Freightos just released a pretty comprehensive guide for importers. I was invited to write a chapter, and some other service providers and software vendors were invited to, depending on their experiences. It was written mainly for the … [Read more...]
How the Kingfisher Group is Re-organizing Sourcing Operations To Cut Costs
Last week I was invited to speak at the Sourcing Shift conference in Hong Kong. And the first two speakers described a very interesting case study: how the Kingfisher group (owner of retail chains such as B&Q, Castorama...) is … [Read more...]
Fabric Suppliers & Dyeing Houses in China: a Source of Headaches!
Many fabric mills have closed, as part of Beijing's anti-pollution inspections: Some of them were operating a dying and/or printing process without a license Some had a license but were found noncompliant with the current … [Read more...]
5 Ways To Have a Chinese Manufacturer Take Responsibility for Quality Issues
Many importers lament that Chinese suppliers don't take any responsibility when quality issues are found after shipment. Ten years ago, I would have confirmed that it happens less than 0.1% of the time. These days, it seems to become more … [Read more...]
Sourcing From China 101: The 15-Part Guide for New Buyers
I have recently published the 15-part 'Sourcing From China 101' series for new buyers who are starting to work with Chinese suppliers (and for more experienced people who want to double-check whether they are working in a smart way). The … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 11: Build A Good rapport with Suppliers
Up until now, I have written lessons about “hard” issues: screening suppliers, writing specifications, negotiating the right terms, and inspecting quality. But I feel I should take a moment and focus on “soft” issues, and in particular, … [Read more...]
How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 1: Be Prepared for Many Chinese Factory Closures This Coming CNY
It is coming again. Chinese New Year (CNY for short). All Chinese manufacturers will close sometime in early February and re-open slowly toward the end of the month. The more they rely on migrant labor, the longer the break (on … [Read more...]
How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 2: Still Hoping Your Manufacturer meets Your Quality Standard?
Are you frustrated because a Chinese manufacturer has proven unable to meet your quality standard? Do they keep making promises of imminent improvement? And are you seeing no improvement? So typical. I have had several discussions … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 8: Project Management of Your Orders
One recurring theme in this course is that you should not rely on the supplier’s salespeople. Most of them would have been hired solely on the basis of their English skills. They are interpreters with very little technical knowledge, and … [Read more...]
How To Cooperate With Your Chinese Supplier, Part 3: 4 Habits of Your Chinese Suppliers You’ll Have to Get Used To
Expats living in China tend to be bothered by many aspects of the local culture. Here are a few common questions I was asked many times: How can they be so self-centered and so unaware of what happens around them when they drive, walk, … [Read more...]
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