In 80% of cases, importers do not spend enough time preparing the specifications of the products they want to make in China. They usually work on the basis of sample, but they forget about all the "details" (the bill of materials, the … [Read more...]
How to work with Chinese suppliers
As many first-time importers notice, working with a Chinese supplier necessitates a change in habits: It is very important to define the product requirements in the smallest details, including the labeling and the packaging. Quality … [Read more...]
How does a factory audit work? [infographic]
A few months ago, we illustrated how random inspections work, and we got very positive feedback. This time we designed an infographic about the way a factory audit works in China and other low-cost Asian countries: We tried to put … [Read more...]
Production delays and quality problems often come up together
Over the past couple of months, I have noticed the same phenomenon in several situations. Let's say an importer has placed an order for 4 references to be shipped out together. The supplier announces that one of them will be ready one week … [Read more...]
Elements of a China sourcing strategy
I ran a guest post on the China Law Blog that sums up most of what I have learned about quality assurance in China so far. The article is called The Five Steps To Successfully Buying Product From China. It touches on seemingly separate … [Read more...]
ISO 9000 factory audits for your China suppliers
Factory audits in China and other Asian countries are often (loosely) based on a checklist inspired by the ISO 9000 series. That means the main part of these audits consists in looking for holes in the factory's quality system. Why are … [Read more...]
Best methods to control quality in China
A friend of mine asked me an interesting question: If a buyer wants to ensure he sources quality products from China and avoids any losses, which combination of tools would you recommend to him (max 3)? And how would you rank them from the … [Read more...]
The inspection report is passed but the shipment is full of defects: what happened?
A reader told me about a case "whereby upon arrival in Europe it was found that the majority of consumer products were defective, however the [final random] inspection report by a foreign inspection agency in China did not show any … [Read more...]
Relocation of export manufacturing in China and low-cost Asia
The Li&Fung Research Centre just published an interesting study entitled China Distribution & Trading (h/t to Max Henry). It analyzes the recent trends observed in the sourcing industry. I am reproducing a couple of excepts … [Read more...]
Working with small Chinese manufacturers
If you need to produce in China, will you be better served by a small manufacturer, or by a large one? There is no short answer. It depends on many factors. But one major determinant is the size of your orders relative to their … [Read more...]
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