Are you thinking about conducting a supplier audit to uncover hidden manufacturing issues, support supplier development, or assess a new manufacturing partner? In general, audits allow you to assess suppliers, but they sometimes have different goals. For example, some...
As we enter 2025, it promises to be a pivotal year, with changes like potential new tariffs and ongoing global supply chain shifts shaping the landscape. These developments have significant implications for product quality, and we’re here to help you navigate them. In...
There is a common perception in the West that China only makes low-quality goods. In many people's minds, a “Made in China” label may as well say, “This is a cheap, poorly-made product that will break within a few weeks.” Look at this meme — a great example of this...
It's a trap many consumer product importers fall into: the belief that third-party inspection is a magic bullet to fix their quality issues. They think inspecting their products is the single key to making high-quality goods that earn rave reviews. But, alas, this is...
Today, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and similar regulations have thrust supply chain visibility, transparency, and mapping into the spotlight. For many companies, it's no longer a choice but a necessity to delve deeper into their sub-suppliers—the...
As an importer, you expect your suppliers to meet certain expectations. As such, it’s best to provide them with precise product specifications and take steps to manage supplier quality. Many importers understand that third-party inspections are a helpful tool for...
When you are considering a new supplier, vetting them as thoroughly as possible is crucial. Imagine placing your first order with a factory that seems to check all the boxes. However, they delay your order by months, and when you finally receive the products, they are...
Screening new suppliers requires significant time and energy. Whether you're switching manufacturers or selecting your first one, it’s a bad idea to rush the process. Otherwise, you might end up with a low quality product and negative reviews. A factory audit is a...
Are your manufacturers treating workers fairly, compensating them enough, and prioritizing their health and safety? Do you have clear visibility into their practices, and are you taking steps to ensure they are in line with all labor laws? Social compliance is a...
Imagine you’ve been working with a manufacturer in Vietnam to produce a line of laptop bags for the last two years, and the relationship has gone well. You have reasonable quality standards for your product, and you feel like the factory has met them. Then, one day,...
