When investigating quality problems, we are often faced with the same issue: lack of traceability. Let's say some metal pieces don't fit well and this is found at the assembly stage. It typically unfolds as follows: We look at the … [Read more...]
How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 1: Be Prepared for Many Chinese Factory Closures This Coming CNY
It is coming again. Chinese New Year (CNY for short). All Chinese manufacturers will close sometime in early February and re-open slowly toward the end of the month. The more they rely on migrant labor, the longer the break (on … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 10: Always Verify Quality Before Shipment
Once the products hit your dock and once you have paid 100% of the order, there is little you can do in case products are not up to your specifications. Chances are, you have already paid the supplier in full. And the supplier will … [Read more...]
Supply Chain Management: Quality Inspections’ Role
Do you sometimes feel that your company, your suppliers, and their own suppliers, are on different planets? Does information spread with difficulty through your supply chain? Nothing unique here. It is quite typical if you work with … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 9: Check Quality Early In Production
I’ll assume you have found and audited a good manufacturer. They have communicated well up until now, and you feel confident about them. But should you feel confident? Several things can go wrong: They might be too busy and farm … [Read more...]
Tips for Recruiting Good Talent For a China Factory or Buying office
Recruiting the right people is always a challenge for foreign companies in China. We have struggled quite a bit ourselves. I had the opportunity to ask a few questions to Jim Nelson, the president of SHI Group, a China-based recruitment … [Read more...]
How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 2: Still Hoping Your Manufacturer meets Your Quality Standard?
Are you frustrated because a Chinese manufacturer has proven unable to meet your quality standard? Do they keep making promises of imminent improvement? And are you seeing no improvement? So typical. I have had several discussions … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 8: Project Management of Your Orders
One recurring theme in this course is that you should not rely on the supplier’s salespeople. Most of them would have been hired solely on the basis of their English skills. They are interpreters with very little technical knowledge, and … [Read more...]
How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 3: 4 Habits of Your Chinese Suppliers You’ll Have to Get Used To
Expats living in China tend to be bothered by many aspects of the local culture. Here are a few common questions I was asked many times: How can they be so self-centered and so unaware of what happens around them when they drive, walk, … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 7: Pre-Production: Describing What You Want
I have stated several times that you need to describe your product in detail. I know this is obvious, but most buyers don’t do is well… and often regret it later. There are two ways of formalizing your requirements: A written … [Read more...]
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