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How can China-based foreigners find quality control jobs?

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Quality Control TipsOn Sunday, an English teacher living in China asked me how he could get involved in quality control. And more specifically how he could perform a few inspections as a freelancer, to earn more money.

This is really a case of supply-and-demand mismatch: inspection firms can’t hire as many foreign inspectors as they want (because they wouldn’t get visas for all these immigrants when the locals can do the job), and on the other hand many foreigners have proper visas and extra time on their hands but don’t know what to do.

I guess some other foreigners living here might be interested, so I might as well write something about it on this blog.

I have no magic trick to offer. Only a few ideas.

The best is to find an importer who has very particular needs (and is not satisfied with the standard services generally offered by the QC industry) and can take the time to train you. If he can rely on you, he will likely need your services as long as he buys from China!

You can read this blog to understand how inspections are usually performed. Be sure to have a look at How To Do QC Inspections By Yourself as a first step.

In that case, you have the choice about the way to get paid. The less risky is to ask for a fixed amount per day of work, with a variable part based on travel expenses (hint: aim somewhere between $200 and $400 per day).

Another option is get paid on commission if orders are large enough (say, 2% of total FOB amount), or a fixed fee (say, $1,000 per month for a few days of work on average).

You can also contact some quality control firms. They often feel the need to hire foreigners to audit their inspectors’ behavior. They might also like the idea of using a foreigner to supervise a bunch of inspectors during some sensitive jobs (e.g. a 100% check of a large quantity of products, or an inspection of a large order in a factory that is known for giving red envelopes a little too easily).

Quality control firms get paid by the number of days of work (man-days, as we say), so that’s how they might propose to pay you. They have probably access to plenty of Chinese freelancers, but not to many committed foreign freelancers. So don’t ask for 400 rmb per man-day + expenses–that’s what Chinese inspectors are usually paid. Start somewhere below 1,000 rmb to get trained at the beginning, with the understanding that fees will be higher down the road.

How to get these contacts?

Importers are not easy to approach. They are constantly solicited during their China buying trips, so getting their attention is not easy. However, many are looking for foreign inspectors. Ask around you, offer interpreter services to 5-star hotels, go to trade shows and give namecards…

Quality control companies are easy to find on Google, alibaba.com, or globalsources.com. Call them and ask to talk to a manager–the assistants won’t dare to say no if they think you are a buyer  😉

Oh, and why don’t you start by leaving your name and contact info in the comments, below this article?

 

Extra reading >> If you’d like to learn even more about QC, read our detailed Quality Control basic concepts post here.

Comments

  1. I am glad you wrote this for us newcomers who need the help. Definitely I will be checking back.

  2. Very interesting post. This is something that I would like to explore. As a Beijing based western lawyer/CPA who has worked for years in the investment/finance industry for Chinese companies, I’ve done a lot of due diligence work on Chinese factories, businesses and the like involving factory and site visits as well as financial and legal audits. The area of QC inspection and verification would make an interesting change.
    Feel free to contact me at thecant2002@yahoo.com.au.

  3. Hi Richard, I’m glad it gives you a glimpse of the QC industry. I’ll keep your contact, thanks!

  4. I’ve been following this blog with interest – thank you for the valuable information so far!
    Yes, I would be interested in doing quality inspections on a freelance basis. I did pre-shipment inspections for AV equipment before, am familiar with AQL and writing reports. I am presently based in Guangzhou, though flexible to move. For more information please contact me at janjanjan123@gmail.com

  5. Hi Jan, thanks for the nice comment. We’ll probably be in touch sometime soon.

  6. Thanks for the info. I’m doing freelance quality inspection work and would be interested in getting involve with some new projects. I’m currently based in Guangzhou.

  8. I have my own food consultancy company in Shandong. I am interested in freelance QA inspection work and Quality Systems Implementation. Main areas of interest would be agricultural products, fish, dry goods, hygiene apparel and cleaning materials. I have many years of practical experience. I have a flexible schedule, able to travel to other parts of China or Asia Pacific and I have strongly developed Mandarin Chinese language skills (both soken and written). The service that I am offering is legitimate and legal. My work permit and residence permit are company specific. I am a UK national.

