Klaus-Dieter Hanke is a professional exporter/importer for more than 2 decades. He is the author of a successful eight ebook series "Importing from China".
His company WebMediaBiz provides consultancy services to worldwide importers.
Claim his free eBook "7 Tips to more Successfully Import from China" from his website ==> http://www.webmediabiz.com now.
This is often an economic decision because overseas trips are expensive. I would say that you should visit each of your factories at least once a year. Combining it with Trade Fair visits helps you save on costs.
Certainly, it also depends on the current quality and performance of your factory. A factory continuously causing problems for you should be abandoned. If you can't walk away from them because they have unique products that you must have, you will have to visit them more frequently.
A Cost Effective Alternative to You Personally Visiting
Another choice which I suggest to you is using a Consultancy Service. Problems are often created by the language barrier and cultural differences which can be easily overcome by a face to face meeting. Your Consultancy Service is already in Asia and can take quick action to protect your interests. It is often essential to make fast decisions and they can provide the information needed.
Fast Paced Change at Chinese Factories
Do not try to convince yourself that a single visit to your factory is enough. China is changing so fast, that you would be surprised how much change occurs at the factories in a year.
A new factory manager can turn an inferior factory around and make it more competitive. The opposite can happen when a good factory manager leaves your factory and the successor fails to maintain control of operations.
Sometimes a factory experiences huge problems when a complete team of engineers leaves. The problem is twofold because both the manufacturing and QC process are seriously compromised. A factory's sales often plummet when their engineering or management team moves on to a competitor.
Unfortunately, this happens more often than you would expect. Usually the only way to find out is either to wait until the effects are felt or be proactive by finding out during your factory visits.
This knowledge is essential to you because your business and reputation will suffer if you are unaware of the changes. You can always inform your customers at home about problems you are facing but if you let them down it will likely cost you serious money.
Since you will be visiting several factories during your trip, it is very likely that one of your factories will hint about other struggling factories. Rumors spread very fast in China but they will not reach you if you stay at your home country all the time.
In other words "been there, done that" would be a totally wrong approach since everything could have changed in the meantime.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Handbag Factory: Handbag Factories Around the World
- How to Make Chinese Factory Visits More Successful - Part Four - How Often Must You Visit a Factory?
- How to Make Chinese Factory Visits More Successful - Part One - Major Reasons for the Visits
- How to Import Products From China More Successfully - Part Two - Visiting Suppliers in China
- Manufacturing Sourcing in China
- How to Find a Good China Laminate Flooring Manufacturer?
- China’s New Year: the Year of Opportunity
- Can India And China Compete With Multinational Companies?
"Earthquake Prone Structures"
By: PaulPeshkov | 31/12/2009When considering building your structure, whether it is a house or a multi-story office building, an owner, architect, engineer, and contractor should consider the "earthquake prone structures". The reason for this is: knowing the weak buildings ("earthquake prone structures") and their materials will help to make wise decision to build that future project in mind. Let us know look in to the "right way" of building...
Export And Import Industries In Australia
By: Gen Wright | 30/12/2009Australia is a vast country with over 21 million people. They are considering a major economic trading partner with the United States, Europe, and Asia. There is a stable government and low unemployment which puts it in an enviable position.
Opportunities For Export And Import In South Africa
By: Gen Wright | 30/12/2009South Africa was originally founded in 1652 by Dutch traders. They settled in Cape Town. Diamonds were discovered in 1867. Gold was discovered in 1886. From that point on South Africa has been known for the rich minerals and precious metals that can be mined.
Advice For Buyers Concerning Mallorca Estate Agents
By: Gen Wright | 30/12/2009Information on how to buy in Mallorca and what to look for. For buyers seeking to buy a property in Mallorca you're going to need to deal with Mallorca estate agents.
Salary negotiations aren’t always easy. They take time and dedication
By: Paul Ingersole | 29/12/2009When it comes to a new job, delay talks about salary as long as you can. The more interviews you have, the more likely the company wants you to work for them. If an offer of the position as well as salary is on the table, don’t accept it immediately if you aren’t happy with it. As for a set time period to give you time to think about it. Most employers will not demand an on the spot response from you.
Would like to become a full time Negitiator?
By: Paul Ingersole | 29/12/2009Another huge commitment as a negotiator is in the area of business and politics. There is a large amount of give in take in both arenas. The negotiation has to understand what is at stake throughout the negotiation process.
