Think you’re too small to do business in China? Part 2

Find the right manufacturing partner.

The challenge is not finding a tier one factory in China. It’s finding the tier one factory that is a good fit for your product needs. Not every tier one factory will be capable of producing to your standards.

How do you find the right one? Welcome to the world of Chinese tier one manufacturing, where factory owners are adept at establishing an image. You’ll see professional quality web sites showing modern facilities, new equipment, and happy employees all nestled in an elaborate manufacturing campus complete with manicured landscaping. Ask for a company brochure. You’ll get a full color, glossy professional piece with the same images.

Fact: IT MAY NOT BE REAL. The real story may be quite different: a back-alley, small time factory, a handful of employees churning out parts in a dank, dark shop.

Fact: There’s only way to verify if a tier one factory has the capabilities to meet your manufacturing needs: visit and tour the factory, check out the equipment, meet the key people, and request samples of your product. We call it due diligence.

Cutting corners by skimping on due diligence is asking for trouble. Plan a trip to China or hire a professional sourcing company with a verified presence in China.

Establish a personal relationship with a tier one manufacturer and you change the entire supply chain dynamic. That supplier will work very hard to produce for you at a high standard. Once you’ve completed a successful transaction and your manufacturer  receives your payment as agreed, you will have an extremely loyal, hard working and diligent business partner in China.