FAQs
China Product Sourcing and Manufacturing FAQs
- How do I decide if I should source from China?
- What’s the advantage to using Asian ProSource instead of going directly to a factory in China?
- Do I need to go to China myself?
- What are the minimum quantities?
- How are payments handled?
- How long does it take to get outsourced products?
- Is it safe to do business with China?
- How is quality control handled?
- Do I need to send my samples to China?
- How much will it cost to produce prototypes?
- Who handles the freight and import details?
- What do I need to know about Chinese customs?
1. How do I decide if I should source in China?
China’s rise as a manufacturing power is an economic phenomenon on scale with our industrial revolution. While the opportunities are tremendous, China manufacturing is not always the correct solution for every organization. Click here to learn more about whether sourcing from China is right for you.
2. What’s the advantage to using Asian Pro Source instead of going directly to a Chinese Factory?
Asian ProSource has the cross-cultural knowledge to do business in China, an existing repertoire of reliable suppliers, and 20 years of cost-effective China sourcing experience.
3. Do I need to go to China myself?
While our clients rarely choose to personally travel to China, many businesses consider it prudent to have first hand knowledge of their manufacturing. For these customers, Asian ProSource can accompany our clients as they visit their Chinese suppliers, and provide translation and cultural assistance during their visit.
4. What are the minimum quantities?
Asian ProSource helps clients procure large volumes of product from Chinese manufacturers. Minimum China product orders are $100,000 per year. Our clients have typically been in business for 2 or more years.
5. How are payments handled?
Asian ProSource will help you establish the viability of sourcing your products overseas within 24 hours, and without charge. Once quotes have been received and the customer enters into a contract for production, a deposit of 30-40% of the value of the invoice is required before production can begin. The remainder is due after our clients have received and approved the Quality Control Inspection Report, prior to shipping.
6. How long does it take to get product?
Once the viability of the project is established, the average production cycle is approximately 90 days. While every project is unique, the timeline breaks down as follows: 30 days sourcing, prototype, and contracting, 30 days manufacturing and quality control, and 30 days shipping (ocean freight). Click here for a detailed timeline of average production cycles.
7. Is it safe to do business with China?
Over our 20 years of business, Asian ProSource has developed and built safeguards into every step of the sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics process. We minimize China risk through extensive due diligence with the factories, producing and establishing standard, enforceable contracts in the local jurisdictions, and working in tandem with you to establish that every piece of product meets the inspection standards you specify.
8. How is quality control handled?
This process begins early on as we collect information for the RFQ, “Request for Quotation”. Asian ProSource works with you to develop a standards list comprising all critical areas to be inspected during the QC phase of our process. These standards are also built into the contract that the factory signs and agrees upon. During the production run, our QC team will check to see that these standards have been met and will return a pass/fail report with digital photos at each point of the inspection standard representing completion of that point.
9. Do I need to send my samples to China?
It is not always necessary to send your samples to China. However, in some cases the factories will need a first hand, 3D view of your product that 2D photos or drawings do not depict. Our experienced project managers will determine the best course of action based on your product and customer expectations.
10. How much will it cost to produce prototypes?
Prototype and sample costs are quoted during the sourcing phase of our process. The quote we provide contains not only the price per unit, but also sample or prototype costs and sample production time as well. These prices are determined on a case-by-case basis and each factory specifies the actual cost.
11. Who handles the freight and import details?
We are a full service on-site importer. We manage all phases of your project from sourcing to production to door-to-door logistics. We have a specialized team that works in tandem with freight forwarders to ensure that your containers will arrive at your door when you need them.
12. What do I need to know about Chinese customs?
Customs rates, clearances, and all other logistics details are taken care of by us. These costs are built into Asian ProSource quotes which provides you a single, landed cost to determine your true unit cost.
