On our latest sourcing trip in China, we noticed significant changes in the cities and factories we visited. What’s different? Kevin Carmichael sums it up, saying “China, the world’s second-biggest economy, still is consuming a lot of the world’s goods and services, but not at the breakneck pace of a couple of years ago.”

This means, for companies sourcing in China, higher prices and longer waits to get products on the shelves. The experts at Bagco Asia have navigated the sourcing process in China for over 20 years and have a few tips for those looking east to source the hottest products.

1.    Ensure you have enough lead-time for your order.
•    It’s a fact: Chinese factory workers can go on strike. Big brands like Nike and IBM are experiencing this now. Speak with your sourcing partner and ask them about realistic manufacturing timelines based on your needs. A good partner will find solutions, but be willing to make compromises if you have a drop-dead date.
2.    Be prepared for higher pricing on some products.
•    More factories are being audited for safety standards and ethical working conditions. With that oversight come better quality products and a happier workforce, but at a financial cost. As the economy in China grows, it will also expect for greater profits to contribute to its economy. As with anything, you get what you pay for.
3.    Communicate clearly with your manufacturer.
•    As noted above, speak with your sourcing partner on your expectations for production quality, budget and timeline. Listen to their advice and ask for tips on how to achieve the best results on your order, based on their relationship with the factories. Business in China is built on these relationships and you will reap the reward if you all speak the same language from day one.

For more tips, follow Bagco Asia on twitter: @bagcoasia.

See what’s new from Bagco Asia today: http://bit.ly/OIDkmS.

About Bagco Asia
Since 2005, Bagco Asia has built a first-class reputation for its delivery of bespoke premium bags and conference items for a range of end users around the world.
Headq¬uartered in Hong Kong, Bagco Asia is perfectly positioned to bring customers the best products with the most reliable service in the region. We source top-quality, trendsetting items that have been manufactured with standards in mind.

Published on: June 19th, 2014