You can send suppliers a “Request for Proposal,” but don’t expect a reply from all of them.
Remember, this is a business, and not everybody will acquis to your request.
You can also turn to the “Global Sources” market, which has fewer suppliers available but the quality tends to be much better.
While there are other marketplaces to turn to, most suppliers have signed up with either Alibaba or Global Sources or both.
You can look for other options, but there really isn’t any need.
You can also check out trade shows like the Canton Fair in China, which is held two times a year.
There are also several industry-specific trade shows to check out in Europe and the United States.
At these places, you can meet Chinese sellers and build a business relationship.
Negotiating With Your Supplier
Your business’ success hinges on negotiating with your supplier.
Talk extensively with the supplier to get a good deal on the products.
However, it’s important to note that you get what you pay for.
Look at the other factors such as:
- Product efficiency
- Payment terms
- Delivery time
- Supplier relationship
Bear in mind that all suppliers have a bottom price that they cannot go under. If you press them for lower prices, you could damage your reputation.
How so? You could be provided with low-cost materials, substandard packaging, low manufacturing quality, etc.
The biggest goal you should have is the establishment of a long-term relationship.
If you can pay a higher price for your initial manufacturing order, the supplier may be more willing to discount you on subsequent orders. https://youtu.be/YGaCe7FhXPE
It’s important to note that you’ll constantly be negotiating with your Chinese suppliers.
It’s common in the Chinese culture and business to haggle continuously.
How can you successfully negotiate with your Chinese suppliers?
The first thing you need to do is find an affordable price, communicating by telephone, Skype or e-mail. The price you negotiate for is for the first order.
Second, ask the supplier to provide you with a target price for a long-term relationship. If you can handle it, consider talking face-to-face for the negotiations.
Be sure to visit a Chinese factory or partake in an international trade show.
Usually here, you’ll find the factory owner or be able to talk to someone from the executive management team.
By talking with these people, you’re actually talking to people who make decisions, not a sales rep.
How To Monitor Your Products’ Quality
If you want your business to be successful, you must ensure your product is of the best quality.
While there are all kinds of reasons for problems, you can forgo issues by getting the agreements do in writing.
You also want to mention as much information as possible – packaging, measurements, supplies, etc.
By doing this, you can address problems by getting a refund or credit on future orders.
Quality control is vital during the manufacturing process, as mistakes can happen anytime – at the beginning, in the middle and even at the end.
When a problem presents itself, it’ll be cheaper and easier to contend with if the product has yet to be manufactured.