We all know that Chinese manufacturing companies can produce things at prices that we can only dream of when we try to manufacture locally. It is also true that the Chinese are notorious for not always delivering products that are of good quality. 

This is an unfortunate misconception because there are plenty of manufacturing companies who deliver excellent service and products. You just need to find them. They deliver quality products at a very competitive price. Here is the ultimate guide to sniffing out those manufacturing companies and sources from the best that China has to offer. 

Let the hunt begin

Finding a quality and reliable supplier in China is like going hunting. You have to be patient and bide your time. Sometimes there might be days that go by without any sighting of anything worth pursuing. This is when you need to employ the services of an expert hunter. 

Easy Imex is a professional Chinese sourcing company finder and if they cannot find what you are looking for, then it doesn’t exist. The point is that you need to take your time and find the right fit for your company and needs. Do not just stick with a Google search, as the results will often only give you are a reseller and not a manufacturer. 

Do not just take their word for it

Unfortunately, because the waters are sometimes a bit muddled, some companies take advantage of it. Once you have established a shortlist, it is time to start the screening process and determine which of the companies are legit and which ones are too good to be true. 

There are many ways to do this and the companies that want your business will comply with your requests. Ask for audited accounts and check its Value Added Tax. You could also ask for samples. Doing your homework will ensure that you have the right people for the job. 

Quality and cost go hand-in-hand

Although sourcing from China is lucrative, you should not go for the cheapest manufacturer you can find. Quality and price are directly proportional and if you are going for the cheapest quote, you’ll probably get the worst quality. 

The great thing about Sourcing from China is that you can negotiate a price. When you find a company that ticks all the boxes, then negotiating a price is your next step. They want your business just badly and are often willing to negotiate a price that will suit everyone. 

Communication is essential

There is a reason why teaching English in China is such a big deal. It often happens that details are lost in translation. This is why it is imperative to make sure that the lines of communication are open and clear. 

There is a massive cultural and lingual gap between the western and Asian worlds and when you source from China, it is vitally important to ensure that what is said and what is meant is the same. The best practice is to give as much detail as possible. The more info you supply, the less chance there will be of something that slips through the cracks.

Do your quality control checks

Doing regular quality control checks is something that you cannot skimp on. It is not like a sourcing company is going to try and do you over, but bad batches happen. 

To keep the relationship healthy, it is your responsibility to do quality checks and inform your source of any inconsistencies or drops in quality. They want to maintain a good relationship and will go the extra mile to ensure that you all are well. If nothing is said, nothing can be done.