I used to work for an importer who had a rule to ALWAYS importer full containers from China and Vietnam. One order was one container. He was in the fashion business, so there was no reorder for most references. Only one-shots. Either they … [Read more...]
Procedure for quality inspections: a simplified version
A quality inspection is a standardized service, but it is not a simple service. An untrained inspector, who does not follow a good procedure or who makes poor decision calls, might make big mistakes. I prepared a simplified version of … [Read more...]
How to ensure that your factory can pass a social audit?
I have been contacted several times by trading companies or importers to "prepare the field" for a social audit. Generally, one of their potential customers conducts a social compliance audit to qualify factories, before issuing any … [Read more...]
How to check the loading of a container by a factory?
How do you ensure that the factory ships the right kind of product in the right quantity to you, when you import by full containers? By sending someone on site when they are loading the goods in the container(s). You might send your … [Read more...]
How to check the production status in a factory
One of the purposes of QC inspections is to check the production status. You want to confirm product quality, but also make sure the manufacturer is not behind schedule. If you--or an inspector you appointed--come after the whole … [Read more...]
Hands-on sourcing: pay more to make more profit
Many inexperienced importers think they don't need any on-the-ground support when they buy directly from factories in developing countries with immature legal systems like China. After a few bad experiences, they are usually confused as to … [Read more...]
Sourcing Agents in China: The Good, the Bad,and the Ugly
A reader recently asked me how to find good sourcing agents in China. Many dark stories involving rogue sourcing agents have shaped my opinion on this topic. My response will probably sound radical to first-time importers. The way I see … [Read more...]
Do you need an inspector with deep product experience?
I have been exchanging emails with an American importer who wants to start delegating quality control to a third-party inspection firm. He buys products that can be categorized as furniture products, and that are made of a few kinds of … [Read more...]
5 tips for testing China products against regulatory standards
Yesterday I wrote about the danger of relying on Chinese manufacturers' certificates. So, if you import products that are subject to regulatory standards in your country, what should you do? First, you should look for a supplier that … [Read more...]
Do not trust Chinese manufacturers’ certificates!
A few years ago, I worked with a very experienced French importer. He was playing games with his Chinese suppliers to extract their best pricing. But he was very straight when it came to dealing with his country's customs office. He told me … [Read more...]
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