Archive of Category: Sourcing Tips
September 24, 2012
Quality fade is a supplier’s behavior of progressively degrading the quality of the products to earn more profits. When a factory voluntarily participates in quality fade, disputes may arise between the buyer and the supplier, which can ultimately lead to early termination of agreements. Quality fade is not an unknown...
September 17, 2012
Typically, as soon as a purchase order is signed with a factory, an important next step is to engage in order follow ups. This is to ensure that your suppliers are in line to produce the correct product, level of quality, special requests, shipment dates, etc. However, there can be...
September 10, 2012
When working through a proper sourcing process, one important step to understand is dealing with a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This is a standard business process that allows suppliers to place bids on specific products or services. Here are 3 great tips to a get the quotes you are looking...
August 29, 2012
In China, it can be difficult to find suppliers who pay as close attention to quality as you do. Often as a new client of a supplier, the quality of your first order (or first few) is satisfactory. But as orders and money come through regularly, suppliers become lax with...
August 22, 2012
China continues to make changes year after year by continually adapting to the international market. Sourcing from China can be a fantastic way to improve your business, but it certainly is not easy. There are countless scenarios where a supplier can end up disappointing a buyer, many of which I...
June 7, 2012
What is ErP? ErP stands for “Energy-related Products” and is a classification primarily used by the European Union. US government run Export.gov describes these products as ones “which indirectly impact energy consumption, such as windows and faucets among others [and] are also relevant for purposes of efficiency”. It is used...
May 31, 2012
Silver can be an ideal material for use in jewelry. It tends to be safer than many other metals. In addition, silver has been known to have anti-microbial properties good for removing bacteria and odors. However, if you intend to have a product mass-produced using silver be aware that there...
May 25, 2012
With the onset of the Internet and its ability to connect people from all over the world, it is becoming easier and easier for you to find a manufacturer for your product. China in particular has become a major beneficiary of this growth. With tools such as Alibaba or Global...