One of my clients has had trouble getting good products from China for many years. He is the perfect example of what I call the "small buyer’s dilemma". He recently asked me what I thought about his opening a small factory in Guangdong … [Read more...]
How to choose an AQL limit?
A few months ago, I wrote an explanation about the "AQL": what it is and how to use it. I also listed a few frequent questions, but it seems like I forgot one of them: What AQL tolerance is suitable to my products? Unfortunately, it is … [Read more...]
How to notice what really goes on in a factory
A few weeks ago, I wrote What can you observe in a Chinese factory?. It is a simple guide for a purchaser who walks around a production floor for less than 1 hour. But I just found a much better checklist for those who want to "see" what … [Read more...]
Why contracts are useful in China
China's legal system is unreliable and favors local companies against foreigners. True. Foreign courts' decisions are not enforced by Chinese courts, so litigation needs to take place in China. True. But then is it a waste of time to … [Read more...]
Managing conflicts with your Chinese suppliers
Andrew Hupert, a consultant who helps Western companies in their negotiations with Chinese counter-parties, just published The Fragile Bridge: Conflict Management in Chinese Business (this link direct you to the Amazon page of the Kindle … [Read more...]
Do not trust catalogs or websites from Chinese suppliers [photos]
Unfortunately, many Chinese suppliers do not show the truth in their catalogs, websites, and other marketing materials. I found some really good illustrations on the Procur'Asia blog. In Don't select suppliers on a brochure or … [Read more...]
How communication gets distorted in Chinese factories
Have you ever wondered why one of your suppliers promised you that something would get done, and then it never got done? I bet every experienced importer has dozens of similar stories. But, most of the time, it is due to lack of … [Read more...]
What are you looking for in China?
When importers tell me about their frustrations, I usually explain that other buyers have different experiences. And the reason is that they have different needs. Not all buyers are looking for the same thing when they come in China. … [Read more...]
What can you observe in a Chinese factory?
A few days ago, I wrote What questions can you ask a Chinese factory during a visit? Unfortunately, a factory visit is carefully scripted, and you won't get 100% truthful responses. In other words, the supplier's salesperson will tell … [Read more...]
The small buyer’s dilemma in China
Over the years, I have worked with many small and midsize importers who were looking for a good supplier. A very common question they have is "what kind of factory should I look for?". The problem is simple to grasp: Small factories … [Read more...]
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