China business
Red Flag Alert: A Product Portfolio that makes Jeff Bezos jealous!
Look at the product portfolio on the supplier’s website landing page. They’ve got a snowmobile, Segway, jet skis, bicycles, motorcycles, and even more variety when you look deeper. Come on! Not even Mitsubishi, Sony, General Electric, Philips, and Ericson combined have this type of product portfolio. So something is very fishy here. Most likely, it’s…
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Why do the scam artists target small scale foreign buyers?
Let’s talk about why the scam artists target the small scale foreign buyers. It’s pretty simple. They’re easy to find. There’re so many buyers online: eBay power sellers, people that have a small eBay store, or some online store back home and they buy ten units of this, 20 units of that. There’re so many…
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Truth about sourcing famous brands in China, not all Apples are equal
The truth about famous international brands. If it’s fashion or electronics, please realize two things. Various major brands including apple manufacture their goods in China as it is cheaper there. This may lead the buyer to think that one can get products at a cheaper rate from China but it is not true. China suppliers that…
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Straight to the Source! Are you talking with the factory owner?
How can you tell if you are talking with the factory owner? You want to go straight to the source to find out about the production of your products. You might ask him … “How many of your employees are from Hunan province? How many from Sichuan? How many from Guangdong?” The trading companies that…
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Focus on those factories that can clearly show production experience
How do you know if a supplier has production experience? Focus on those factories that can clearly show production experience with your particular product or the production method. When you ask “Show me some samples”, and it takes that factory weeks or months to get you some samples, it probably means that they don’t…
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How can the court in China apply pressure to help you recover money?
You won the court case but the loser hasn’t paid you the court appointed damages. What pressure can the court in China apply to help you recover funds? Have you won a court case in China recently but the losing party won’t pay the court appointed damages? If yes, then this article is for…
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PPE Part 1: The dangers of buying PPE from “your guy’s” “China guy”
Insider’s Guide: How to buy PPE from China during Covid-19 pandemic. A growing number of people are looking into buying PPE from China for supply as the world scrambles to source equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Introduction to our series on buying PPE from China during the Covid-19 pandemic. A growing number of buyers are…
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Coronavirus: Alarms & Opportunity for China Sourcing; Wuhan aftermath!
The Coronavirus appears to have slowed down significantly with factories and the manufacturing infrastructure coming back online. Cautious optimism post Coronavirus. In today’s blog post, I’d like to look at the Coronavirus in terms of its impact specifically on the China sourcing industry. For example, if you are importing products that are made in…
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How a Business Advisor can complement Legal Counsel
Having both a local Chinese Lawyer and an International Business Advisor can complement your Legal team to not only save you money, but also offer deeper insight than hiring just one or the other. Force Majeure – a clause found in a contract to remove liability for natural and unavoidable catastrophes. Having both a local…
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5 Essential Questions on Trademarks Protecting your Intellectual Property IP
Concise answers to 5 strategic questions about Trademarks Protecting your Intellectual Property. Additional links provided with info on Trademarks in China.
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Copyrights in China: Protecting your Intellectual Property (IP)
Copyright Strategy: China IS different Lawyers and businesspeople lacking China experience will tell you that since copyright is automatically granted when you create something original you need not worry about it in China. Those with deep China business experience paint a very different picture.
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HK and PRC Business Formation: Holding Companies, WOFE’s, Offshoring and Other Key Issues
Common Question: I am setting up a HK LLC because I hear I can operate tax free, do I need to file my taxes each year in HK? I’m also thinking of setting up a company in China to help w sourcing. At what volume does it make sense to set up my own company…
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Do I Have Coverage in China if I Register My IP Via WIPO/ Madrid System?
Do I Have Coverage in China if I Register My IP Via WIPO/ Madrid System? Have you found yourself wondering if you have coverage in China if you register your IP via WIPO/ Madrid System? If so, read below what each is and how they work. Background on WIPO and Madrid System: (Coverage in China) The…
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Be Smart, not Sorry, when Drawing up Contracts
China Business Law: Behind the scenes with an English Speaking Chinese Lawyer This morning, I spoke with a client. He said he needs a simple supply contract to use for his sourcing business in China. I sent him a checklist, so that he can let me know what he expects the contract to specify. He…
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Are Bilingual Contracts Necessary?
Bilingual Chinese Lawyer Answers: “Are Bilingual Contracts Necessary?” After our presentation regarding the importance of bilingual contracts at the Hong Kong sourcing fair hosted by Global Sources, some clients wrote me asking more about bilingual contracts. A few clients wanted to know, “Do you really think Bilingual contracts are necessary?” I understand clients’ concerns. We’re…
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