by David Dayton in 'Silk Road International'

Sometimes contracts just don’t work. Sometimes you not only don’t get what you ordered but you’re left with no viable options for exit or resolution. Even ”if you can’t do it, just return my money and we’ll call it good” gets you nothing. This is rarely ever successful.

by Renaud Anjoran in 'Quality Inspection Blog'

It is impossible to advise a generic way of dealing with Chinese suppliers (whether they are much bigger or much smaller than your company, whether or not they are used to dealing with foreigners, etc.).

by Renaud Anjoran in 'Quality Inspection Blog'

A reader recently asked me how to find a good sourcing agent in China. Many dark stories involving rogue sourcing agents have shaped my opinion on this topic. My response will probably sound radical to first-time importers.

by Renaud Anjoran in 'Quality Inspection Blog'

I found an article that discusses "how solving issues in China can overflow into the manufacturing realm and affect your offshore production." The author (Jacob Yount, who writes on the JLmade blog) does a pretty good job of explaining the mechanisms at work.

by Renaud Anjoran in 'Quality Inspection Blog'

The Foreign Entrepreneurs In China blog posted a very interesting article: 36 Tips on How to Deal or Negotiate with your Chinese Suppliers.

By Renaud Anjoran in 'Quality Inspection Blog'

If you need to produce in China, will you be better served by a small manufacturer, or by a large one? There is no short answer. It depends on many factors. But one major determinant is the size of your orders relative to their business.

By Renaud Anjoran in 'Quality Inspection Blog'

Five years ago, when I was working in Hong Kong, one of my friends (who imports from France) asked me for help. I found a few potential suppliers for her, I arranged some meetings on a Saturday, and I accompanied her in the suppliers’ showrooms.

By David Dayton in 'Silk Road International'

Sometimes getting something is just not better than getting nothing. For example, 60 percent of your order on time and the rest weeks later not only isn't helpful if you have to deliver 80 to 90 percent on time to a single distributor, it can be downright disastrous for your future business.

By David Dayton in 'Silk Road International'

One of the most frustrating things that I hear on a regular basis from suppliers in China is some version of this: "This project is really difficult." I agree. Most things of value in life are. What's the point behind the words, though is the real issue? It's a complaint. But there is a point; some hidden meaning in the sentiments.

By David Dayton in 'Silk Road International'

Two great articles on the Chinese Economy.

1. NYT
2. Blog

Two new clients came to SRI this week requesting help with basically the same problem.

By Renaud Anjoran in 'Quality Inspection Blog'

Some of my clients are great at managing their Chinese suppliers and finding quick solutions to any issue that arises. But other importers consistently let factories force their hands–it seems they have no authority at all!

By David Dayton in "Silk Road International"

No matter how well you plan, there are almost always problems that arise prior to shipping quality product from China. It's debatable whether China itself is inherently problematic or not, but sourcing, managing production and doing quality control from 5000 miles away (more or less) certainly is.

By Richard Hoffmann, Senior Legal Associate, Dezan Shira & Associates

Handling original equipment manufacturing (OEM) contracts in China can be a bit of a minefield, especially for the new-to-China business. Stories of molds and design IP being ripped off and then sold by your own supplier are legendary. Here we provide a basic list of contractual issues to consider when entering into OEM agreements:

By Diana in 'The China Sourcing Blog'

During the past 3 months, I traveled with a few clients to visit some Chinese suppliers of motors, pumps, valves and other industry supplies. As usual, we recommended the best local Chinese producers – their pricing levels were normally between Chinese-foreign joint ventures and local middle-sized and smaller producers, but their quality was acceptable for our clients.

By Dan Harris in 'China Law Blog'

Had a nice conversation with a potential client last week. Company has a great new product it wants made in China. Like many companies starting out in China, this one is in the process of shopping for its China lawyers and my firm was one of four suggested to it by its regular corporate counsel.