Elksourcing：Minimize Your Risks when Import Products from China

How To Import From China

Elksourcing：Minimize Your Risks when Import Products from China

Apr 1, 2021 , by 露露

Many buyers are still guarded about buying from China – which is understandable, since many of the country’s business practices lag behind those in more developed nations. However, your risks can be minimized by working only with qualified, above-board suppliers and by understanding all aspects of your import arrangement beforehand.

If you can, visiting China is a good starting point for doing business there. If you can’t visit first, there are many online sources to help you find quality products and suppliers and minimize the risk of doing business there. 

Understanding the market 

Before deciding what to import, get as much information as possible about the demand for that product in your local market. Then learn as much as you can about the manufacturers of that product in China. Be vigilant and ask every detail you need to know.

Finding a trustworthy supplier 

This is perhaps the most important step in your import business. Dealing with a serious and dependable supplier allays concerns about quality and can help fend off disputes down the road.

There are a number of websites where you can find suppliers. Narrowing down the choices can be a hard task, but your work will be easier if you use a good partner – like Elksourcing.

Once you’re in contact with prospective suppliers, address all your quality concerns with the right questions. Clearly state your requirements – like product warranties, key specifications and order terms. Alternatively, some companies will provide product samples if you ask, so you can test them yourself. If you’re happy with the initial quality, you can order in bulk.

Factory visits and inspections 

Visiting a China factory can be an important part of making your buying decision. And it’s easier than you think – many suppliers even arrange transport for you. At Elksourcing, for instance, they will take you from the airport right to their factory floors. 

There are a few reasons why you’d want a factory visit: 

1. To meet management and see if the company is competent 
2. To gauge the factory’s level of technical sophistication 
3. To check if the factory complies with regulations and labour laws 
4. To see who else has placed orders with that factory 
5. To determine if the factory’s production capacity is as claimed 
6. To see if the factory is subcontracting production to other factories 

If visiting in person is too difficult, consider appointing a local agent or third-party quality firm – like Elksourcing to inspect the factory on your behalf. Get someone who speaks the language and knows local business conditions well enough to make an accurate judgment. Most agents charge by commission and will also inspect the output before shipment. 

The shipping process 

Product quality can be found satisfactory during your factory visit, but issues can arise once products are shipped. Some problems include incorrect count, wrong mix of product types, improper handling, inadequate dunnage and container damage. You may be faced with unusable products on arrival and a long delay to replace them. 

You have three options:

1.Rely on the factory’s assurances. This carries the highest risk since many factories are highly motivated to get the shipment out. Even honest businessmen may not have time to witness the loading and inspect the goods. You can afford this if your product isn’t high unit cost, high warranty or recall risk, or time sensitive.

2.Observe the loading yourself. May not be practical considering the many shipments, suppliers and enormous amount of time it will take.

3.Best of all, have a good agent  – like Elksourcing to inspect the goods and observe the container through the whole loading process. In fact, the loading report is often used to obtain the letter of credit (L/C) payment.

Compliance issues 

You need to understand the relevant import compliance regulations before even placing your order. Different regulating bodies in your country may be involved, depending on what you import. Go to their websites for compliance details or to download required forms. Compliance issues can be very complicated for some products, so you might also want to contract a good customs house broker. 

Even with the help of a broker, you should track the process step by step. You may need to issue a power of attorney to your broker and purchase customs bonds – guarantees that you will abide by all laws and pay any additional fees incurred. 

Neglecting compliance can be costly, in the form of unexpected customs duties or clearance delays. But with adequate planning ahead of time, you can make sure the process goes smoothly.

Landing costs 

Get a good estimate of the landing cost before you make your order. Landing cost is the sum of: cost of the goods up to loading on the transport, transport costs by forwarder, import duties, local transport costs, and cost of service providers (inspections, agents, etc.). 

Note that import fees vary depending on what you import, the country of origin and destination. Experienced exporters should know how much it really costs to ship to you, but do your homework nonetheless.
There may be many hidden costs in getting your product from the China factory to your warehouse. To minimize those, you may want to consult an import management company for help. Or make a small order first to collect all costs involved and predict these costs for your intended order quantity. 

Delivery from the port of entry to your final destination is often an overlooked cost. To resolve this, contact the many “last mile” service providers in your home country. They’ll deliver from your local port of entry to your company grounds. 
With some good advance planning, you can import products from China profitably – and with very little risk to your bottom line.

Shopify dropshipping

Elksourcing：Quality Inspections China Products Should Undergo

Apr 1, 2021 , by 露露

The quality inspections China products undergo may determine the failure or success of your product sourcing. If your sourcing agent has a quality control service and commits to strict compliance with regards to the standards that you have set, then that would certainly be to your advantage.

