One of the members of the Linkedin China Law Blog Group asked "why there aren't more companies in China that are totally transparent with their supply chain". The reason is that importers would take high risks by disclosing the names of … [Read more...]
Why checking quality during loading is a bad idea
This week I was on a trade show in Hong Kong. I met with many new (inexperienced) buyers. Several of them asked me "So, when do you check quality? When the factory is loading the container?" A container loading inspection is useful for … [Read more...]
Inspections of solar panels in China
This week I am on the Solar & Energy Saving Products China sourcing fair. We are exhibiting with an engineering firm specialized in solar panels (HCEA, based in Hong Kong), and it seems like these products are attracting a good … [Read more...]
How do your Chinese suppliers treat you?
I usually write about the way to treat Chinese suppliers to avoid problems. But it is also interesting to analyse how they treat their foreign customers. From my observations, I categorize the supplier's attitudes in four distinct … [Read more...]
Integrate inspection tools in your QC checklist!
About 3 months ago, my friend Greg designed an infographic about preparing a QC inspection checklist. It includes the definition of (a) product specifications to check, (b) potential defects to keep an eye out for, and (c) tests to perform … [Read more...]
When should you request quotations from Chinese factories?
Last week I wrote an article about disclosing a target price, and I made it look like there is only one sequence in the sourcing process: Contact 10 to 50 potential suppliers on online directories or trade shows; Ask them about their … [Read more...]
How to manage chinese inspectors
In inspection firms, what makes the difference between a high client turnover rate and a satisfied client base? Unreliable inspectors. I am thinking of quality controllers who don't point to problems (because they take shortcuts in the … [Read more...]
Inspection level vs. inspection severity
When I started doing QC inspections, my first client's quality manager was interchangeably mentioning "level II" and "normal level". And same thing with "level I" and "reduced level". I purchased the relevant standard and I read it … [Read more...]
Why most factories refuse to give customer references
Ideally, a manufacturer should be capable of giving legitimate customer references. It would be a strong sign of reliability, and a great marketing tool. In my mind, they should show a list of foreign customers to their prospects and say … [Read more...]
Agent vs. trader vs. importer: what differences?
I was asked several times about the difference between an agent, a trader, and an importer. The question often comes from someone trying to start a business to help domestic buyers (in their country) get the products they need. The truth … [Read more...]
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