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In this mini-series, we will provide a primer for those who are looking to take an idea and make it into a reality. The process can be daunting—so here’s a roadmap to get you started. Step I: Conceptualization So you have a brilliant idea. A revolutionary idea. A...

Getting a visa, purchasing a plane ticket, and flying to China to visit a factory for the first time can be daunting. The logistics alone are a lot to juggle, plus you'll be dealing with jetlag and a long list of to do's to work through upon arrival. It's easy to miss...

Explosive business growth. A potential recall. A new beginning. A flopped product launch. They all start with a sample! Of course, it's a product sample we're talking about here. Product samples lay the groundwork for your product/factory partnership and often mark...

Andy Church, CEO of Insight Quality, recently connected with Wendy Robbins, co-inventor of the Tingler head massager. In a small webinar, they spent some time unpacking the steps from ideation to execution. The Foundation: What Do I Need to Get Started? Even though an...

By now, you may have spent some time on this blog, followed the advice presented, and done everything the right way to launch your manufacturing venture. You may have a longstanding positive relationship with a factory that has had no failures. Maybe you are...

In the last blog post, we discussed the importance of a regular examination of your supply chain. To review, a supply chain exam is beneficial for scaling growth, lowering bottom-line costs, increasing efficiency, identifying...

It goes without saying that we live in a volatile and ever-changing world. Whether it’s the climate, an election, or a Super Bowl, plot twists are hidden around every corner (some are easier to see coming than others). The...

It’s easy to feel like you’re “on the outside looking in” when it comes to what your factory is doing in China. Sure, you get inspection reports and you get to see the final products (and their reviews on Amazon), but sometimes there is some murkiness around the...

A large or growing company faces many decisions about how to handle their Asian manufacturing, and among them is a high-stakes dilemma about how to interact with their factories: should a company invest in opening an office overseas (usually China) or attempt to...

Congratulations! If you are interested in manufacturing in China or Asia then you have successfully created a product that consumers will (hopefully) purchase, so you need a lot of units. If you’re not 100% sure how to proceed then this article is for you. We want to...

If you’re reading this, chances are you are either in the middle of a factory-related emergency or you’re wisely considering a partner to handle your inspections overseas. We hope it’s the latter! You are now faced with hundreds...

You have created a new product, painstakingly designed it, carefully selected a factory to manufacture it, and now are ready to place your first order. Unfortunately, in many cases the next step is one of the most overlooked in the entire process: the first contract....

Selecting the right supplier for your business needs will allow you to deliver your products and services on time, at the right price, and in compliance with your quality standards. First and foremost, you need to know what type of supplier you want to work with....

When starting the sourcing process, it’s essential that you first define what it is that you are seeking. When working with a supplier, you should establish a clear joint commitment that includes: Identifying the best solutions Upholding quality and efficiency A...