    I can be contacted via kevin@ktechfood.com

  10. Great post with some useful tips. I would love to find a QC job, but rather a permanent position. I do some free lance QC now but it’s with just one company and very infrequent. I was a buyer (China sourcing) for 3 years at an manufacturing company in the hardware industry. I’m based now in Shanghai and speak Chinese.

    You can contact me at: daidawei@gmail.com

  11. Hi David, thanks for the comment and I am sure many importers would be interested. Let’s hope they find you!

  12. A nicely written article. I am currently working as a buyer in the shoe industry and also do some QC work within the same industry. Prior to that I was working as a buyer in kitchen and household products. I am looking for a long-term position with a company that would further my experience and allow me to travel. Unlike many others in the QC industry I rather enjoy the time on the road. My ability and commitment to stay in China are not a question as my visa and residence in not an issue. Language skills, both written and spoken are advanced. Please feel free to contact me with any leads or developments. Cheers from an American in Fujian.

    JAO
    akpo34@gmail.com

  13. Thanks Joseph, it is noted. Try to contact some importers and you might get a good position. There are not many foreigners (relatively) in Fujian.

  14. Hi Renaud,
    Thanks for this great write-up. I’m impressed with your writings on here. Keep up the good work! I’ve just finished a year researching corporate social responsibility at Beida (but more of the responsible business sort rather than the plant a tree, volunteer sort), so I am interested in continuing, based out of Beijing, to get involved in the process of improving business conduct, fostering healthy, safe and quality products. Many thanks! My email is mwehling@gmail.com

  15. Hi Mark,
    Thanks a lot for the positive comments!
    There are a few companies/organizations that you can try to contact: Wrap, Wethica, the large QC firms (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas), etc. Good luck!

  16. Hello i am from the Netherlands(Holland)

    Before i did Q.C for D.A.F Trucks(Holland) and Snoeks Automotive(Holland).

    The Q.C i did in Chech Republic and Thailand.

    I hope to find a Q.C job in China my specialism is steel parts cutting welding painting zinc-process chrome process and packing.

  19. Hi, I’m new to QC but very interested in learning. I would like to get into freelancing and I find this to be a great resource, thanks for the help! I am based in Shanghai and fluent in mandarin. davdavila@gmail.com

  20. I would love to do some QC for a china sourcing company. I don’t know any Chinese, though, and I’m sure that fluency in the language (whichever dialect it may be) is probably essential. It might just be time for me to take some classes.

  21. Hi Ginny, actually you don’t need to know much mandarin. Just the “survival words” to get a bus, order food you can eat, check in a hotel, and show a problem on a product.

  22. That´s a very interessting post, thank you for that, Renaud. I´m an engineer for plastics-technology and work as technical consultant for several companies (also for metal parts, diecasting as well as stamping and machining), located in Shenzhen. I also worked as quality-support-engineer for the telecom-industry for several years, so I have also experience in this field. Would be very open for doing QC-inspection jobs, but also can assist in many other fields.

  24. Hi Guenter, thanks for leaving your contact info. Your profile is certainly interesting for many importers!

  25. Hi Renaud. Great Post. obviously who ever gets to this post is intrested in this type of work. i am located in canada right now and doing some homework on how to get a job in china in the QC industry. essenstialy what i am intrested in is being the middle man. north american company needs a product, i locate the product, negotiate a price, add a small mark up, and offer to north american company. if there is anything you know off hand that could help me out here, please do share, i am very intrested and am willing to leave canada right away should something come up. ezline1@yahoo.ca

  26. Hi Erez, I guess you should start by getting in touch with some companies in Canada, see what they currently buy directly from China (and check if you can get them a better deal or a better quality), and see what they currently buy in large quantities from a local wholesaler (and check if you can sell it to them directly from China for a lower price and still make a profit).
    Good luck!

  27. Hi everyone. I´m working in a european company and I´m looking for freelance quality inspector or even a small office with a quality inspector manager with a short group of quality inspectors. Maybe someone can be interested to work with us in this way. We offer a serious project. Please, contact with us industria.department@gmail.com

  29. That´s a very interessting post, thank you for that, Renaud. I´m an qc inspector for soltline or Garment product including sweater Located in Indonesia,which i have been working with many buyer from US Market Would be very open for doing QC-inspection jobs, but also can assist in many other fields.,any company intrested for garment inspection

  31. Hi, Friend, very good articles to share different QC thoughts here.
    My Name is Howard Song , I am an engineer and now work as a freelance in Shanghai ,China and I have over 10 years Quality Control and Souring experiences in china, Will be absolutely your valuable cnsultance and partner in China , Please contact me at howardsong1227@gmail.com. Many Thanks for your attention!

