Blog
What is First Article Inspection and Why is it Important?
Imagine that you’ve hired an injection molding factory in China to produce a precision plastic automotive part. The dimensions of the part are critical, and you’ve contracted with a third-party inspection company to conduct a final random inspection. 100% of the parts...
3 Alternatives to China for Sourcing in Southeast Asia
How do you diversify your supply chain and minimize the disruptions that might stem from natural disasters, geopolitical events, or other unexpected circumstances? This is a question many importers have asked themselves in the last few weeks. With an unpredictable...
The Coronavirus Will Affect Manufacturing in 2 Big Ways
Since the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak started in Wuhan last month, many people across the world have become quite nervous. The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and the U.S. government made the decision to deny...
Wuhan Coronavirus: What do Importers Need to Know?
Pictured Here: Colorized scanning electron micrograph of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus particles (yellow) attached to the surface of an infected VERO E6 cell (blue). Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick,...
Manufacturing in Vietnam: This is What You Need to Know
Since the U.S.-China trade war began in 2018, many importers have scrambled to shift some or all of their production to Vietnam. In fact, Vietnam’s imports to the U.S. through November 2019 totaled $60.9 billion, up from $45.4 billion during the same period in 2018,...
How Can an Importer Get the Most Out of Trade Fairs?
If you are importing products from manufacturers in developing countries, you might be thinking about attending a trade fair or trade show to help you find new suppliers. Trade fairs provide great opportunities for you to meet with dozens of potential suppliers at...
5 Important Steps in the Supplier Development Process
Why is supplier development important and how can importers establish effective supplier development systems? When importing finished goods or product components from overseas manufacturers, good supplier relationships are critical. To maximize supplier performance,...
Two New Years Resolutions for Sourcing and Product Quality
When you hear the words “New Year’s resolution,” goals like going to the gym, eating healthier, and getting your house organized might spring to mind. Resolutions don’t have to be limited to personal goals, however. As we begin a new year, we have the opportunity to...
Insight Quality: 2019 Year in Review
As we close out another year, it is time to reflect on the past twelve months and prepare for a fresh start in 2020. For importers it was an interesting year, to say the least. In 2019, the biggest news was undoubtedly the U.S.-China trade war. We’ve seen successive...
How to Avoid Customs Delays and Ensure Timely Shipments
Why is my shipment stuck at customs? It’s a question that many importers find themselves asking at one time or another. A container filled with goods that need to get to your customer’s warehouse ends up delayed at the port and you have to figure out the reason. Your...
Garment Quality Control Procedures: What You Need to Know
Why is quality control so important in the apparel industry? When a consumer walks into the retail store, picks a pair of 32W x 32L straight fit jeans off the shelf, and goes to the register, they expect it to fit the same way it did the last time they bought a pair...
Chinese New Year 2020: Avoid Problems With Your Factory
Every year, the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday comes around and throws newer importers for a loop. At the time of writing this, the holiday is a little more than a month away. The Year of the Pig will be over and the Year of the Rat will begin the next day. Factories...
What is Social Compliance and What is an SA8000 Audit?
How can you ensure your supply chain is free of issues like child labor, forced labor, and unfair disciplinary practices? How do you know that your suppliers in developing countries are compliant with all applicable labor laws? Imagine working with a supplier that is...
5 Asia Travel Tips For When You Need To Visit Suppliers
Do you travel to Asia to visit suppliers? Do you plan to do so in the future? In order to maximize the results of your trip, it is important that you plan your trip carefully. In our blogs, we focus mainly on quality control and sourcing-related topics, but since many...
AQL Defect Classification: How to Classify Defects
How does your QC inspector determine whether your products are acceptable or not during a third-party inspection? Imagine you’re manufacturing a standing desk at a factory in Vietnam. You hire a service provider to conduct a final random inspection and the inspector...
Is Your Business Adapting to a Changing World?
In a world that is constantly changing, it’s important to keep up with all the latest developments in your industry. Last month we attended the ICPHSO International Symposium in Dublin, Ireland. ICPHSO (Pronounced IK-FA-SO) is the International Consumer Product Health...
What is a Golden Sample and Why Do Importers Need One?
Imagine you are importing ceramic mugs from a supplier in a low-cost country like China or Vietnam. You receive your shipment and begin to examine one of the mugs. As you hold the mug in your hand, you immediately notice that the exterior is a candy red color, when...
How are Consumers Actually Using Your Product? (AHFA Summit Takeaways)
Earlier this month, we attended the AHFA (American Home Furnishings Alliance) Regulatory Summit in Colfax, North Carolina. At the summit, a number of topics were discussed. And although this was a furniture industry summit, there were some key takeaways that are...