In this second Client Spotlight (read the first here), we introduce the Portland-based company Happy Products Inc. (HPI), whose signature product, The Flippy, has made reading, whether it is on tablets or books, comfier and cozier around the world. This young company’s dramatic growth—they now sell on QVC, HSN,...
American made vs China bought has been a hot topic as of late. With the recent political climate, the trade war and tariffs, more and more importers are looking to move their supply chains home. But is that really in their best interests? We came across an interesting analysis by...
To successfully import from China, travel to the country is essential. Even with the most experienced team on the ground, at least one trip is crucial for numerous reasons: revealing the complexities of China importing, meeting your suppliers face-to-face, forging trusting partnerships, understanding the myriad cultural differences that impact all...
By now, the need to wear a mask might seem like old news. However, as wearing a mask is part of our "new normal," it might be easy to forget the importance of using a good quality and the right kind of mask, especially in high-risk environments. The Market Sourcing...
For most Americans and Europeans, it’s never been fun to wear masks – unless, of course, you’re in New Orleans during Mardi Gras or at a carnival – or if you are robbing a bank. Despite this cultural bias, masks make sense during the current pandemic: they work. For example,...
China began the New Year with an unusually quiet Spring Festival, one that included staying at home, not traveling, and abstaining from the all-important and traditional family visits and the parties. A virus had emerged, and it had rapidly grown into an epidemic. As it spread throughout the country, social...
The COVID-19 outbreak was first identified at the end of January 2020. Conditions in China are now gradually improving as a result of the country’s vigorous containment efforts. What is it like to manage a supply chain under these circumstances? How does one mitigate risks that no-one had predicted? To...
“Social distancing” is making an impact on all businesses across the country. This change in behavior is another major disruption caused by Covid-19. How else is the virus affecting YOUR business? More to the point: are smaller importers affected the same way as larger corporations are? Last week, we reviewed...