I recently wrote Scams by Chinese suppliers: what to do? because many first-time importers are afraid of falling victim to a scam -- paying money upfront to a supplier that deliberately won't ship the right products, if they ship at … [Read more...]
How to sell your project to Chinese manufacturers
Many importers are shocked because they need to convince Chinese manufacturers to work for them, rather than the opposite. They need to "sell" their project. The reason is usually a combination of low quantity orders and high-complexity … [Read more...]
The 3 types of sourcing companies in China
When an importer wants to source a new product in China, he basically has 4 options, 3 of which involve the use of a sourcing company: Of course, you can find a supplier on a trade show or in an online directory (e.g. Global … [Read more...]
Chinese factories: what can be checked
For the average importer, there is a lot of choice when it comes to methods for gathering information about a Chinese factory. If you need basic due diligence before issuing a first order, if you want to collect evidence of misbehavior, … [Read more...]
What management system do your suppliers use?
I had a good laugh a few days ago when Mike, from the CSIC, told importers to “ask potential suppliers to show you what project management software they use, and get ready for a reply of a blank stare or silence”, in one of his … [Read more...]
How to detect a trader from a manufacturer in China?
My friend Gaetan, from Eyo Green Alliance, told me about an incredible story. I mean, incredible to people who don't know the Chinese business environment. He gave me some photos as illustrations, and he blurred them to avoid any … [Read more...]
China trade shows: what to ask exhibitors
If you are planning to attend a fair in a few days/weeks, you should read this article: What to ask for at a tradeshow (and afterwards too). David Dayton came up with a great list of questions that importers can ask the exhibitors they … [Read more...]
Sourcing conferences in Hong Kong
I was invited to participate to two conferences in Hong Kong in October. First, I will be on a panel during the China Sourcing Fairs (Organized by Global Sources, and to be held in Asiaworld Expo -- next to HK airport.) The topic … [Read more...]
Lingerie production clusters in China
Last week I wrote about the future of Guangdong manufacturing. I thought it would be nice to show how an industry gradually moved away from its center in Hong Kong and Guangdong province. I picked the lingerie (bras and panties for … [Read more...]
Who buys from China?
When I read articles from American newspapers, it seems like the USA buy most of China's exports. Wrong! European countries purchase about as much from China as the US, and then there is the rest of the world--this last category is the … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- …
- 26
- Next Page »