People sometimes ask if hiring a sourcing agent in China is necessary for businesses that want to start buying products there. While it is an option, there are pros and cons which we'll outline. We also give you other options, who they're … [Read more...]
How Alibaba Helps Trading Companies Look like Manufacturers
Alibaba's business managers are looking for ways to get more money. That's understandable. But I think the way they achieve their objectives is downright shameful and need to be called out. … [Read more...]
China Sourcing: Does Your Sales Contact Really Work At The Factory?
When I meet someone who has recently started working with Chinese companies, I often urge them not to make any assumptions. One of the most common 'discoveries' buyers make is... that they haven't been working with a factory directly … [Read more...]
Why Your Ground Agent in China is NOT Helping Cut Costs
From time to time, I hear from a company that works with a ground agent in China, and they basically tell me two things: The agent did a relatively good job lining up suppliers, communicating requirements, and generally ironing out … [Read more...]
Why First-Time Buyers Fall for Trading Companies in China
Let's say you are looking for a supplier in China to make your innovative product. You know that traditional sourcing agents are not the solution -- they simply don't have the ability to assist you with design reviews, engineering work, … [Read more...]
Sourcing from China 101, Part 1: Do You Need a Sourcing Agent?
A few years ago I wrote a 15-part course that was sent automatically, lesson by lesson, to interested readers. These days, such autoresponders are a thing of the past and we will switch to something different. But, rather than ditching … [Read more...]
Chinese trading companies and their dirty little secrets
Before you read this post, I have to emphasize that some Chinese trading companies here--including Hong Kong--truly create value for their customers. What I wrote below does not apply to all intermediaries. But I observed it so many … [Read more...]