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Thread: China Imports for Dummies - Finding a Supplier

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    Full Member yuemax's Avatar
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    China Imports for Dummies - Finding a Supplier

    Hi all,

    This will be the first of a number of articles that I will post regarding doing business in China... As some of you know, I have been living and working in China/HK for about five years, and originally from KZN.

    How to find a reputable Chinese supplier?
    There are three main trade shows in HK/China, generally April and October:
    1. Global Sources, near HK airport
    2. HKTDC, in WanChai
    3. Canton Fair in GuangZhou

    Typically, the exhibitors will have a squeaky clean stand, with a bunch of girls with fair english skills. They will push for a deal to be agreed on at the show, with cost incentive.

    DO NOT MAKE ANY AGREEMENTS AT THE SHOW!!!

    If you feel that you have found a preferred supplier, try arrange to visit the factory. If you do visit the factory, be sensitive to the management - you will need their cooperation later, if any problems arise. Do not let them loose face at any time. It's a real challenge to understand the Chinese mentality - even for me after 5 years living here!

    Next, if you wish to proceed with a vendor, arrange for a Factory Audit (shameless punt, my company! www.TopInspection.com ). This accomplishes two things: 1. it gives you a good overview of the manufacturing capabilities of the factory, and, 2. it sends a clear message to the factory that you are doing serious due diligence, and that you care about quality.

    In my next post, I will go into Initial Production Inspections, and Incoming QC procedures.

    Cheers,
    Max

  2. Thank given for this post:

    AndyD (09-Sep-11), Dave A (09-Sep-11), kahoel117 (09-Sep-11), zunaid (14-Sep-11)

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    Full Member kahoel117's Avatar
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    good to know this information.
    i'm currently importing some goods from china, through alibaba. sometimes have to be carefull and one dont have a sample and buying a sample item to try is expensive.
    cant wait for your next posts

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    Bronze Member robinsonwang's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kahoel117 View Post
    good to know this information.
    i'm currently importing some goods from china, through alibaba. sometimes have to be carefull and one dont have a sample and buying a sample item to try is expensive.
    cant wait for your next posts
    The right person to work with is the most important thing!

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    I have an excellent friend of mine that deals with logistics and clearing etc... if anyone needs the help... he has been in business now for over 20 years.

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    yuemax (09-Sep-11)

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    Full Member yuemax's Avatar
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    Hi Kahoel117,

    Before placing an order, there are two critical steps regarding the product itself:

    1. VERY detailed specification document - depending on the nature of the product, the order volume, and risk, you may need to develop a detailed BoM - in English and Chinese (shameless punt: if you need translation services, PM me!).
    2. Sample, and Pre-Production Samples - again, depending on the nature of the sample, and your potential order volume, that cost should not be too big, and you could negotiate for the sample fees to be deducted from the purchase order invoice amount.

    Again, the need for on-the-ground QC is critical so as to achieve product conformity.

    Cheers,
    Max

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    Full Member yuemax's Avatar
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    I have an excellent friend of mine that deals with logistics and clearing etc... if anyone needs the help... he has been in business now for over 20 years.
    I'd like to speak to this friend of yours, as there is synergy between logistics, and the QC work that I am doing here in China - especially if they are from SA, as I look after a number of key accounts here and may also be able to push some business his way.

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    Full Member yuemax's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by robinsonwang View Post
    The right person to work with is the most important thing!
    Yes - absolutely - the only problem is that things in China can change so quickly.

    About three years ago, there were a few changes in the bank lending policies in the Pearl River Delta - a lot of reputable factories went belly-up within the space of a few weeks... I know a bunch of foreign investors bought some of these factories at a fraction of their value, and opened shop again. Things move so fast here...

    你真的在南非吗?

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    Full Member shani's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by robinsonwang View Post
    The right person to work with is the most important thing!
    Yes ,The working attitude of the person is very important.
    http://yihaolamp.com
    professional in indoor lamps manufacture

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    Full Member shani's Avatar
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    Hi Max.
    Glad to hear that you have stay in China five years. I am a Chinese.
    Wish you are happy everyday.

    Cheers,

    Shani
    http://yihaolamp.com
    professional in indoor lamps manufacture

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    Full Member kahoel117's Avatar
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    i want to import some electronics/networking equipment from china. especially from huawei and zte. is there a way to buy from them directly ? thus cutting out the middleman.

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