Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi Folks,

I am in the process of manufacturing my product in Hong Kong and the whole process is scaring me to death. Many questions like should I go there before shpping to check product. Would appreciate any tips.

Thanks

Hello Petspread!!  Welcome to the board!    Congrats on finding an OEM you are comfortable with.  Did you go through a sourcing agent?  How did you find them? 

If you can afford it, that would ideal, but most of us can`t do that.  What quality control is in place already?  Have you rec`d your production sample?  What are the policies of your OEM regarding quality control/payment?

Best of luck!

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Leslie
Founder and President
Charmed Life Products LLC
Grill Charms™… The MUST HAVE grilling accessory that is revolutionizing the American Cook-out AND The perfect gift for any occasion!
Grill Charms
                                                                                                    

Hi Leslie,

Believe it or not, I "googled" until I found an OEM. I picked several that had websites and could produce what I need. They sent samples, some  of which I didn`t like and they kept sending until they got it right.I could have used a sourcing agent, but that`s one more person you have to pay. I have a friend who from experience knows how to communicate with these people so he is helping me along the way. I`m not placing an order until I get a PO from somebody. Still learning the process so that I do it right. My biggest concern is product controll, especially on the first order.  I think I need to check it myself.

Good luck with your product, great logo!

Ciao

Hi Petspread.

I am in a similar boat at the moment. I`m trying to get some plush toys made from recycled material as my characters have an environmental slant to them so I need to ensure quality control throughout.  

I too have googled manufacturing in China to begin researching what is available and which are the reputable companies out there. It seems to be a bit of a minefield so an agent can be useful. I have a contact that lives in Hong Kong and his company specializes in this sort of thing. He is guiding me through the sourcing process.

They are called Product Solutions (run by an Irish guy - family friend, I`m Irish too). They are well respected and work with some big names. http://www.productsolutions.com.hk/

Let me know if you want an introduction.

You could also have a look at this book which I believe is very good if you are looking that direction.  http://www.chinasuccessbook.com/.

I am on limited dollars so am trying to get prototypes to assess quality before committing to order. Get them to send you something before sending money, sort of a show me how good you are before we work together approach - if they want the business they should be prepared to show you what they can do?

Let me know how you get on...

Des

Was just thinking there Petspread - if nothing else, my guy out there may be able to tell you if the crowd you are hooking up with are bone fide?

Thanks Petspread!  That is so exciting.  I did not have the contacts or anyone I could count on to handle the communication so I felt I had no choice but to allow another hand in the pot.  That`s great that you were able to it on your own.  Please keep me posted! 

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Leslie
Founder and President
Charmed Life Products LLC
Grill Charms™… The MUST HAVE grilling accessory that is revolutionizing the American Cook-out AND The perfect gift for any occasion!
Grill Charms
                                                                                                    

Thanks Leslie and Des, thanks for the information. I may just check out this company with your guy. I do have an agent available to me but chose to pass. I have had many email conversations with this company (he speaks and writes perfect English) and they did send me 3 samples. I asked for 3 so I could see consistancy. I paid for the shipping. I did not like the first batch so they sent me more at their expense after they made corrections. I still have a lot to do before I place my first order so I am like a sponge for information. I know you can hire someone to  check your product before it ships but I may want to do it myself. I plan to pay them with a guaranteed letter of credit with a 10 day extension to allow me time to check the quality.  Thanks for the link. PS, I was not born in Ireland, but I am Irish!

Regards, Judy

Hi all, I`m looking to get my product manufactured. I`ve been in contact with a few folks in China via Alibaba to get some quotes on producing. All of them are asking for a picture (JPG) or Adobe Illustrator. My question is how can they see the details of my product? I have a 3d rendering (CAD)  but all of them dont want that? Has anyone gone through China to produce? Any advice?

Hi,

Yes I have done manufacturing in China.  My advice is less about the detail you are asking and more general. 
I love working with China but it is different.

Doing work in China is different than in the states.  Here in the States it is possible to have a good business exchange and that is all.

Of utmost importance in working with China is establishing a personal relationship with your vendor.  Build a relationship of mutual trust and respect.  Ask about their business, their family, their work, talk about the holidays, ask their advice. Don`t me manipulative really establish a friendship.  you will find it much easier to work with them and you will have a friend in China!  What fun!

If you don`t establish a relationship you may get taken for a ride. I am not saying that the Chinese are dishonest, but it is a different culture and if you don`t have mutual respect and friendship then, in my experience, you may not get the best deal.  But if you have a friendship, you will be amazed at how things work out and how much you can get done!

My first deal was a flop.  I went through 3 different sales reps in the course of a month and a half.  and I ended up ordering WAY more product than I needed to. 

In subsequent deals I found a great person (not company but a person) who I have helped with some of their website look and feel, we exchange vacation photos, and they even sent us Moon Cakes when my daughter was born!  The products they produce are great quality and I get them at great prices and I don`t have to buy a TON to get the good deals. 

It is a longer process than you may be used to but it is well worth it both in the price/product performance and in the fun of having friends overseas!

Someday I hope to visit my team in China. 

Peace
Joseph Flahiff
www.Making-A-DREAM.com
A different kind of Business Coaching

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Chris Miller, a simple taco maker:
The Tiger Taco home in the U.S.A.
Tiger Tacos in Australia
Tiger Tacos in the United Kingdom