  32. Hi Howard, thanks for the info. Some importers might need the help of a Chinese freelancer like you.

  33. Hi, we are looking for free lance clothing inspector for executing the inspection in
    Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand.
    Please mail me if you are interested.

    email : elbe.bd@gmail.com

  34. Hi Zaman,
    It would be helpful to indicate the amount of work per season in each country. And whether 1 inspector in each country would suit your needs.

  35. Hi my name is Arnold and currently working as a QA / QC manager in one of the leading fashion sportwear company and based in China . I would like to try doing a freelance inspection during my spare time . If anyone interested please feel free to contract me at bench1865@yahoo.com … Thanks

  37. Hi Renaud,

    I have been conducting inspections and factory audits (QMS and Social Accountability) for more than 20 years in various parts of Asia specifically in China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. Moreover, I have previously worked in Hong Kong as a Senior QC Engineer and in China as a QA Manager.

    I am now based in Metro Manila, Philippines conducting inspections and factory audits, on a free-lance basis, for two (2) foreign-based inspection agencies.

    There might be importers from the USA, Europe, Japan and other parts of the world who are interested in my services.

    Please feel free to contact me at : noel.matias@yahoo.com.ph.

    Thank you so much !

  41. Thanks.very useful to me!I would like to be freelancer.
    Currently I just search info about this.I have many years experience in steel furniture manufacturing flied and know what customers care.

    my-email: kshen.cn@gmail.com

  43. Hi, I’m interested to find a part time or fulltime job at a foreign company, purchasing in China.
    I grow up in the lighting business the last 25 Years and I have Taiwan and China experience since about 15 years.
    The last six years until now I’m a legal Rep. of a foreign owned Chinese enterprise and the director of a HK Holding.
    I want to escape from my office and using my experience for QC jobs or controlling at the top level management.
    I’m based in Hengli Dongguan.

    Feel free to contact me: leuchtenhansche@web.de

  45. Hi,I am very raring to a full time job at a forign footwear company to act as a QC.I ve been in this filed for more than 5 years,I always be in charge of inspect the mass goods before delivery.The last 5 years until now,I am a QC in one factory,I should inspect the shoes,the packing,and everything involved.
    Now I want to find a QC job,I am based in Nanjing,Jiangsu.
    Feel free to contact me:grandlife@126.com

  47. hi

    this is Aashish Pratap Singh frm india i m a footwear technologist in india(Agra),
    here i m looking job in reputed footwear buying house 1 st party direct wid Party,
    my contact no.09027777241
    ashish,fddi08gmail.com

  48. Hello ,
    Just graduated with a bachelor degree in aeronautical engineering. Anyone can help with some website where we can find some jobs in China. Am fluent in english, french and my chinese level is pretty ok . Thanks

  51. Hi Renaud,
    I am working here in Vietnam as QA Manager in a Garment Manufacturing. I do handle factory quality auditors. For a change I would like to join a a group of freelance auditors/Inspectors to be on call for a project in the future. Thanks for this post.

  53. Hi, There, So good to have chance to present myself here
    My Name is Davy Song , I am QC Quality engineer and work as a freelance consultant in Shanghai ,China and I have over 10 years Quality Control in china, Would absolutely be your trusted partners in china and are ready to work with you for QC Control or supplier Audit here to avoid potential risks before shipments and before placing order. and for sure be pleasure to provide your valuable suggestions . Please contact me at davysongsh@yahoo.com.cn. Many Thanks for your attention and looking forward hearing from you soon!

  55. Hello,

    This is Girish From India, living & working as freelancer in Shanghai working for a textile/apparel industry with an experience over 15yrs in the said industry & i can take up any working pertaining to follow up orders, production control, online inspections, final inspection before shipment & other kinds of jobs in sourcing, i have been sourcing fabrics for US & UK buyers brands like Gap, Target, American Eagle, Dillards, JC Penny, M&S, Zara, Liz, Ann Taylor,Tommy, A&F, Hollister, Walmart, K-mart, Sears, Polo Ralph, Sean John, Gymboree etc., Also for some south american markets like Mexico, Brazil, Panama, LA, South Aftrica markets etc.,

    If any importers are looking forward for any kind of services in china / india please do contact me over a mail & we can take it up from theier case to case.

