China Manufacturing Decoded

In this episode... Sofeast's resident reliability expert and head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, joins Adrian from the team to show you the 5-step process of how to fix problem products that are being returned by customers. Everyone hopes they won't be affected by product reliability issues resulting in returns, but if it does happen this information will help you deal with the problem effectively. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic about how to find and fix the issues causing your product to be returned by customers. 01:46 - 1. Identify the field issues. 10:17 - Are problems exhibited by returned products that have been in the field usually reliability-related? 15:59 - 2. Determine their root cause/s. 19:46 - 3. Develop a solution/s. 22:02 - 4. Implement the solution/s. 29:35 - 5. Monitor the results. 34:21 - Why this process is important and more cost-effective than doing nothing. 40:17 - Wrapping up. Related content... We can help you do reliability engineering and testing for your product in our testing lab in ChinaCost Of Poor Quality and Reliability: “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.”Product Quality and Reliability Issues: Typical Classification7 Secrets Behind Low Product Return RatesWhy Product Safety, Quality, and Reliability Are Tightly Linked5 Main Reasons For A High Product Return Rate Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

Renaud, assisted by Adrian from the team, provides a number of environmental improvement strategies based on the IEC 62430 standard for environmentally conscious design that you can follow when designing your new product. Improving sustainability is becoming more important for businesses, especially with new legislation like the EU's ecodesign for sustainable products regulation, coming in. You don't need to implement all of these tips, but embracing even a few could reduce your environmental footprint by quite a good amount! Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introduction: why are we talking about products' environmental footprints and sustainability? 09:54 - Good product design practices for bringing to market products with a lower environmental impact from IEC 62430:2019. 14:09 - 1. Design for material sourcing 24:44 - 2. Design for manufacture 30:45 - 3. Design for transport and distribution 36:58 - 4. Design for use (including installation and maintenance) 51:23 - 5. Design for end of life 55:11 - Why importers need to start thinking about and planning for more sustainable products 60:20 - Wrapping up. Related content... IEC 62430:2019What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation?Designing New Products With A Cradle To Cradle Cycle In MindThe Design for X Approach: 12 Common ExamplesHow To Do an LCA? (Measuring a Product’s Environmental Impact)23 Ideas For Producing More Eco-Friendly Products Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

Adrian and Renaud return to continue the journey through 9 of the key questions businesses that're developing new products commonly need answers to. Here's part 2 of this podcast covering questions 5-9... Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introduction. 01:07 - 5. What is the product's production cost? 19:24 - 6. What's the pricing strategy for the product? 28:59 - 7. What is the distribution strategy? 37:52 - 8. What will the timeline for developing and launching the product be? 48:46 - 9. What are the risks of launching this product? 51:35 - Wrapping up. Related content... How to estimate unit cost [Video]How to Calculate the Cash Needed to Prototype & Launch your New Product [Podcast]What is an NRE Cost (Non-Recurring Engineering)?An Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China [PDF eBook] Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, is back with Adrian from the team. They're talking about manufacturing alchemy: taking a cheap product and converting it into a high-profit one! How can importers do this? Andrew shares 5 ways to boost your profits here. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic. 03:06 - Sell expensive or low-cost products? 08:11 - 1. Add value to the product. 16:23 - 2. Target a Niche Market. 19:50 - 3. Improve the packaging. 25:10 - 4. Upsell and Cross-sell. 30:03 - 5. Invest in marketing. 33:53 - Wrap-up. Related content... Sourcing & Manufacturing In China For E-Commerce Sellers [Interview By Proboxx]10 Mistakes New Buyers Manufacturing In Asia Keep MakingWhat are your 4 options when sourcing suppliers in China? [Podcast]Why First-Time Buyers Fall for Trading Companies in ChinaHow To Reduce Risks As Your Order Sizes Grow When Working With Chinese Manufacturers? Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

