QualityInspection.org

Quality Assurance, Product Development, and Purchasing Strategies in China

Which Communication Mediums For Dealing With Chinese Suppliers?

by

What are the different mediums importers might use to communicate with their Chinese suppliers? Select the wrong one and you'll find it more difficult to control your project, manage your suppliers, and get the outcomes that you expect...so even if, WeChat instant messages seem like an easy way to communicate, for example, after reading this you may think again before you fire off your next message there. It may seem harmless to communicate in whatever way seems easiest, but it can lead to … [Read more...]

Why and How to Control your Supplier’s Costs? [Podcast]

by

In this episode… We conclude the mini-series we've been doing where Renaud provides you with the advice you need to source from China yourself.  We've covered the entire process from finding great suppliers, negotiating, manufacturing, communication, relationship-building, improving quality, and, now, controlling their costs. If your supplier's costs increase, the price you pay will surely follow, but, if you're in a position where they'll take your suggestions, there are some easy wins that … [Read more...]

Stop Unauthorized Subcontracting In Its Tracks [Podcast]

by

In this episode… Renaud is back with Adrian to discuss the risks of unauthorized subcontracting. Does it make sense for a manufacturer you don't know to make your products? Well, it could be happening if you're unlucky. Let's look at why it might, the risks you face, and some tips to reduce the risks here. Just hit the play button to start listening..! Listen to the episode right here 👇👇👇 🎧 How to Reduce The Risk Of Unauthorized Subcontracting? 🎧   Show Sections 00:00 - … [Read more...]

How To Build Relationships With Suppliers? [Podcast]

by

In this episode… In this series of episodes, we’re exploring how to do your own sourcing from China, from finding suppliers for your products to getting them made. Today, how to build relationships with suppliers! It includes hard skills, that we’ve already covered in episodes 1 to 4, such as identifying suppliers, negotiating terms and describing your specifications, how to manage projects, and how to check product quality. Click here to listen to those earlier episodes. However, … [Read more...]

How To Keep Your China Factories’ Identities Secret

by

Last week I wrote How To Push a Chinese or Vietnamese Supplier for Supply Chain Transparency. And, of course, pushing suppliers for transparency is hard: In the vast majority of cases, Chinese suppliers (and, to a lesser extent, those in Vietnam, too) do NOT want to disclose that supply chain information, mainly for 2 reasons: If the buyer can see the cost of the full bill of material, it becomes much easier to challenge the final price. In many cases, the final assembly … [Read more...]

Sourcing from China (Part 2): Negotiating terms, leverage over suppliers, and describing your needs. [Podcast]

by

In this episode... In episode 65 we discussed the different supplier options open to buyers who’re sourcing from China. One of the options is to do the sourcing yourself. Many importers want to pursue this, so we're creating a mini-series of episodes that explores how to handle the sourcing process from China yourself with tips and best practices from Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran. In part 1 of the series (episode 69), we looked at the early stage of sourcing where you find your potential … [Read more...]

A Few Tips To Avoid Quality Fade in China

by

When Paul Midler wrote ‘Quality Fade’: China’s Great Business Challenge in 2007, I remember it struck a nerve and that article was widely quoted. And, nearly 14 years later, the term 'quality fade' is rather well known among importers. As Midler described it: One of the problems facing China is that manufacturers continue to engage in a practice I call “quality fade.” This is the deliberate and secret habit of widening profit margins through a reduction in the quality of materials. Importers … [Read more...]

Strategies For Reducing Lead Times From Suppliers In China [Podcast]

by

In This Episode… We discuss reducing lead times from suppliers in China or other countries in Asia like Vietnam. Lead times are the time you can expect the process of getting your order from a supplier to take, from placing the purchase order, for the supplier to obtain and check materials, manufacture the goods, and then ship them to you. There are many separate elements involved here on the supply chain and manufacturing sides and so plenty of opportunities to make improvements and reduce … [Read more...]

Exploring Product Development Agreements For Importers [Podcast]

by

In This Episode... We explore product development agreements that clarify your expectations, protect your IP, keep leverage over your supplier, provide you with transparency and control over your supply chain, and make it 100% clear who is responsible for what when working with a supplier on developing a new product that is going to be manufactured in China or other Asian countries.   Just hit the play button to start listening..! Listen to the episode right here 👇👇👇 🎧 Deep … [Read more...]

Importer’s ‘Supply Chain Spring Clean’ Checklist To Find Risks & Opportunities [Podcast]

by

Got some time on your hands during Chinese New Year while your suppliers are on holiday? In this bumper 43 minute Chinese New Year episode to keep you entertained during the holiday, Renaud & Adrian discuss tasks importers can perform to spring clean their supply chains during the CNY holiday when you might have a little extra time on your hands. The point of this episode is to provoke some thought and help you to face some of the more difficult questions and tasks that often get put … [Read more...]