Elksourcing, one of the leading sourcing companies in Guangzhou, China, not only offers product sourcing and factory sourcing, they also offer quality control services that will make sure your products are manufactured properly and with the highest quality possible. Elksourcing promises to solve your production problems, especially when it comes to product quality.

Why is Quality Important?

The primary reason why the quality inspections China products undergo should be strict is to avoid unnecessary costs. Poor quality may increase the cost of your orders. In addition, low-quality and defective products may cause you trouble with your customers, as you may lose their trust because you delivered products that do not conform to the standards.

Your Solution to Quality Problems

All of these problems can be solved when you let Elksourcing do the quality control for you. With Elksourcing, you are assured that:

*Quality inspection guidelines are established according to your specifications and standards.
*Initial inspections for materials to be used are done to avoid possible problems such as production delays and unnecessary reengineering caused by low-quality materials.
*Initial samples are tested for compliance.
*Products are inspected during production to ensure that the quality is maintained throughout production process and address quality issues that need to be corrected before production is completed.
*Quality issues are reported consistently to you online, keeping you updated on the production of the products.
*Quality issues are acted upon to ensure consistent quality.
*Products are inspected to ensure that finished products comply with your requirements.
*The factory’s quality performance is charted and analyzed, and the company gives feedback for production improvement.
*Container loading checks are done to ensure that your products are shipped in the proper containers and that each one is clean and durable so that when the products arrive in your warehouse, you won’t have any issues with them.

Quality inspections China products should undergo before production, during production, and during shipment are just some of the services that Elksourcing can do for you. You may also need them to find a supplier that is also the manufacturer. A trading company that supplies products but does not manufacture them may require a certain fee or commission, which would entail additional costs. You won’t have that problem when you use Elksourcing.

This sourcing company can also help you get a competitive price without compromising the quality of the products. Elksourcing can ensure that the supplier puts you in priority to ensure they meet the deadline you have set.

Aside from this, because of Elksourcing’s experience and knowledge in Chinese culture and traditions, you are assured that communication is good, and thus, discussing your requirements with the supplier should be easy.

With Elksourcing, you are assured that the quality inspections China products would undergo from raw materials to shipping adhere to your definition of quality.

China Sourcing Agent

Elksourcing：The Kind of Quality Control Companies

Apr 1, 2021 , by 露露

Having strict quality control China is important for sourcing companies because doing so would ensure that quality is never compromised. It’s a good thing though that you can count on certain companies such as Elksourcing if you are doing business with suppliers in China.

For Elksourcing, the work does not end in product sourcing, determining product specifications and developing samples, nor does it end in factory sourcing, or auditing a factory for capability and quality. Yes, monitoring and seeing to it that the products are being manufactured on time through order processing is important, but what about the final output? Elksourcing’s quality control services assure the client that the products delivered are always quality products.

Quality Control China Products Should Undergo

Elksourcing performs quality control checks, as a true quality assurance company should. First, they set standards by establishing inspection guidelines. They conduct initial inspections for materials to be used in the production. They also arrange compliance test for initial samples to see if they meet the specifications set by the client. They report quality issues in case some issues would be uncovered and set up corrective action plans to prevent such issues from recurring. They also hold inspections before shipment and check container loading.

They also chart and analyze the factory’s quality performance during the process of manufacturing the products. Analysis of quality performance provides feedback to the factory and the client so that further improvement in the manufacturing process could be done to ensure that the quality control China products undergo meet your expectations.

A Quality Control Service That You Can Trust

From finding the most suitable factory to manufacture your products up to inspection of the products before shipment, you are guaranteed of quality not only of the products manufactured but also for the overall work that Elksourcing does.

With Elksourcing, quality control China will never be an issue again.

Shopify Tutorial

Elksourcing：Important Steps Involved in Quality Inspection in China

Apr 1, 2021 , by 露露

Many businesses think of China as a place to buy cheap products. For them, sourcing cheap products means maximizing profits. While you may be able to find cheap products in China, finding products that meet the quality standards of your company may prove to be difficult, and in order to gain the loyalty of your customers, you have to provide them with quality products. Remember also that if the products you sell are recalled because of safety hazards, as the importer, you will be the one the authorities will go after, and not your supplier in China. For all these reasons, quality inspection in China should always be your priority.

To ensure you are buying quality products in China, the first thing you should do is to conduct a factory audit. That way, you will want to find out if:

You are dealing with a real supplier who has the required documentation and export licensing.
The supplier is experienced in producing similar products that your company is looking for.
The supplier has proper quality control systems in place and is capable of fixing problems that may arise.
The supplier has acceptable working conditions, meaning they are fair to their workers, have good working environment and they do not employ underage workers.

