project management
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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreTruth 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…
Read MoreStraight 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…
Read MoreFocus 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…
Read More4 Simple Ways to Protect yourself in the New Year
It’s a new year and new scams are on the rise. Make sure you’re prepared. An English speaking Chinese lawyer explains the best ways protect yourself in China Be sure to register your IP. China recognizes IP if it’s registered in China and not if it’s on the market or already registered in your home…
Read MoreBe 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…
Read MoreAre 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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