China Import Business - How to Achieve Success For SBO's (ezine article series)

China is still the biggest manufacturer and exporter. Even in economic crisis times, China is still an important business partner to hundred thousands of small business owners, all over the world.

Many of them made some imports, using b2b websites or other online directories. Some have never been to China, but found the right supplier and could set up a successful relationship. But many couldn't achieve their big Chinese dreams. Even some have lost money, in huge amounts. Because of the high failure rate, the majority of midsize and small business owners, even didn't attempt to import from China.

Yes, it is really risky to import from China. Especially, if you don't have your own team in China. As this may causes too high of expenses for a small business owner, there is another cost effective solution:

To cooperate with an import consultant. It is vital, to have an experienced professional, as a partner in China. Understanding the local business mentality and in first line your needs, is the most important key -to success. Advise: Choose a consultant with western origin, who can show some international references.

This kind of professionals, can prevent any misunderstandings between you and the supplier. Solve any possible problems, that can be caused by manufacturer side. They can be your eyes on the whole procedure, till your goods are shipped. And not forgotten, it is possible that you want visit China and your suppliers, which is important for long term cooperation. In this case your consultant will organize all your trip and assist you, visiting present and new Chinese suppliers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Remo_Ardali

Best Chinese Manufacturer Directory

This is a really good question:) Ok, many of you will say alibaba.com or madeinchina.com. Everyone is representing his/her own experience. Some really are/were lucky, in finding a reliable supplier. But some have experienced "nightmares".

As a professional import consultant and sourcing expert, i made a deep research and rated the directories, according my knowledge. I hope it will help all new-starters (and some disappointed veterans).

#1 : alibaba.com
With the most members (paid and free), it is still the biggest directory. No wonder, it has the most visitors and it is the most popular China manufacturer directory. It is very user friendly and always updated. But be aware of the "scammers" ! Even paid members with 1-2 years "gold supplier" labels, can be one of them.

Whois info: Alibaba.com Corporation-Room 2403-05 Jubilee Centre Wanchai Hong Kong SAR
"Alibaba.com Corporation" owns about 517 other domains.
Visitors by Country: China 43.4% India 10.8% United States 9.2%Indonesia 2.6% Pakistan 2.6% Great Britain (UK) 1.9%
Visitors by City: Beijing 11.3% Shanghai 6.2% Shenzhen 5.1%Hangzhou 3.4% Guangzhou 3.2% Madras 1.5%



#2 : globalsources.com
It is not only a directory for mainly Chinese manufacturer and trading companies. They sell also physical catalogs and sourcing reports. The paid advertisers are more professional and reliable (my personal opinion). Amount of member is much less.

Whois info:Trade Media Holdings Limited
c/o 4718 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 108 Phoenix, AZ 85032 USA
Visitors by Country: United States 26.5% China 15.7% India 12.5%
Great Britain (UK) 3.6% Indonesia 2.6% Australia 2.5%
Visitors by City: Shenzhen 6.6% Shanghai 4.8% New York 2.5%
Madras 2.2% Bombay 2.1% Beijing 2%



#3 : madeinchina.com
According to the amount of members, it is the second biggest directory, after alibaba.com. An advantage here would be, that the gold suppliers are visited at least 4 times (according to their statement). Easier to find reliable suppliers.

Whois info: Ningbo HuiMei Information & Technology Co.,Ltd. Room 407 Chuangye Building NO.66 Yanshi Road
Ningbo National New & HiTech Industrial Development Zone - CHINA
Visitors by Country: China 30.7% United States 19.2% India 8.5% Iran 3.1% Australia 2.8% Indonesia 2.6%
Visitors by City: Beijing 11.7% Shanghai 4% Shenzhen 3.9% Hefei 3.7% Wuhan 2.5%Guangzhou 2.4%


Conclusion: All 3 directories are great sources, especially to professionals. I mean "professionals" of sourcing in China. New starters may read my previous article, which was also published on ezinearticles.com:
http://cin-ceo.blogspot.com/2009/06/china-manufacturer-sourcing-ezine.html

5 Big Mistakes Made - Importing From China (ezine article series)

Mistake 1: Never take sourcing too easy.

Finding suppliers from b2b websites is getting more difficult. Take advantage of professional sourcing companies. You may read my article "china manufacturer sourcing", if you want go your own way.

Mistake 2: Don't communicate on line.

Be sure that your supplier understood 100% what you want. Communicating through e-mails is more effective and reliable, than chatting with some programs like "trade manager" or "messenger". Most of the sales representatives in Chinese companies are using translation programs. And anyway Chinese people are used to say "okay" and "no problem" in most cases. Let them confirm your order by e-mail.

Mistake 3: Don't fear some costs for the cargo of samples.

Secure your order by confirming with samples. If you want to order o e m, you should send a prototype or formula with exact specifications. The manufacturer will ask you for possible mold and material costs. Negotiate a pay-back after reaching a certain amount of order. Re-confirm by receiving samples, they have produced according your wishes.

Mistake 4: Never ask for CIF prices at first.

Request quotes on FOB basis. Its easier calculation for the supplier and you have the control of shipping your goods with your own forwarder. Cheap solutions from manufacturer side, can cause delays and damages of your goods.

Mistake 5: Never decide for the supplier, before you have visited their factory.

China may be far away, from your country, but it is a must for a smooth and long term relationship with a Chinese manufacturer. As you will make the far way to China, you should consider to visit at least 4-5 suppliers, before you decide. You may need assistance from consulting companies, who are western origin with local experience. They can organize all the meetings in China and assist you with translation, during factory visits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Remo_Ardali

China Manufacturer Sourcing (ezine article series)

How to source for a reliable Chinese supplier? There are many ways to do it. Like, b2b websites offering suppliers, some with labels like "gold supplier". These are only paid members, which can be done by any company. There is absolutely no guarantee that they are reliable.

Another way would be, to visit trade fairs in China and meet the suppliers directly. According my 6 years China experience, I know that 70% of the exhibitors are trading companies. Only if you have a well organized schedule, you will be able to find the right suppliers, out of thousands exhibitors. Now, I will tell you some secrets, how professionals do sourcing. The best way to source on line, is to search through search engines. Put in your product and search. Usually, you will find the b2b websites in the top results. No problem, go on and search there. Make a list of 4-5 factories, which you can find common, on most b2b websites.

Check their own websites. A serious supplier should have a website in English language. Compare the contact information. If they are same like on the b2b websites, go on to search the "who is" info. Are the websites registered with the same company name, go on in searching again in Google, but this time, only with full company/factory name. Check at least 20-30 results. After all this, you now know, that you have found some serious suppliers. Its time to contact the suppliers. Write a detailed, common inquiry with easy English. Send it to all as one mail. Let them see that you contacted their competitors, too. It will be like an open bid, enjoy it!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Remo_Ardali

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