After checking your supplier, you should do the following:

1. Prepare and agree a Contract of Terms. 
2. Approve a Sample.

Then, it comes the actual quality inspection in China. You will want to inspect the goods during production just to ascertain that they meet quality standards. What should you look for when doing quality inspection?

The quantity of products to see if they are able to deliver the amount you ordered, on time.
The packaging of the products.
Whether the products conform to your pre-set requirements and your country’s safety regulations.

For reliable quality inspection in China, you need to provide your supplier, and sourcing agent or third party quality inspection team with all your required product specifications. They may be experts in dealing with the kinds of products you need, but no one knows better what you want than you, the buyer. Your instructions should be clear and concise. Be specific in giving out details. Make sure the quality inspection team inspects the products thoroughly and not just look at the samples provided by the supplier. Ask them to check the boxes randomly, and finally, make sure they check the products down to the tiniest detail to ensure everything is as it should be.

China Sourcing Agent

Elksourcing：The Buying Agent That Helps You Find the Best Supplier

Mar 31, 2021 , , by 露露

Why do business with a trading company that buys different products from different companies, stock them, and sell them for a commission, when you can work with a buying agent that will help find a supplier and directly contact them?

It is a good thing that Elksourcing is not a trading company but rather, a buying agent that does not charge commission from suppliers and will even help you get the lowest possible price for the product that you are looking for. It offers factory sourcing, a service that will help you choose which factories are best for your needs.

Your First Step to Successful Buying

Are you looking for the right factory to manufacture your products but you are pressed for time and do not know where to start? There’s no need to panic because Elksourcing will help you find the right factory by sourcing potential factories that manufacture quality products at reasonable prices. Elksourcing will help you find answers to the following questions:

Is the factory capable of making and delivering the order quantity required by the client?

Does the factory have enough experience in manufacturing the products?

Are they a reputable company?

How well are they doing, financially?

Do they have the resources and enough materials needed to produce the required products?

Auditing and Recommendations

Of course, it is not enough to investigate and gather all the data about the factory. Elksourcing’s promise as a buying agent is to help you choose the right factory for your needs, so you may expect to receive not only raw data that only tells numbers but other important details as well.

After auditing several factories for capacity, quality, and accountability, Elksourcing will also take pictures of the factory and provide independent judgments and recommendations. By doing this, it would be easier for the client to choose which factory is best for them.

Benefits of Elksourcing Service

Although some factories may have a good online presence or a professional-looking Website, this is not a guarantee that it will be able to provide you with the products you need, in the quality you want, and the time you allow. By having Elksourcing check the background and reputation of the company, you will be totally sure if you are going to buy from the factory or not. By checking the background of the company, you will know if it is indeed a government-licensed factory and not just another trading company.

With proper evaluation of a factory, you do not need to worry about quality and commissions. And with a buying agent like Elksourcing, you are one step ahead in finding the right factory for your needs.

A company needs to handle all aspects of their business in a way that will help them gain more profit. With Elksourcing, you not only get to ensure that your products’ quality is good; you also get the best rates possible.

China Sourcing Agent

Elksourcing：Dealing with a Sourcing Agent in China

Mar 31, 2021 , by 露露

One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a sourcing agent in China is the agent’s influence on different companies and factories in the country. Aside from having strong ties and connections, they should also be able to break the language and cultural barrier as these may also have a great impact during negotiations in a country with a different language and a different culture.

Fortunately, as the leading sourcing companies in China, Elksourcing has established itself as one of the most trusted sourcing agents in the country. With its good reputation, Elksourcing now has good relationships with more than a hundred factories in China, ensuring the success of your business and product sourcing needs.

Family Relationships in China

The Chinese are known for their rich culture and tight family ties. It is important for your sourcing agent to know this because of the following reasons:

·   Business networks in China may be based on familial ties; for example, the father may own the factory and 15 other relatives maybe working in it.

·   A family may be involved in one factory, while other members may be involved in other aspects of the business.

·   Other members of the family may have a different business or a factory that manufactures a product different from those that are manufactured by another family member.

Chances are, if your sourcing agent has established a good relationship with a business that is run by a family, and then the agent may be acquainted, and has connections. With other businesses or factories owned by the family. More connections mean more choices.

Good Relationships and Product Sourcing

Having good relationships with different factories, a sourcing agency will do its job more efficiently.

One of the services that Elksourcing is confident about is product sourcing. When doing product sourcing, Elksourcing establishes specifications based on samples, designs, and quality expectations given by a client. Because they have good relations with different factories, they can easily communicate these specifications and get an initial quote from the factory.

