A simple checklist to follow day in, day out, is a highly undervalued tool. Here are a couple of examples where the value of checklists has been recognized: In aviation, checklists have been used for more than 70 years and have … [Read more...]
Communication with Chinese Suppliers: Banging Your Head Against the Wall?
Over the years, Chinese manufacturers have gotten better at understanding their overseas customers. And, in many industries, their quality has tended to improve. However, communication with sales people is still an area of frustration … [Read more...]
Upwork vs. a Sourcing Agency for Managing Your China Production
Some importers take a shortcut as they set up their supply chain, and pay for it many times over a few years later. I want to cover one of these shortcuts today. We have had a few clients come to us after being let down by an Upwork … [Read more...]
How Does the VAT Rebate for Exports out of China work?
In most cases, importers don't need to worry about the way their supplier handles the VAT rebate. They are usually better off negotiating a price under the FOB incoterm and avoid worrying about the complex paperwork involved in getting a … [Read more...]
Bad China Suppliers Quality: Still Tolerable in 2018?
When people ask me if the quality of China-made products has improved over the past 10 years, they expect me to say "oh yes, certainly". However, the reality is not that simple. I think an interesting approach is to divide the market … [Read more...]
Buying Food Ingredients from China? Can You Trust that Info?
The 'China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance' just decided that 6 types of fish can now be classified as "salmon" when sold within China. Amazing but true. According to the BBC, here is the background: New rules … [Read more...]
No Process Improvement Action Plan in Chinese Factories? Why?
In good factories, the leaders look at the future and wonder how to make their company stronger. They usually have an action plan that will support process improvement. That's how they will improve their quality, cut lead times, and contain … [Read more...]
Evaluating a Battery Manufacturer in China for Consistent Quality
Over the past 3 months, we have heard of more problems with batteries than with any other electrical component. Our team over at Sofeast in Shenzhen has been busy evaluating battery manufacturers, recently. And the average level of those … [Read more...]
Counterfeit Goods in China: Are Things Getting Better?
I was walking on the street in the Huaqiangbei area in Shenzhen and saw two guys pushing carts full of these boxes: Used boxes that were originally full of expensive French champagne. Probably collected in a restaurant or a shop that … [Read more...]
The 3 Best Ways for Importers To Pay Chinese Suppliers
A client asked me what the best ways of paying Chinese suppliers were. Let's go through the 3 most common options you have. It is 98% likely that one of these options is the best for you. 1. T/T payment T/T stands for Telegraphic … [Read more...]
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