Sofeast's CEO Renaud is joined by Adrian from the team and they're going to go through 9 of the key questions businesses who're developing new products commonly need answers to. Here's part 1 of this podcast covering questions 1-4... Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's episode. 01:22 - 1. What is the target market for the product? 07:51 - How to do market research. 13:26 - 2. What problem does the product solve for the customer? 23:03 - 3. What is the unique selling proposition of the product? 26:57 - 4. What features and functionalities should the product have? 42:44 - Wrapping up. Related content... The NPI Process: Trouble Awaits If You Skip Its Steps! [Podcast]Transitioning to Manufacturing from Product Development | 2 OptionsAn Importer’s Guide to New Product Manufacturing in China [eBook] Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, talks us through why pilot runs are so important, the best practices and benefits, and how to plan for yours in order for it to be a success. If you're mass-producing your products you're not going to want to miss this episode! Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing today's topic. 01:10 - What is a pilot run? 02:46 - Important ways to get the best out of pilot runs. 10:12 - Common problems that the pilot run will uncover that you will want to avoid. 13:17 - How it helps to control processes. 17:50 - 5 steps to plan for before you start your pilot run. 25:50 - How does the cost of doing pilot runs compare with not doing them? 27:48 - Do Asian manufacturers have the habit of doing pilot runs? 29:16 - In conclusion. Related content... What is a pilot run?New Product Launch: Taking Shortcuts vs. Preventing RisksHow To Set Up A Process Control Plan [11 Steps]What is the Pilot Run for Components and Products?Understanding The Role Of Manufacturing Process Control In Your Factory Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, joins Adrian in this short bonus episode to explain what the RoHS directive is, and how it affects the manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical products in regard to product safety and compliance. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic. 00:51 - What is RoHS? 03:55 - The list of hazardous substances. 06:14 - How to test for them? 09:13 - How much does RoHS testing cost and which labs should be used? 11:10 - Listing the 10 hazardous substances in full. 13:05 - The order that materials were added to the RoHS list over time. 14:39 - What process does the lab follow to test products for RoHS after receiving them? 17:50 - Wrapping up. Related content... EU RoHS Directive infoList of hazardous substances (UK gov)Get help from Sofeast to work out which standards your product needs to comply with Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Renaud and Adrian outline 10 common mistakes that new buyers make when buying from Asian manufacturers, especially in China. Avoid these pitfalls and you'll be far more likely to develop good relationships and get your products on time, on budget, and at the expected quality standard! Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and talking about the Hong Kong electronics fair in April 2023. 04:53 - Exploring the top mistakes that new buyers make when buying from China and other Asian countries. Renaud wrote this list of mistakes in 2011, but it's still relevant today! 05:55 - 1. Always pursuing the lowest price. 12:37 - 2. Agreeing on crazy payment terms with a supplier. 16:16 - 3. You fail to inspect product quality before shipment. 19:07 - 4. Failing to realize that pre-production samples are selling tools. 21:40 - 5. Not trusting the supplier at all and being obvious about it. 24:47 - 6. Not keeping 2-3 weeks of padding in the shipment schedule. 27:44 - 7. Having no visibility over your supply chain. 29:27 - 8. You forget to describe and document an important product feature or your packaging requirements. 32:47 - 9. Hoping that an unsatisfactory manufacturer will improve over time. 37:45 - 10. Not registering your trademark in China when buying from China. 40:43 - Wrapping up. Related content... DIY Sourcing From China Part 2: Negotiations, Terms, Leverage, & Quality Standards [Podcast]product inspectionsHow To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? [podcast]How To Switch To A Newer, Better Chinese Manufacturer? [eBook]IP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide]here Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Renaud and Andrew talk about how to develop hardware products specifically for software companies used to using an agile design approach (often SCRUM) for software products that now need to create a new hardware product to support their business (such as a device that runs on the software). They share their thoughts on the book 'SCRUM for hardware design' by Prof. David G. Ullman, warnings about the limitations of the agile design approach where hardware is concerned that you'll need to be aware of and plan for, and 8 tips for software companies who're in this position to help you understand where other software companies often go wrong. