I have worked in the garment industry since 2005. Over the last couple of years, I started to help purchasers of other products (from tools to furniture and electronics), and I realized the "right way to go" was different. I am also a … [Read more...]
What to do after receiving bad quality products from China?
From time to time, a reader who has received unacceptable products asks me how they can force a Chinese supplier to refund an order. My response is usually "forget it, and do things right on your next order (make sure you read about best … [Read more...]
Checklist for importers in China and low-cost Asia
Let's say you have done your homework, and you have decided that you should source from China/Vietnam/an other emerging Asian country. Now, what are the steps? Is there something you really don't want to forget? I got this question … [Read more...]
Hands-off buyers: accepting the risks of importing
To summarize grossly, two types of importers source products from China and low-cost Asian countries: "Hands-off buyers", who are not in a position to invest much time with each of their suppliers. "Hands-on buyers", who need to focus … [Read more...]
Is it the end of China’s low-cost production?
Yesterday I wrote about orders that were canceled by importers because of escalating costs in China. But does it mean other Asian countries such as Vietnam or India will become the lowest-cost producers? The China Sourcing Information … [Read more...]
When will cheap manufacturing leave China?
Several factors are pushing the prices of made-in-China products up: the rise of the RMB against the US dollar, the factory labor shortage (because of demographic changes but also of alternative options for young workers), and the increases … [Read more...]
The 5 advantages of shipping smaller quantities
I used to work for an importer who had a rule to ALWAYS importer full containers from China and Vietnam. One order was one container. He was in the fashion business, so there was no reorder for most references. Only one-shots. Either they … [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...]
A guide for successful production in China
Dan Harris, from the China Law Blog, just published the text of a speech he gave about outsourcing issues in emerging markets (including China, Vietnam, India...). It is FULL of insights for importers. I think it makes for an excellent … [Read more...]
Rising costs: where is the next China?
Josh Green, the CEO of Panjiva, came up with a thoughtful article entitled Spread The Word: There Isn't A ‘Next China’. Manufacturing products in China is going to get more expensive over time. For many importers who survive with a 5% or a … [Read more...]