploration of the EU 'Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation' that will impact importers into Europe very … [Read more...]
What To Do Before Contacting a Contract Manufacturer in China or India
If you have been designing a new product and you plan to have it manufactured in China or another Asian country, when and how should you contact a manufacturer, and what should you do first? … [Read more...]
Stop Unauthorized Subcontracting In Its Tracks [Podcast]
In this episode… Renaud is back with Adrian to discuss the risks of unauthorized subcontracting. Does it make sense for a manufacturer you don't know to make your products? Well, it could be happening if you're unlucky. Let's look at … [Read more...]