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & today's topic. 01:56 - What's the difference between traditional project management and the agile approach? 08:18 - Why is the agile design approach so popular with software companies? 11:07 - 13 points about hardware design is different from software design from the book 'SCRUM for hardware design' by Prof. David G. Ullman. 23:20 - 8 points that companies that are used to running agile design for software development tend to overlook when developing new hardware products. 23:39 - 1. Agile is good, but planning and documentation can't be skipped. 31:35 - 2. You need to freeze the product design (including freezing the firmware) at one point. 33:48 - 3. An engineering change management process must be taken seriously from a certain point. 35:46 - 4. You need supply chain visibility and to manage it yourself. 39:15 - 5. You will need a quality function. 42:21 - 6. BOM, drawings, schematics, etc. are all as important as software code. 47:55 - 7. Product reliability is important, especially if they have a "product as a service" business model. 52:46 - 8. Product compliance is an entire topic to take seriously. 54:37 - Summary and wrapping up. Related content... The New Product Introduction Process GuideWhy Designing Hardware Using Scrum is Difficult11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance RequirementsHow To Do Product Reliability Testing?Cost Of Poor Quality and Reliability: “Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.”What Is Compliance Testing? [Podcast] Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Renaud and Adrian are back and talking about how to comply with CE and UKCA regulations as an indication that they comply with the safety, health, and environmental requirements of the EU and Great Britain. They cover what these requirements are, the process to become compliant, how and why the UK is diverging, and more. No matter where your business is based, if you sell products in these markets you'll need to add the CE or UKCA mark to them. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic. 00:38 - What is CE and what kinds of products does it cover? 04:22 - How to obtain CE marking: Overview. 09:23 - Who is 'the manufacturer?' 11:20 - What are the risks if you don't follow the CE compliance process? 20:38 - What's the difference between CE and UKCA? 24:51 - Why UKCA is not required for Northern Ireland. 27:06 - EU 'harmonised standards' are called 'designated standards' in the UK. 28:16 - The UK government is threatening to repeal a lot of EU laws due to Brexit. How realistic is this? 31:25 - Why seeing CE-marked products when sourcing from China might mean nothing at all. 35:35 - What notified bodies are and when do they need to be involved? 41:21 - Wrapping up. Related content... Official CE Marking GuidanceThe definition of manufacturers according to the European CommissionUsing the UKCA markingList of products requiring a CE markThe NANDO database for notified bodies Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Sofeast's CEO Renaud Anjoran and senior compliance officer and friend of the show Clive Greenwood are back together and talking about the challenges of quality management in China. You'll learn about communication, supply chain transparency, cultural factors that affect quality, what an effective quality management system needs to include, and a lot more in this bumper episode! Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introduction to our guest, Clive and this episode's topic: Challenges of Quality Management in China. 02:52 - Why do importers face challenges when trying to ensure consistent quality, reliability, compliance, etc, from Chinese suppliers? 03:20 - 1. Poor communication. 08:15 - 2. Working with the wrong kind of supplier that you cannot really trust. 13:26 - SMEs have 2 common due diligence & quality approaches when working with Chinese suppliers depending on the type of product development required. 16:45 - 3. A supplier who doesn't provide supply chain transparency negatively impacts quality. 20:48 - 4. Expecting the supplier to inform you about quality issues independently without you doing your own due diligence is a mistake. 23:19 - 5. There is no concept of separation of powers at many Chinese suppliers: "If the boss says it, do it." 28:36 - The role of factory audits. 32:29 - 6. A lack of supply chain transparency, traceability, and compliance. 37:37 - 7. Cheap and/or fast will usually come with a reduction of quality in the minds of Chinese suppliers. 42:59 - 8. Inspecting quality too late and not enforcing your quality standard. 44:37 - 9. A lack of risk thinking and acting on problems when they occur. 52:07 - If production is not ok, that failure is probably on you the buyer. 53: 58 - Summary: How to successfully manage quality in China? 