  57. im living in vn and as a qa supervisor in garment fty,previous exprerience is a lap test dept technician in polo,hv 15 years in garment fty ,retired aged,just looking a job to enjoy and pass my time as feel that my healty still vry good to spend in the work hour! can handle inline,endline,final inspection,packing dept,inhouse team.ever handle buyer such as gap,jcp,anf,konls,macy,holister,chaming,etc about 10 years station in china,other like fiji,malaysia,cambodia,sililanga,africa,japan,……

    looking forward for all kind of work n contact me in email add- winnieong2002@yahoo.com.sg or winnieong2002@yahoo.com.cn or contact no in vietnam # +84-1234761007

    Thank n hope can hearing from you soon.

  58. very impressive idea.
    I am an Inspector in Shenzhen,many years in this field,just want to be a freelance, so someone need QC partner,pls contact with me ASAP.

  60. Hi Renaud,

    Thanks for the article and ideas. I am an american living in China for 12+ years. Been doing QC and management for US companies for 8 of those years. I now have my own business and visa, but would be interested in part time and freelancing opportunities. I’m in Ningbo, near Shanghai and well familiar with Guangdong as well. Would rather not post my email here, but would be pleased if you want to contact me. Would love to explore opportunity and collaboration with you or any posters here.

  61. David,
    I am going to send you an email. And, if a reader wants to get your contact info, he/she should ask me for it.

  62. Hello Renaud,
    This is Mohammad Saif from India, working & living in China since 2009. I am a Sr. Technical Consultant (QA/QC Inspector) in footwear QA company. Just for a change i want to switch to other company or brand in same filed. Can you give me your thoughts on this on how to move forward to get positive results…

    Many Thanks,
    M Saif

  63. Mohammad,
    I guess you should simply contact China-based buying offices and inspection firms.

  64. American living in Xiamen, Fujian, China is looking for temporary or long-term contract work. No more than a couple days a week. 20 years experience in business and 5 years in the import/export business. Can do inspections, managing inspectors, contract negotiations, QA/QC, etc. Contact me by email if you would like to discuss your needs. Degree in electrical engineering.

    Thanks,

    Dale Widner

  66. I am Having complete knowledge in all Aspects in the field of Garment Manufacturing Covering Gents, Ladies ,Childrens and Denim garments With Hi –Teck Embleshment added Garments in Knits and Woven. also Having Experience in Scarves ,Bandanas, Stoles ,Ponchos and Home Furnishing like Bed Sheets,Pillow Covers,Devits,terry towels etc with all types of Printing, Hand Embrodary ,Machine and Computer Embrodary Sequences .Familair with AQL levels 4 ,2.5 and 1.5 ,experienced in Fty Evaluation, Setting fty as per Buyers Standards required , Sourcing vendors, computer knowledge with Word, Excel ,Outlook Express and Internet.
    I have my own office setup in india (mumbai) i can handle orders from sampling to shipment exp inline mid and final inspections as per buyers standards.

  68. Dear Renaud,

    I am Akaash from Mauritius Island, and i have working experience of over 20 years in Q.A both woven and knitted products. I returned to Mauritius, from Kenya last month, where i was working for a Taiwan company.

    I have worked various companies like ESQ, YGM, Li&Fung in the past. Having settled down in Mauritius and decided to use my experience and contacts, i have decided to launch myself as a freelancer.

    I shall be grateful if you could consider me and provide me your assistance to further develop my business as a freelancer.

    Kind regards,
    Akaash

  70. Hi
    I have been living in China for 5 years doing QC work. I have a number of full time and part time Chinese inspectors, but try and go out the factories as much as possible especially for larger cleints.
    Now I specialize in Candy, Toys, Metalware and Machinery.
    This way I know the problems and can fine tune procedures because I’m out in the field and not at a desk looking at my bank account like most smaller Chinese based QC company bosses do.
    I know the ‘local ways’ around Guangdong and what happens under the tables here and in Ningbo.
    Which is way I go out of my way for the majority of the inspections so I can assess it without this rubbish local ‘my friend la’ traditions.
    I would like more foreigners on board becuase of these problems, but am currently managing with my hand picked Chinese ones.

