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Let's face it, inspection companies really justify their fees when they notice and signal quality problems. If there is never a problem, no need to send inspectors. So, what to do when an inspection report shows an issue, and the buyer … [Read more...]

In my last post (Relationships with Chinese suppliers: be clean!), I suggested that importers keep their distances with their Chinese suppliers. Do not let them think business can be conducted the "local" way, and they will take your … [Read more...]

If Clint Eastwood worked with importers, he might say this: You see in this world there's two kinds of buyers, my friend. Those who are clean, and those who need to ask favors from their suppliers. What I call the "clean" buyers have the … [Read more...]

These days I have a booth on the Electronics & Components trade show in Hong Kong. To my surprise, several manufacturers came to see me and asked for information. They took brochures and namecards, and told me they would refer us to … [Read more...]

The question of who buys the materials has implications on the supplier behavior, on quality control, and on the risks incurred by the buyer. Yet it is rarely given much thought by importers who buy from China or other Asian … [Read more...]

Back when I was purchasing from Chinese suppliers, I was regularly frustrated by what seemed like irrational behaviors. I was wondering if some suppliers were just plain crazy, if they were incapable of consistency, or if they were faking … [Read more...]

Have Chinese companies screwed some foreigners? Yes, it happens, and not only in international trade. For examples, it seems like most joint-venture deals have performed poorly because the Chinese partner took advantage of the … [Read more...]

I got an interesting email this morning from a reader from India, working on some kind of thesis for her professional training program: I want to know more about how delays and re-inspection affects delivery dates and how can it be … [Read more...]