54:35 - Wrapping up. Related content... How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain?How ISO 37301 Might Improve Chinese Suppliers’ ComplianceUsing Real Data to Prove the Link between Factory Audits and Better Quality ProductsHow To Choose Which Factory Audit You Need?What Is The Minimum Viable Quality Management System For A New Manufacturer? [8 Steps] Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, joins Adrian to explore the topic of Design for Reliability (DfR) in detail. He explains the process you need to go through to avoid unreliable products, some warnings about what an unreliable product may end up looking or behaving like, and how the DfR process should be implemented and some commonly overlooked secrets so you know how to implement it yourself. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic of DfR. 01:08 - What is DfR and its objectives? 04:29 - What makes an unreliable product? 20:26 - What are some of the secrets to applying DfR that people need to know about? 23:08 - Recap: The best engineering practices for reliability. 24:32 - The process we follow to reduce our clients' reliability risks. 28:37 - Wrapping up. Related content... The Design for X Approach: 12 Common ExamplesDesign for X - Product Design Optimization seriesISTA Package Testing: Get It Done Before Shipment To Protect ProductsWhat To Do If You Have A High Product Return Rate? [6-step Process]How To Do Product Reliability Testing?reliability and durability testing Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Renaud and Adrian from Sofeast share the positive news that China is reopening its borders to all travellers today, March 15th 2023, including issuing tourist visas now. After 3 long years, we look at changes that might affect business travellers who are eager to visit suppliers in particular. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings - What is the news? (China issuing all types of visas as of March 15 '23) 03:19 - Chinese business visas, and changes to applying for them. 08:30 - The points system used for work visas. 09:52 - Tourist visas are now available! 11:48 - Why the end of Covid has caused the loosening of entry restrictions now. 13:18 - Why PCR tests probably won't be required from travellers moving forward in most cases. 15:54 - Wrapping up. Related content... China is fully reopening to tourists after three years of border restrictionsChina to fully reopen borders to foreigners but near-term hurdles remainChina set to open its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Renaud welcomes Clive Greenwood and Sean Li of the BSI onto the podcast. They talk about the ISO 3730 standard for compliance management, how to implement it, how it is being adopted in China and how this affects you if you work with Chinese suppliers, and more. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic and guests. 03:21 - What is the ISO 37301 standard about? 06:25 - What is a compliance management system and how does it fit in with other common standards such as ISO 9001, 14001, etc? 12:29 - What does a compliance management system in China look like, and is the government taking it seriously? 17:24 - How about traceability, when supply chains in China have been historically opaque? Will businesses struggle to comply? 25:11 - How best to implement ISO 37301 along with other specific standards? 30:16 - Looking at a company’s organization, its checks & balances, its values, etc. 36:00 - Summary: The importance of an independent auditor to supervise the compliance management system. 37:25 - Wrapping up. Related content... Removing Probability Analysis from Risk Management?What is the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation?BSI ISO 9001 CertificationLifecycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Requirements: What Manufacturers need to knowWhat Are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)?11 Common Electronic Product Certification And Compliance Requirements Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Renaud, Paul, and Adrian are talking about assembly and checking fixtures. You'll learn what they are, how they work, and when to work on designing them. If improving the speed, consistency, and quality of your products during mass production is important to you, as well as reducing costs, then you need to consider implementing fixtures in production to spur these improvements. The same can be said for checking quality, too, as you'll see how in-line checking fixtures help you to avoid problems during production that can result in defective products creeping through. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic: What happens if you have repeated quality issues from your manufacturing supplier? 01:17 - What are assembly fixtures? (+ examples). 11:00 - Benefits of assembly fixtures. 11:37 - Fixtures' role in mistake-proofing. 16:04 - Why good product design must include manufacturing process design. 