Archive of Category: Quality Control
February 19, 2026
If you are sourcing products from China, the Alibaba ecosystem is almost impossible to avoid. However, many buyers unknowingly conflate very different platforms under the “Alibaba” name, leading to sourcing mistakes, misaligned expectations, and unnecessary risk. Alibaba Group operates dozens of platforms, but only two are directly relevant to international...
January 29, 2026
There are many delays that can occur when sourcing from China, especially when companies buy direct from China, but most can be avoided or minimized with the right preparation. Below are a few tips that can reduce the risk of delay and mitigate its damage when it occurs: Place orders...
January 22, 2026
Experienced importers with deep knowledge of China and its culture are able to realize savings and increase their revenue. But not all importers have that background. We previously covered this topic in the blog series “Are You Leaving Money on the Table?” In that blog, we explored what happens when...
January 10, 2026
In Episode 6 of CPG’s podcast, The Supply Chain of Thought, CPG CEO Michael De Clercq and Business Director Laura Dow continue their walkthrough of An Advanced Guide to China Sourcing and Procurement, the upcoming e-book written by the CPG Sourcing team. In Episode 5, we introduced why we wrote...
January 8, 2026
Background Getting a foothold in a burgeoning market can be daunting. Every decision can make or break your venture, and managing this process while sourcing in China without the right China sourcing services only compounds the challenge. As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns began to dominate the business marketplace,...
December 17, 2025
Is There a Difference Between “Made in China” and “Made in PRC”? If you source products from Chinese manufacturers, you may encounter labels that say “Made in PRC.” At first glance, this can appear different from the more familiar “Made in China.” For global importers, the real question is not...
December 11, 2025
For those new to China sourcing, some of the lingo can seem confusing. In this blog, we’ll summarize the top 10 terms most commonly used in supply chain management that all importers should know. Glossary of Sourcing Terms: 1. Blanket Order: This is a purchase order in which the...
December 8, 2025
Managing the China supply chain has become more challenging than ever given recent global events, even if you have your own employees working in China. Background One company, a chemical manufacturer, had two full-time sourcing employees in China. They were well paid, competent, well versed with the industry and its...
