Over the past couple of months, I have written a guide for companies that import from China. It is delivered in 15 emails, as below: Sourcing: Go on Your Own, or Use an Agent? Sourcing: how to Identify Potential … [Read more...]
How many defects are still in a batch after an AQL inspection?
A client asked me an interesting question: If we base on AQL, how many pcs with defects will still be in bulk when shipping ? In other words, the inspectors find some defects during a random inspection, and these defects are supposed to … [Read more...]
My China Factory Has Gone Bankrupt: How to Get my Deposit Back?
A client called me and asked my advice regarding an uncomfortable situation. One of his long-time suppliers, a manufacturer in Zhejiang, just announced they had gone bankrupt and had stopped all activity. My client has wired a 30% … [Read more...]
Suggestions for factory improvements in China: make it visual
Last week I spent two days in a factory, studying a process and thinking of ways to improve it without spending any big money. It made me realize something very important about communication with Chinese people. They are happy to … [Read more...]
Factory Tours In China: What To Watch Out For
Here are some interesting or useful articles that I found recently. Supplier Evaluation: What should I look for during my visit? Etienne Charlier gives an excellent overview of what criteria buyers should take into account when … [Read more...]
Is it SAFE to send payments to a Hong Kong company for China productions?
Many small importers wonder if sending money to a Hong Kong company is safe. This article will be structured as an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page. I tried to give a clear picture of how HK companies should be viewed by … [Read more...]
Common questions about what an AQL inspection guarantees
Recently I got 4 messages from buyers who asked me to clarify what an AQL inspection guarantees and what it does not guarantee. The problem is, explaining the concept of the AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) is not simple. Here are two … [Read more...]
Inspections of moulds and tools in China
Many buyers want to have a Chinese manufacturer work on their own designs. And, very often, it means mould(s) need to be created for each new product design. But creating a mould is expensive. If the supplier doesn't already know the … [Read more...]
SAFETY COMPLIANCE: major risks for European importers
Most importers in Europe and in the US under-estimate the risks they are running, when it comes to compliance to safety standards. It seems like, in many product categories, the European Union is setting the trends and the United States … [Read more...]
Product certification, testing, CDF: Q&A with an expert
Two weeks ago I met with Thomas Schmidt, who works as a sales executive at Eurofins Product Testing. Their Shanghai facility is a mid-size testing laboratory that can test most electrical products, as well as many hardline and textile … [Read more...]
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