20:24 - The timeline of when to work on process engineering and fixtures. 22:50 - Are fixtures hard to build and what materials can be used? 23:37 - Who pays for and owns the fixtures? 26:50 - What are checking fixtures (used for QC)? 27:59 - Examples of checking fixtures. 30:52 - How to decide where and how you need to be checking quality during production. 36:20 - The ROI of using fixtures. 38:15 - Why pilot runs are helpful for identifying where fixtures are needed. 39:24 - Wrapping up. Related content... Exploring The Key New Product Development Deliverables [Podcast]What’s The Investment Required To Bring My New Product To Market?Why A Pilot Run On A New Product, Before Mass Production, Is Very HelpfulUnderstanding The Role Of Manufacturing Process Control In Your Factory Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Renaud and Adrian discuss the unwelcome scenario of recurring quality problems from your outsourced supplier who's handling your manufacturing in China. They cover your quality standard, 6 tips on how to handle common recurring quality problems, and several reasons WHY these issues might be happening in the first place. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic: What happens if you have repeated quality issues from your manufacturing supplier? 01:57 - YOU need to make sure that the supplier understands your quality standard first. 03:46 - Tip 1. Always inform the supplier clearly how and why they went wrong. 08:18 - Tip 2. Give feedback on issues as early as possible during production. 10:44 - Tip 3. NEVER accept quality lower than your standard, including making an exception. 14:00 - Tip 4. Clearly define your quality standard including critical, major, minor, and non-defects. 22:01 - Tip 5. Set AQL limits (i.e. tolerances for defects) that correspond to your quality standard. 26:09 - Tip 6. Switch to a newer better supplier. 31:46 - Why product design issues could actually be the cause of your troubles. 33:43 - Why poor manufacturing might be the cause. 37:08 - Why your supplier's suppliers might be the cause. 41:27 - Wrapping up. Related content... 4 quality standard levelsWhat is the AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit)? An exhaustive guideinspection levelsNegotiating with suppliers, including quality standardsLearn how to switch to a new suppliersupplier Audit Solutionsdue diligence checks Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Adrian from the team and Sofeast's head of New Product Development, Andrew Amirnovin, talk about ISTA package testing. Importers should consider doing this testing to gain peace of mind that the shipping cartons they select will get their products to their destination safely. You'll learn what the tests include, how much they cost, when to do them, and much more. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings and introducing the topic of ISTA package testing. 03:02 - Who is ISTA and what testing standards do they offer? 09:28 - ISTA-1a. 10:34 - ISTA-2a. 15:46 - ISTA-3a. 18:49 - Is ISTA testing mandatory? 19:47 - What does it cost? 22:26 - What does an ISTA test pass actually mean? 24:28 - What if your package fails the test? 26:01 - When should importers start thinking about packaging options? 29:33 - Do the tests require real product samples to be used? 31:19 - Wrapping up. Related content... 9 Types of Packaging (Benefits, Costs, Sustainability, and more)from their websiteWhat Is A Package Drop Test?What Is A Package Vibration Test?Carton Compression Test (what it is and its procedure)What Is A Packaging Atmospheric Conditioning Test?Packaging DamageHow To Check Humidity In Wood And CardboardGet in touch with us to have a discussion about your needs Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Sofeast's head of Supply Chain Management, Kate, joins Adrian in this short bonus podcast with a logistics focus to explain what HS and HTS codes are, and why they're so important for importers who are shipping their products from where they're manufactured to where they're going to be sold. These codes are added to your customs declaration and classify what your product is. Different product codes will attract different levels of import duties, taxes, and tariffs, so selecting the right code is critical (and more than one might be appropriate for your product)! Your product classification may also influence the materials, components, and packaging you use, so that's also something to be aware of. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings. 01:11 - What are HS and HTS codes? 02:53 - How to select appropriate codes for your product/s? 03:33 - How the US/China trade war has affected costs for importers from China and why being aware of potential duties for your product is necessary before you ship. 06:319 - An example of where researching a better HTS code saved an American importer a lot of money. 