To summarize grossly, two types of importers source products from China and low-cost Asian countries: "Hands-off buyers", who are not in a position to invest much time with each of their suppliers. "Hands-on buyers", who need to focus … [Read more...]
Is it the end of China’s low-cost production?
Yesterday I wrote about orders that were canceled by importers because of escalating costs in China. But does it mean other Asian countries such as Vietnam or India will become the lowest-cost producers? The China Sourcing Information … [Read more...]
Are cancelled orders due to fall of the dollar?
A few days ago, I had a discussion with former colleagues. They had just finished walking the Canton Fair and were on their way back to France. They told me it was the first time they noticed so much stock on sale on the trade show. … [Read more...]
How much legal protection do importers need?
From time to time, an importer asks me about everything he can do to protect himself. Let's say they just received a shipment of defective goods. Now they are willing to pay for extra protection. They will want to know how to check the … [Read more...]
The competition in the quality control industry
When I am on a trade show in Hong Kong and I speak to random purchasers, I am always amazed. Amazed by the number of people who don't know that they should do quality control on their shipments. They are generally beginners, or they only … [Read more...]
Project management for importers
I have been in contact with hundreds of importers over the years. Some of them are very successful, most of them struggle to make a profit at the end of the year, and some others haven't yet figured how to protect themselves from dishonest … [Read more...]
Avoiding humidity inside containers
Last week, an importer was asking us how to avoid the formation of mold on the shoes they ship from China to Chile. The goods stay up to 50 days inside the container, so that was an extreme case. I suspect the materials are not treated … [Read more...]
When will cheap manufacturing leave China?
Several factors are pushing the prices of made-in-China products up: the rise of the RMB against the US dollar, the factory labor shortage (because of demographic changes but also of alternative options for young workers), and the increases … [Read more...]
Finding a competent freight forwarder in China
I was graciously sent a copy of Find a Chinese Manufacturer, "A guide to the ins and outs of sourcing products in China" written by Michelle Vancisin. It is an easy read, and it's only 20 pages long. It is a good introduction for … [Read more...]
The Role Of Pre-Production Samples
If you source products from China or South-East Asia, you MUST require pre-production samples before production is launched. In some cases, it will be impossible, but the supplier should give you a clear explanation why if that's the … [Read more...]
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