China is the world’s largest manufacturing country. Therefore, most retailers, online sellers, dropshipping, and ecommerce business owners from other countries have to source products from China. However, China sourcing may not be as simple as we imagine. This is because a large number of products manufactured in the country are of poor quality. For this reason, it is crucial to ensure your product quality from China.
Furthermore, foreign companies, dropshipping and ecommerce businesses must conduct due diligence when sourcing products from China. Doing this will help ensure they get top value for their money. Besides, you can maintain your business reputation by providing quality, durable, and reliable products for your customers. In this article, we will provide you with eight insightful tips to ensure you are sourcing top quality products from China.
Conduct In-Depth Research of the Company
Before going into business with a Chinese manufacturer or supplier, conduct in-depth research of the company. Request their manufacturer references, quality and compliance certificates, as well as case studies of work accomplished with other companies, preferably foreign. Reach out to companies the manufacturer has worked with and make inquiries about the quality of their manufacturing process.
Inspect the Company’s Facilities
What’s more, ensuring your product quality from China also involves inspecting the company’s facilities. The manufacturer sent you pictures of his facility, and everything looks great. But what if that isn’t his facility? While the internet is a great tool that makes communication easier, it is also one that makes deception easier.
If you can, pay a visit to the manufacturer in China. And no, do not stop at their corporate offices only but also ensure you see their factories. Conduct a thorough inspection of the factories and ensure it is not simply a front. Check the production line of the factory and also the certifications that prove their legitimacy.
However, if you cannot pay a visit to the manufacturer yourself, hire a professional inspector in the country to help you out. There is no shortage of them. Most importantly, ensure the inspecting firm you are hiring is a reputable product or facility inspector. Even better if you can get one via referrals.
Discuss the Product Standards
In addition, take time to discuss expected product standards with the manufacturer. Most manufacturers claim to produce top-quality products. While that is significant and is a step in the right direction, it won’t get you all the way there.
Endeavor to communicate the standards of products you or your customers expect to the Chinese manufacturer or supplier. Don’t mince words. Communicate every detail, no matter how small or inconsequential it might seem. Ensuring the manufacturer understands your business culture and the exact standards you have will ensure everything is in order.
Order Sample
Another way to ensure your product quality from China is to order sample items. Request for a sample product or item for inspection before proceeding with bulk orders or approving a full production run. A sample order offers you the opportunity to inspect one or two items before buying in large quantities. Also, when you order sample of products, you can test how the product will perform on your dropshipping or ecommerce store. This will help ensure that you are making the right decisions for your business.
Keep Track Of the Manufacturing Process
Despite all the fact that you have ordered sample, you should still keep track of the manufacturing process. Apply the principle of “trust, but verify.” This will help make sure that the manufacturing process is on the right track and that nothing happens midway that you didn’t assent to. The best way for this would be to have someone you trust to help monitor the process.
Ensure Everything Is In Order
Also, it is important to ensure that everything is in order and going as planned. Even though you have done due diligence and ensured your company’s standards were met, you can never be too sure. Besides, one thing you do not want to do is sell low-quality products to your customers, as this can damage your reputation irreparably. As such, conduct a final assessment of the products before shipping.
Be Clear On Your Production Schedule
Additionally, ensure that you are clear enough on the schedule times. Have an idea of the lead times and when your order will arrive. Having such crucial information will help you sort out any unexpected problems that might arise. Also, you will be able to find possible solutions to prevent delays or disappointments.
Inspect Before Shipment
Finally, ensure that you perform a pre-shipment inspection. Despite your hard work and efforts you’ve put into following up and monitoring the production process, the last thing you want is to be disappointed after receiving your products. A pre-shipment inspection will serve as the final checking stage that will put your mind at ease.
There you have it! Above are eight tips to ensure product quality from china. Most dropshipping and ecommerce businesses turn to China sourcing to get products for their online business. While it is true that low-quality products abound in China, it is equally true that high-quality products are plentiful. If you do due diligence and follow the tips provided above, you can ensure that you secure products of unquestionable quality while China sourcing.
For more information about our dropshipping or China Sourcing services, contact us today at Fulfillman. We are dedicated to providing affordable, reliable, and highly professional services. Our trusted team will be available to speak with you and discuss your options. We will provide suitable answers to your questions and concerns. With us, you are guaranteed to get quality and excellent services.
