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

It is no secret that protecting intellectual property rights (‘IPR’) and maintaining good product quality in China is a challenge. Recent media coverage of controversies like tainted cough syrup, toxic pet food and lead poisoned toys has raised general concern about the Chinese legal system and its apparent inability to reduce problems with piracy and the maintenance of product quality. These recent controversies and the ever-present problem of…

Read the rest of “Changing Attitudes to IP and Product Quality Issues in China – Part 1” or post a comment >>

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

By Andrew Reich

Poor quality product from China continues to be a major issue for both importers and factories. As a buyer, you can protect yourself and also educate your clients with some simple on-line research on product safety and performance standards. With the right documentation you can then clearly communicate these standards to your Chinese factory, and this way often prevent a major QC lapse.

The first step in this process is identifying standards for your product. Below are 5 strategies to achieve this:

1. Consumer Products Safety Commission Website (CPSC) – This site is the main source for USA product standards. Visit them and use the search feature to search your product type and related terms.
2. Consult with a 3rd party quality company/consultant – For a relatively low fee you can request that such a company provide you a full product testing and requirement standard page which will provide a lot of clarity. Read the rest of “How to Find Product Safety Standards and Communicate them to your Chinese Factory?” or post a comment

By Renaud Anjoran

Importers often find themselves in an uncomfortable situation. They are legally and financially responsible for what they let their suppliers ship. But their tight margins often cannot support audits of each factory and quality inspections at every stage of every production run. So, what should they do? Of course, quality control is usually a necessity for importers. But the fastest way to decrease sourcing risks lies in a better organization, on the importer’s side. In this article I am sharing 7 tips that can immediately be adopted by buyers for their Chinese procurement, at no extra cost.

1. Product specifications sheet

Most importers don’t take the pain to define their expectations. The factory starts developing prototypes based on a sketchy description or a sample; some changes are made along the way, but there is no master document listing all the requirements. Clearly listing all the specifications of the product, and then keeping this list up to date, is not complex—it only demands some organization. Read the rest of “China Production: Reduce Your Quality Risks Without Paying More” or post a comment