The complexity of purchasing in China requires more than just a contact list; it requires an operational partner. While China remains the "World’s Factory," the hurdle for most buyers isn't finding a supplier; it's finding a reliable one that offers transparency and long-term stability. For businesses aiming for cost-effectiveness, professional...
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...
When tariff headlines fade, many importers breathe a sigh of relief and move on, but that reaction is increasingly expensive for those handling China sourcing services. Recent tariff threats tied to U.S.–Greenland negotiations offer a useful case study, not because of whether the tariffs ultimately happened (or will happen), but...
Chinese wholesale markets are a great tool for anyone looking to experiment with importing goods for their small business. In this guide, we will cover wholesale markets in China, important tips on dealing with wholesale suppliers, and how a China sourcing agency can help streamline the process of sourcing and...
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...
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...
You often hear that “business is about people” and you know full well that having good people is the key to China supply chain management. The question is how do you find good people? How do you manage them? One tantalizing option that exists today but was not available only...
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...