If you want to outsource your production to China, there are a number of steps you need to take to make sure you get quality products.
Choosing the right supplier to produce in China
The first step before you can produce in China is to find a supplier you can trust. There are several ways to find a supplier.
You can start by visiting the Alibaba, Globalsources and HKTDC websites, which list many Chinese suppliers. To find the one you want to do business with, don't hesitate to talk to several suppliers. An audit of each potential supplier will enable you to find out their references, production lead times, certifications, experience, production history... You'll have all the keys in hand to compare suppliers and get an initial idea of their qualifications.
If you want to produce in China, it's also ideal to go directly to the country to meet future suppliers and visit factories. Mandarin isn't a language you'll necessarily master: if you don't have sufficient linguistic skills, ask a translator to help you. Before committing yourself to a supplier, it's essential to register intellectual property rights, draw up a confidentiality agreement, and draw up specifications specifying the types of parts you wish to have produced. Using the services of a purchasing office in China can help simplify the production of parts in this country.
Quality parts produced in China
Manufacturing in China can lead to quality problems if certain rules are neglected.
To guide the supplier as much as possible in the creation of the parts, it is necessary to provide precise specifications in English and translated into Mandarin. This document specifies the requirements for each model, and details are appreciated (dimensions of parts, size/color of thread, buttons...) to avoid design problems. It also avoids worries such as higher prices and longer delivery times. Don't hesitate to ask for samples to test models, and contact service companies that assess product conformity, such as Bureau Veritas and SGS. You'll also avoid problems with customs.
Part quality is a permanent control that you need to carry out. In fact, once you've found a supplier, you need to be vigilant at every stage of production. Don't hesitate to visit the company regularly and ask for a production schedule. You'll have a precise idea of the progress of your orders, and your presence will impose a certain rigor on the work. You'll be able to ensure that environmental and safety rules are respected within the company. By being on site, you'll also be able to keep control of production by preventing the subcontracting of parts to other companies in China.
Outsourcing your production to China while offering quality parts is possible with a great deal of rigor and regular product verification. Once you've found the right supplier, you need to remain adamant about the quality of your parts to offer your customers safe products.
The fashion market in China is constantly expanding, and products are gaining in quality thanks to the emergence of talented designers. If you are interested in working with China, ISAL Paris offers training to develop your international business.
