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Tag Archives: supplier management
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The ODM Trap: When Your Manufacturer Owns Your Product | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 31)
Working with an ODM manufacturer can look like a shortcut. They already have experience. They already have tooling. They may even have a similar product that can be adapted quickly. But that convenience can come with a serious downside: you … Continue reading
My Chinese Supplier Took My Deposit but Didn’t Ship. What Can I Do? | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 30)
An importer contacted us, having paid a Chinese supplier (sourced on Made-in-China) for motorcycle clutch discs and suffering from around 18 months of delays, broken promises, and excuses. When a Chinese supplier takes your deposit but does not ship, it … Continue reading
EU PPWR: Your Technical File Was Complete. It Isn’t Anymore.
Many importers into the EU feel reasonably confident about compliance. They have a technical file, including a risk assessment. They have test reports that cover mandatory testing requirements. They have a signed Declaration of Conformity for their product. Those documents … Continue reading
We’re Suffering from Systemic Supplier Failure in China! | Disputes With Chinese Suppliers Q&A (Volume 29)
When shipments are delayed, production is inconsistent, or communication breaks down, it’s often not a single issue; sometimes the problem is the supplier itself. This was exactly the case for a US-based medical supply and equipment distributor we worked with. … Continue reading
Square Pegs, Round Holes: Why the “Wrong” Factory Can Kill Your Product [Podcast]
Choosing a manufacturer is not just about price, certifications, or whether they say “yes.” In this episode, Renaud and Adrian unpack one of the most common and costly sourcing mistakes they still see in 2026: working with factories that are … Continue reading
Tariffs, Trade War, and the Factory Floor: Buyer Risks in 2025 [Podcast]
Tariffs, shifting trade policies, and unpredictable order patterns are creating a “stop–go” manufacturing environment in China. For buyers, this means unexpected quality issues, capacity crunches, and supply chain instability. In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud Anjoran and Adrian … Continue reading
Posted in Sofeast Podcast
Tagged tariffs, in the factory, us/china trade war, supplier management
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How to Smoothly Transition Between Chinese Manufacturers Without Disruptions
Switching suppliers is never an easy decision, especially when working with Chinese manufacturers. A poorly managed transition can lead to production delays, quality issues, and financial losses. Here, we outline key strategies to navigate supplier transitions effectively, based entirely on … Continue reading
8 Red Flags To Beware Of When Working with Chinese Manufacturers
As we always say, doing due diligence on your Chinese manufacturers is really important for ensuring smooth cooperation and long-term problems if you do decide to work together. Here are 8 red flags that, if exhibited by your Chinese supplier, … Continue reading
When and How to Switch Suppliers? Detailed Advice. [Podcast]
In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Paul Adams, head of new product development, is joined by Fabien Gaussorgues, CEO of Agilian Technology, to explore the critical decision to switch suppliers (manufacturers) in Asia, especially China. They discuss common warning … Continue reading
Traceability In Manufacturing: Far More Than Just A Safety Net [Podcast]
Adrian and Renaud are talking about traceability for manufacturers which provides a detailed record of how the products are manufactured and the supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. Having this mindset and system can help you to reduce … Continue reading