Having effective negotiation skills will help you in many aspects of your life
By: Paul Ingersole | 29/12/2009If you are interested in a career that involves negotiation skills, you are in for some intense training. This training is designed to give you the foundation you need to handle any type of crisis that comes your way. Hostage negotiations are often high profile situations involving weapons, lives, and the media.
The Art of quality contract negotiation
By: Paul Ingersole | 29/12/2009Negotiation contracts should be clear, with all the objectives listed. It should have consistent grammar and parties listed. Remember that a contract is not valid until it has been reviewed and signed by both parties. Each page should be numbered. If a page is to be blank it should have the words “this page intentionally left blank” written on it.
How to Make Chinese Factory Visits More Successful - Part Six - First Impressions of the Factory
By: Klaus-Dieter Hanke | 13/09/2008 | Ask an ExpertOften visiting customers are ushered quickly into the factory’s showroom giving them not enough time to register vital details. Time is money for both parties but you want to make sure that you have chosen the right partner and you must control your schedule to reserve sufficient time during your factory visits.
How to Make Chinese Factory Visits More Successful - Part Five - Multiple Factory Visits Save Money
By: Klaus-Dieter Hanke | 13/09/2008 | Ask an ExpertMost importers prefer to visit as many suppliers/factories as possible during their China business trips. Unfortunately the available time for such visits is limited considering that you have to add the extensive traveling time on top. It is advisable to make proper planning and combine visits to factories which are in the same location. Otherwise you could end up spending most of your precious time sitting in factory cars instead of having more useful discussions about new projects.
How to Make Chinese Factory Visits More Successful - Part Four - How Often Must You Visit a Factory?
By: Klaus-Dieter Hanke | 13/09/2008 | Ask an ExpertThe timing and frequency of your factory visits is defined by the main reasons you are visiting the factory. It could be that you want to combine your visit with visits at Chinese Trade Fairs. Another reason could be to visit new factories for the first time for a detailed evaluation. If you are experiencing major problems with quality and/or delivery you must take immediate action in order to avoid financial losses.
How to Make Chinese Factory Visits More Successful - Part Three - Inspecting the Manufacturing Areas
By: Klaus-Dieter Hanke | 13/09/2008 | Ask an ExpertAfter the first impressions of the factory you must take a tour of the different factory areas and verify whether the factory is indeed practicing an effective Quality Management System. Let’s start where materials first enter the factory. This provides a clear indication if the factory takes quality control seriously.
How to Make Chinese Factory Visits More Successful - Part Two - Making Your Trip Preparations
By: Klaus-Dieter Hanke | 13/09/2008 | Ask an ExpertFactory visits are not a holiday trip. They differ from Trade Fair visits where you have time until the exhibition opens the gates. The factory starts early and you should take full advantage of it. If you have your own driver you can leave the hotel at any time. Otherwise you will wait until the factory driver arrives with his car to pick you up, assuming that you made prior arrangements with the factory.
How to Attend Chinese Trade Fairs More Effectively - Part Three - Legal Issues at Trade Fairs
By: Klaus-Dieter Hanke | 13/09/2008 | Ask an ExpertJust recently during the Berlin IFA Fair, legal representatives of MP3 license holders swarmed that fair on the first day and confiscated many products from various suppliers’ booths that were found w/o proper license. Several booths were also closed by the police because they could not provide proper documents that they had paid the license fee as requested by law. Some were allowed to reopen their booths after they presented the evidence to the police.
How to Attend Chinese Trade Fairs More Effectively - Part Two - Talk to the Right People
By: Klaus-Dieter Hanke | 13/09/2008 | Ask an ExpertSometimes products are displayed at a supplier’s booth but nobody is there to sell them. If you ask around someone will probably tell you that the products belong a friend and they are just doing him a favor by displaying them. In many cases, they cannot give you any additional information and you are wasting your time. If it was an exciting new product, you can bet nobody would allow another company to display the products for them.
How to Import Products From China More Successfully - Part Three - Monitor Production Progress
By: Klaus-Dieter Hanke | 13/09/2008 | Ask an ExpertEvery factory is on a tight production schedule and they depend on the punctual delivery of their components, raw materials and their packing materials. If any of them is delayed, it automatically delays production and can mean late shipment. It is therefore essential to check continuously with your factory for the production progress to maintain control over your schedule.