    Please note, corruption is everywhere here and I hate it, it can destory your company reputation in a blink of an eye. Even the much larger QC companies have these issues everyday with their inspectors.
    Now clients request me for sensitive orders, sometimes I go out 6 hours away for an inspection, but it doesnt bother me I love what I do and have kept my morals and principals in place.

    For any buyers out there, please respect inspectors and they deserve as the honest ones really do a good job.

  72. Hi jason, and others…

    Good to see your post, I am currently living in Guangzhou and have done some inspections last year in Guandong and Xiamen for the importer I worked for last year.

    On the moment I am starting for myself doing free lance inspections and connecting supplier with buyer to do some commission work.

    If anybody is interested in sending me on inspection, or anybody is interested in teach me more about inspections please contact me!

    ninitradenl@gmail.com

    Kind Regards,

    Niels

  73. My husband is an Australian and living in China. We are not going to go back to Australian in next 10 years, as I am working in university and our son is only 6 year old. I am looking for a QC job for him. We are live in Jiangsu province near Shanghai. Any information would be appreciated.

  75. Hi Renaud,
    We are living in Xiamen with our kids for the past year. We are currently studying Mandarin at Uni and looking for job opportunities. We both have our own businesses back home and wholly understand the meaning of quality and what it can do for your business. We notice that many products in the shops in China is of such a poor quality. To buy from China without someone this end to QC the product is a hugely risky business. We are new to the field and willing to be trained, should anyone want to hire us for the job. If so, perhaps you could pass on our email.
    Many thanks!

  76. Thanks Wendy.
    If anyone wants to reach Wendy: leave a comment, ask for her email address, and I’ll send it to you by email.

  77. Dear Renaud,

    Thanks for your artile, I am in shenzhen city, Guangdong province. With 8 years QC experience in a french company.

    Here is detail service I can provide:

    Part-time inspection service at Shenzhen&Dongguan
    Product range:
    (Network products, Hi-Fi Speaker、Plastic products、books、Figurine，
    electro-plate products and so on)
    　　
    Advantage
    1.8 years experience for export goods inspection.
    2.Always trust: honest is the best policy.
    3.Customer is all.
    4.Cost down your travelling cost.
    5.Send english inspection report with detail pictures and professional inspection check
    list

    Price：
    Shenzhen: 400RMB/MAN/DAY Dongguan: 500RMB/MAN/DAY
    Above cost not include the travelling cost.
    Hotel: (if need)260RMB/night　

    Contact
    Name: Mike Email: 1452582784@qq.com skype: Mike-inspection
    QQ: 1452582784

    Payment：After receiving the inspection report, you can arrange the
    payment to my personal bank account with 48hours

  78. dear sirs.

    i’m a shoe technical designer, with more than 20 years experience for all steps of the shoes,
    last patterns, developments, stitching assembling and finishing.

    I would like to find a part time job for something relative to my work skills.
    work place at moment  Wenzhou.
    Willing to relocate.

    paulo-o.h@hotmail.com

  80. I am working in China as QC engineer.I am also working as third part inspector for steel pipes in China.

    If anyone interested for steel pipe inspections please contact me with [erased by moderator].

  81. I am a highly experienced Global Quality Assurance & Ethical Sourcing manager for the last 20 years
    (Canadian born /having worked globally for American companies) I train
    new staff every year. Anyone interested in getting training experience
    can contact me. vkustec@hotmail.com

  83. I have been in the field of inspection for 21 years, inspecting Electrical and Electronics product: House hold appliances, medical equipments, hand and power tools; fitness equipments; sundry/cutlery products; and garments.

    Inspects goods for European, American, and Asian markets.

    I also had the opportunity and experience in traveling nearly all provinces and various cities of China.

    Having the knowledge, various experiences and developed the ability to handle difficult situations in the field of quality system.
    If you need pre-shipment inspection, in-line inspection, loading inspection please contact me. rca_1996@yahoo.com

  84. Dear, I am in Shanghai. I have 28 years apparels and textile experienced.
    Please find my cv in linkedin. Any Garment Technical and quality field need, please contact me mongra@hotmail.com Best regards, Ratree Bowes

  85. I am working in China as QC engineer.I am also working as third part inspector for steel pipes,pressure vessel.house appliance products in China.
    If anyone interested for my service please contact me on dkokre@yahoo.com