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...]
How importers can manage their inventory effectively
Most importers act as wholesalers, meaning that they keep stock in a warehouse in their country and then deliver it to their customers. Of course the purpose is to pre-sell the products and to get them just in time to fill domestic … [Read more...]
How to handle production issues in China
Today I found an article that discusses "how solving issues in China can overflow into the manufacturing realm and affect your offshore production". The author (Jacob Yount, who writes on the JLmade blog) does a pretty good job of … [Read more...]
In China, do not look for the cheapest supplier
Many importers go on Chinese trade shows or browse online directories to find their suppliers. They find companies that display the product they look for, they ask for prices, and then they go for the lowest quotation. Most of the time, … [Read more...]
Buying products in stock in China
I remember a Canadian buyer who told me, 3 years ago, that Chinese factories should produce in advance. It would be much more convenient for importers, who would be able to replenish their inventory faster. It would mean two benefits: … [Read more...]
How to choose a quality inspection firm
I wrote a number of articles about how to get maximum benefit from a third-party quality inspection. In 99% of cases, no reader challenges my point. However, through some of their comments, I noticed a concern in their mind: There are many … [Read more...]
Changes from Incoterms 2000 to Incoterms 2010
I just read the latest issue of the CHaINA magazine (edited by the Supply Chain Council) and I found a very nice explanation of the changes from Incoterms 2000 to Incoterms 2010. To sum it up grossly: Two changes for the FOB … [Read more...]
The real Alibaba fraud: not the one everyone talks about
Since the official declarations about the fraud committed by some of Alibaba's salespeople, everybody in the sourcing industry stresses the need for proper qualification and quality assurance. And they are right. In my mind, the fraud … [Read more...]
How to avoid problems with suppliers [e-book]
A few months ago I published an ebook about quality assurance in China. I also offered it for download on my company's website and I got great comments about it. This time I am listing 15 strategies to avoid problems with your suppliers … [Read more...]
How to test the protection of your products during transport
This is the third article where I reproduce the insights from Kevin Howard, a consultant with deep experience about packaging issues. Our previous Q&A are on The importance of packaging optimization and Saving money thanks to better … [Read more...]
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