First of all: please excuse us for not updating the site recently. We decided it needed a make-over but we got stuck in trying to make up our mind about what to do. To make a long story short: we look forward to picking things up soon! In the meantime Klaus-Dieter Hanke came up with an excellent service for those who are looking for Professional Help Importing China Products, and he asked us if we wanted to share it with our visitors. Because we believe exchanging information between our two target audiences might spell success, we sincerely hope you will benefit from this affiliate style plug. Take a minute to read the pitch, and be sure to let us know what you think of the Member Community if you decide to join!

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By Renaud Anjoran

Last month, on China Success Stories, I explained how importers can reduce quality risks with a better organization. I got an interesting comment pointing that practices that work in other countries should be adapted when it comes to buying in China. My opinion is that importers should put in place a stronger quality assurance system for their China procurement, but not necessarily different.

First, why is it necessary to have a strong QA system when sourcing in China?

1. Very high risk of miscommunication between buyer and supplier, and all the way to operators on the factory floor. Buyers should repeatedly ask for feedback and samples.
2. Poor (or nonexistent) quality systems in many Chinese factories, where widespread defects can go unnoticed until shipment. Buyers are advised to send inspectors to confirm whether production is up to their standard. Read the rest of “The Importance of a Strong QA System When Buying in China” or post a comment

Price negotiation is one of the most tricky parts in international sourcing. But meanwhile it isn’t that difficult if you do enough homework, research and follow some basic principles.

Some misconceptions:
I have visited China, people seem to bargain for everything, oftentimes we can cut down the price from 100RMB/pc to 10RMB/pc, so it is really hard to figure…

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By Seth Berman

Easy to follow quality control guidelines for people purchasing from Chinese manufacturers.

Ok, so quality control is never easy. But, there are some basic guidelines that, if you follow them like the law, will make your life a lot easier. Most large companies outsourcing with Chinese suppliers have systems in place, and I’ve found them all to be remarkably similar. These concepts go beyond home furnishings, as I’ve seen them applied in the shoe, garment, and electronic industries. Below is a basic summary of the key elements.

Create Master Standards

Master Standards are items which the factory, your company, and anybody looking for details on a product should refer to.

Written Orders and Specification Sheets: The written order is the bible. Make sure you have a very detailed spec sheet for every product. Take the time to create a form for your company that is submitted with every order, so the supplier knows exactly the specs you require. Read the rest of “Quality Control in China: 5 Basic Steps” or post a comment

Follow up well afterwards

According to our experience, most of the exhibitors and visitors will not actively follow up after the exhibition, maybe because they are busy with catching up with other work postponed due to the trip. Even though you prepare very well before the exhibition and have a wonderful discussion with the right suppliers, the trip will be wasted if you do not…

Read the rest of  “Achieve Good Results From Sourcing Exhibitions in China – Part 5” or post a comment >>