If you want to relocate your production to China, there are certain steps you must take to ensure you obtain high-quality products.
Choosing a good supplier for manufacturing in China
The first step before you can start manufacturing in China is to find a reliable supplier. There are several ways to find a supplier.
First, you can visit Alibaba, Globalsources, and HKTDC, which list many Chinese suppliers. To find the right one for you, don't hesitate to start a conversation and talk to several suppliers. An audit of each potential supplier will allow you to find out about their references, production times, certifications, experience, production history, etc. You will have all the information you need to compare suppliers and get an initial idea of their qualifications.
To manufacture in China, it is also best to go directly to the country to meet future suppliers and visit factories. Mandarin is not necessarily a language you are fluent in: if you do not have sufficient language skills, ask for the help of a translator. Before committing to a supplier, you must register intellectual property rights, establish a confidentiality agreement, and draw up specifications detailing the types of parts you want to have produced. Using a purchasing office service in China can be a good way to simplify the production of parts in that country.
Manufacturing high-quality parts in China
Manufacturing in China can lead to quality issues if certain rules are neglected.
To provide the supplier with as much guidance as possible in creating the pieces, it is necessary to provide them with precise specifications in English and translated into Mandarin. This document specifies the requirements for each model and includes useful details (dimensions of the pieces, size/color of the thread, buttons, etc.) to avoid design issues. These specifications also prevent issues such as price increases and longer delivery times. Don't hesitate to request samples to test the models and to contact service companies that assess product compliance, such as Bureau Veritas and SGS. This will also help you avoid problems with customs.
The quality of parts is something you need to monitor constantly. Once you have found a supplier, you need to remain vigilant at every stage of production. Don't hesitate to visit the company regularly and ask for a production schedule. This will give you a clear idea of the progress of your orders, and your presence will encourage a certain rigor in the work. You will be able to ensure that the company complies with environmental and safety regulations. By visiting the site, you will also be able to maintain control over production by preventing the subcontracting of parts to other companies in China.
Outsourcing production to China while offering high-quality parts is possible with a great deal of rigor and regular product checks. Once you have found the right supplier, you must remain uncompromising when it comes to the quality of your parts in order to offer your customers safe products.
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