08:59 - Kate's advice on getting the best code for your needs. Related content... HS vs HTS Codes: How to Find the Right Code for your Product? (incl. Links to Official Sources)Shipping MarksTypes of IncotermsWhere does Sofeast provide logistics support from?Logistics Management solution Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Inventors with a new product concept are rightly concerned with IP protection. They sometimes ask if they should invest in a patent for their new idea ASAP. Renaud and Andrew join Adrian to cover this topic here. You'll learn about types of patents, their cost, when a product is most likely to benefit from being patented, best practices for protecting your IP that you can follow before you file a patent, and plenty of examples of real businesses that had legal issues related to patents or who got to market successfully by being smart and careful about IP. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & today's topic: Patents for new hardware products. 03:33 - IP protection Basics 1: Always sign an NDA when disclosing the product concept to people in the industry. 04:58 - IP protection Basics 2: These actions will get your product idea copied early. 07:14 - The different types of patents. 10:39 - Approximate costs for patent applications and PPA timeline. 17:24 - If patents are too expensive, what alternatives are there for protecting IP? 22:04 - The 2 main fears of people launching a new product. 33:32 - The dangers of going to investors and pitching your new product idea. 36:37 - What to do if you have a 'home run?' 39:17 - What if your product is not a home run? 41:14 - Which version of the new product really needs a patent? 46:20 - The dilemmas you face: To patent, or not to patent, and when? 50:39 - Summary and wrapping up. Related content... our content about Product IP Risks & Protection When ManufacturingIP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide]New Physical Products: Patents Should Come After Market SuccessWhat’s The Investment Required To Bring My New Product To Market?Misguided Legal Advice Given to Startups in China: 8 ExamplesHow To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IPWill A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There? Get help from Sofeast to check that potential manufacturers are trustworthy: Combined Supplier Due Diligence Checks (Best Results & Value) Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser

In this episode... Renaud and Adrian talk about the 11 points buyers need to cover when sourcing a contract manufacturer in China for electronic products (although much of this advice is relevant to many hard goods in general and suppliers in other Asian countries, too) so you can find a partner you can rely on. Show Sections 00:00 - Greetings & today's topic: Sourcing a CM in China for manufacturing electronic products. 02:10 - What is a contract manufacturer in comparison to other supplier types? 06:55 - 1. What will your order quantity be? (This influences the type of CM that is suitable) 09:43 - 2. Will you order a high-volume, low product mix setup, or the opposite? 12:24 - 3. Do you have visibility and transparency over the supply chain? 19:14 - 4. Will your Intellectual Property be protected, and how? 20:48 - 5. Will they be helping to develop your product and make it compliant? 23:51 - 6. What manufacturing processes does the CM have in-house? 27:45 - 7. What is the CM's QC capability? 28:35 - 8. What kinds of tooling, fixtures, and jigs does the CM have for in-line testing? 29:37 - 9. Who has liability for safety and compliance issues? 31:00 - 10. What payment terms can they accept? 32:01 - 11. What delivery terms do they provide (incoterms)? 34:56 - Summary and wrapping up. Related content... OEM, ODM, Contract Manufacturers: Which Chinese Supplier To Choose?Typical Problems with Electronic Contract Manufacturers in China6 best Practices When Working With Contract Manufacturers In China6 Terms You Should Specifically Negotiate With Your Contract ManufacturerUsing One Turnkey Manufacturer vs. Several Suppliers for China ProductionIP Protection in China when Developing Your New Product [Importer’s Guide]How To Create A Valid Manufacturing Contract In China To Protect Your IPWill A China NNN Agreement Protect Us If We Start Assembling Products There?How To Get Transparency And Control Over Your Supply Chain? [podcast]Factory Audit Solutions Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIntweet @sofeastCheck us out on FBSofeast's contact pageSubscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to the podcast There are more episodes to come, so remember to subscribe! You can do so in your favorite podcast apps here and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating, please: Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherGoogle PodcastsTuneInAmazon PodcastsDeezeriHeartRADIOPlayerFMListen NotesPodcast AddictPodchaser