Costly Assumptions Businesses Make About Buying From Chinese Suppliers

When sourcing products from China, it’s important to be aware of any assumptions you might be making. Here are a few common ones to avoid:

• Assuming that all Chinese suppliers are the same. One of the benefits of working with a sourcing agent is that they can pre-vet suppliers and help you find one that’s a good fit for your specific needs.

• Assuming that Chinese products are always cheaper. While cost is certainly a factor to consider, it’s not the only one. Quality, lead time, and minimum order quantity (MOQ) are also important factors to take into account.

• Assuming that you don’t need to communicate clearly with your supplier. Because of the language barrier, it’s important to have clear and concise communication with your supplier. This will help ensure that there are no misunderstandings about your product requirements.

• Assuming that you don’t need to protect your intellectual property (IP). When doing business in China, it’s important to take steps to protect your IP. This includes registering for copyright and trademark protection in China.

What are your thoughts? Any other assumptions you have about buying from Chinese suppliers? Please leave a comment to share them or to ask any questions you may have.