Archive of Category: Sourcing Management

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The Social-Distancing Dilemma: Quality Assurance

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We first heard of the pandemic when it hit China back in January 2020.  It was immediately clear that it would have a big impact on supply chain management.   Ensuring responsible working conditions that met safety regulations and prevented contagion was not going to be easy. Many importers turned...

Client Spotlight: Happy Products Inc.

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  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,...

US Made vs. China Buy

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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...

The China Supply Chain & Covid19 Travel Restrictions

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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...

Sourcing from China: The Three Essentials

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Importers sourcing from China do so because they are looking for ways to save.  They want to outsmart the competition and get their product to market at an unbeatable price.  More than just sourcing a product at the right cost, this kind of success means getting the details right. We’ve...

Sourcing Masks From China: Certifications, Customs & Lead Times

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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...

China Sourcing Alternatives: Is it time to move?

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Given the current climate surrounding China, various factors have caused importers to ask if China is still the right choice for their supply chain. Uncertainty due to tariffs/Trade war, rising labor costs and COVID-19 have sparked a lot of concerns. Is it time to search for China sourcing alternatives? And...

Sourcing Masks From China: An Update

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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,...

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