I see a lot of small companies buying in China without a purchase order (PO). They simply accept the pro-forma invoice from the supplier. I think this is dangerous. It shouts "inexperienced buyer" to the supplier. But that's not the main … [Read more...]
Is your China factory’s quality standard too low?
Do you work with a factory in China, and wish their quality standard were a bit higher? You are not alone. Here are six pieces of advice you can follow in this case. 1. Say it, and write it, to your factory If you don't communicate … [Read more...]
Tough negotiations of payment terms with Chinese suppliers
Many purchasers are unfamiliar with what is commonly negotiated by other buyers in China, and this is especially true when it comes to payment terms. Some suppliers take advantage of it by requesting terms that are very favorable to … [Read more...]
Translations for communication in China
Here is one more list of Chinese translations. The last ones were: Useful Chinese translations for buyers going to factories Chinese translations for quality control As usual, left column is English, middle column is spoken … [Read more...]
5 ways to avoid being copied in China
I was reading a book this weekend, and it includes the following paragraph: I studied economics in Beijing for six months and observed firsthand how the latest Nike sneaker or Callaway golf club could be duplicated and on eBay within a … [Read more...]
Creating a factory in China to replace your suppliers
One of my clients has had trouble getting good products from China for many years. He is the perfect example of what I call the "small buyer’s dilemma". He recently asked me what I thought about his opening a small factory in Guangdong … [Read more...]
Managing conflicts with your Chinese suppliers
Andrew Hupert, a consultant who helps Western companies in their negotiations with Chinese counter-parties, just published The Fragile Bridge: Conflict Management in Chinese Business (this link direct you to the Amazon page of the Kindle … [Read more...]
How communication gets distorted in Chinese factories
Have you ever wondered why one of your suppliers promised you that something would get done, and then it never got done? I bet every experienced importer has dozens of similar stories. But, most of the time, it is due to lack of … [Read more...]
Useful Chinese translations for buyers going to factories
I know a few buyers who have learned a few words of Chinese. If they come often enough, they can pick up new words every time. Here are 38 simple words and expressions that are often used, and that can help you get understood when you … [Read more...]
Financial best practices to optimize your sourcing [video]
Here is my second favorite video from the "Made in Asia" seminar organized by the French Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. This panel entitled "Financial best practices to optimize your sourcing". It will be of interest to midsize and … [Read more...]
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