Negotiating would be more successful when the agent knows the owners or heads of the factory, and chances are they would get better prices and lead-time. Elksourcing also works with factories to develop the samples; then, the samples are evaluated through compliance tests.

If problems on quality would result from the test, then Elksourcing would also work with the factory to improve the samples to be able to meet the client’s expectations.

Climbing the Ladder of Success

Selling could be a success if you know what to sell and you know where to get your products. But given your limitations, you cannot do everything all by yourself. It is not even enough to do research alone regarding where to look and which factory to contact for your specific needs. Fortunately, Elksourcing will always be ready to help you with your sourcing product needs in China.

With Elksourcing’s established relations with different factories and its commitment to meet their client’s requirements, they are indeed the sourcing agent to trust and go to for all your sourcing needs.

China Sourcing Agent

Elksourcing：Things to Consider in Hiring a Sourcing Agent in Guangzhou

Mar 31, 2021 , by 露露

Guangzhou is the largest and oldest foreign trade port in southern China, and the only port in the world that has been thriving for more than 2000 years.Entrepreneurs who want to source products or materials from Guangzhou should keep in mind certain things when finding a sourcing agent Guangzhou.

1. Track record

A good sourcing agent in Guangzhou has the track record to impress potential clients. Track record may pertain to the number of customers served by the sourcing agent, as well as the overall performance of the agent in matching businesses with the right suppliers.

Organizations that want to make sure about the sourcing representative they hire in Guangzhou start out by ordering a sample product or item. They then judge the sourcing specialist according to the quality of the product delivered as well as the speed by which the delivery was made.

2. Honesty

Sometimes, it pays to have an honest sourcing agent than a capable agent who is not that trustworthy.  It is an open secret that some sourcing agents get commission from suppliers. This relationship increases the chances that an agent will neglect quality in recommending a supplier to a client, as the agent will endorse a supplier who can give him the highest commission.  

Sourcing agent Guangzhou must be honest enough to present a truthful sourcing report to their clients.  Businesses should run a through background check on a sourcing agent that they are considering to hire. Investigating the track record of the agent would go a long way towards ensuring that a company nabs the services of an honest Guangzhou representative.  Likewise, firms should specify in the contract signed with the sourcing agent that hidden commissions are not allowed.

3. Can Communicate Well

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to doing business in China is the language barrier. Not everyone in China is proficient in English, or can communicate well using the global language. It is thus a common occurrence for sourcing representatives in Guangzhou to deliver wrong items or poor quality products to their clients because of miscommunication. This only underscores the need for companies to hire a sourcing agent Guangzhou who can speak and write fluent English.

Shopify Tutorial

Elksourcing：Four Things to Consider in Supplier Verification China

Mar 31, 2021 , by 露露

While the Chinese are generally regarded as trustworthy and hardworking, there are still some people in the country who are not to be trusted when it comes to business. These people work in various fields particularly in the manufacturing sector. Foreign firms that are bent on sourcing products in China must exercise caution and prudence in entering partnerships with suppliers in the said country. A thorough supplier verification China is necessary towards ensuring that enterprises get the services of a good and trustworthy supplier.

Business contact numbers

Companies can verify if a supplier in China is legit by checking the business address of the supplier. Legitimate businesses and production firms in China use a landline phone instead of mobile phones. If a supplier uses a mobile phone for business purposes, there is a good chance that it is a fraud.  There is no restriction or limitation to the number of mobile phone numbers a person or business in China can own, and this is taken advantage of fraudulent suppliers as they can readily change mobile numbers anytime they want, or when they attempt to run away from a client who has given them payment.

Business licenses

Another important facet of supplier verification China is to check its business license. Legal Chinese firms have a unique company registration number as required by the law. If a potential supplier is unable to present a business registration number, then it can be concluded that it is a fake. In checking the veracity of a supplier’s registration number, a business may contact the local office of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce.  There are also specialized services companies in China that businesses can contact to validate the authenticity of a supplier’s business registration number.

Extra low prices

Although China is an attractive sourcing venue because of the low costs of labor and products there, this is not to say that businesses should tap suppliers that promise outrageously low rates. Many scammers in China earn a lot by selling fake products at low prices to overseas buyers. Companies that don’t practice due diligence in evaluating prospective suppliers could fall prey to these scammers.

Payment terms

Supplier verification China can also focus on the mode of delivery and payment terms demanded by the supplier.  Truthful suppliers deliver goods through formal channels. On the other hand, scammers refuse this mode of delivery as they can be subject to examinations from Chinese customs.Likewise, reputable suppliers accept letter of credit payments while bogus ones don’t.