Finding Manufacturing Partners, Keeping It SIMPLE and SAFE

Finding manufacturing partners, keeping it SIMPLE and SAFE

How to protect my IP Rights?

Register your intellectual property right(s) (IP rights) under your country's law. You can protect your Logo(s) and Slogan(s) under the Chinese Anti Unfair Competition Law. Try to register your IPR(s) in China as well. Small and medium enterprises should therefore always use written agreements addressing the issues surrounding know-how, trademarks, IPR, non-competition and confidentiality.

How to make sure my supplier is an authorized reseller?

Contact the owner of the brand to confirm if they are an authorized reseller.

How to protect trade secrets and processes?

When outsourcing manufacturers you may consider separating your designs, ideas and know-how amongst various manufacturers to ensure that no one manufacturer is able to steal your trade secrets and know-how. This works like a puzzle, distributing each single piece to another location to eliminate the chances of putting the pieces all together.

How to assure product quality?

Sometimes a buyer may receive poor quality products after payment has been made, but the supplier refuses to compensate the importer or does not even respond to complaints. Sometimes a supplier may send high quality samples to the buyer but the quality of the real end product is very poor. In order to avoid poor quality, you should undertake quality and inspection before ordering, during the production process and just before the shipment leaves.

What precautions should I take before making the ­final payment?

You should use the services of a credit institution that checks the background of manufacturers before you make your final payment. Always remember: No final payments unless you are certain you will receive the goods.

What has to be done if the suppliers do not deliver goods?

When failed in communicating with the supplier, keep a record of contact emails, payment bills and other valid documents to report the case to the police and also voice a complaint to local trade committee or department of commerce.

When should I be suspicious?

If the supplier avoids giving you substantive information about its company. They may act excited but vague, emphasizing what a great opportunity this is for you. The supplier asks you for up-front payment. If they request payment options other than Letter of Credit, T/T or Western Union.

How do I structure the relationship with my China sourcing partner?

Some companies use a full – service China sourcing agent and others set up a representative office to manage China sourcing operations. You can also find quality Chinese manufacturers online or on trade fairs.

How to make sure goods brought into my country meet all national regulatory requirements?

Goods that don't meet requirements can be stopped at the border or result in future legal suits. It is highly recommended to consult a good customs broker before placing any orders.

Why is it best to see the factory for myself?

Good relationships (or guanxi in Chinese) play a crucial role in business in China, so it is advisable to meet the suppliers before placing an order. And you can inspect manufacturing areas to get an idea of raw material quality, workers' skills, production capabilities and the internal QC process of the manufacturer.

How about after-sale service of Chinese suppliers?

At present, a lot of excellent Chinese suppliers provide comprehensive after-sale service, set up repair centers overseas or authorize cooperation partners to offer after-sale service. It includes consultation, products maintenance, accessories replacement, etc.

What problems do most people complain about?

Failure to send the correct products. Sending product of inferior quality than the samples. Failure to deliver on time. Failure to disclose all relevant information about a product or terms of the sale.

Examples of fraud.

Trading with fake companies. Fake check scams. Poor product quality. Sometimes buyers send free samples to suppliers but they are not the same as the final delivered products.

Should I be wary of over generous offers?

Yes, be wary of potential partners who offer an especially high or low price. It is easy to be tempted by such offers, but they are often attempts of fraud. In business, the expression "you get what you pay for" is often painfully true. Be especially diligent to check the contact information, identification and any claims a suspicious trade partner makes. If it sounds unbelievable, it probably is.

Is there any possibility that some 'fraud' may not actually be fraud?

Yes, some 'fraud' may not actually be fraud but problems occurring due to misunderstanding and miscommunication and the lack of understanding of each others' culture. Many of these issues can be avoided by seeking trade information from Chinese related government institutions.

How to source online?

Educate yourself about how to source online by reading resources offered by Made-in-china. com and other resources. Every day new suppliers register with B2B websites such as Made-in-china.com. When sending an inquiry to a supplier, make sure you state your request in detail. Let the supplier know: exactly what you are looking for, the quantity you require, your location, expected price range, delivery time requirements, and etc.

How to ­find reliable suppliers online?

Provide clear requirements regarding product quality, material specification, and dimensions etc. Obtain quality certificates including material composition reports, independent quality reports and other evidence of testing and inspection. Obtain samples for assessment. If possible visit the factory. Provide suppliers with detailed feedback about the product and how they can improve their service.

How to source on Made-in-China.com?

Search products and suppliers by keywords, or send inquiries to suppliers. You can post offers too. Registration is free.

What are Audited Suppliers from Made-in-China.com?

SGS, the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, personally and individually tests and audits Audited Suppliers from Made-in-China.com to make sure they meet world class standards.

What are Audit Reports of Madein-China.com?