Avela Corporation is a sourcing company, but we are often asked if we are middlemen. We are not. But before we go into the difference between a sourcing company and a middle man—also known as a trading company—allow me to explain why middlemen exist on the China Manufacturing scene. Probably the biggest reason for a middleman is that less than … Read More
Opportunities abound in China. For our clients, it holds the opportunity to have their products manufactured at the level of quality they need and at price that allows them to be competitive in the marketplace when, for one reason or another, those opportunities are not available from domestic sources. For average Chinese people, the coming of Capitalism to their economy … Read More
With over 17 years of experience as a premier sourcing company for Chinese manufacturing, we at Avela Corporation have heard a lot about Alibaba. When we hear about it, it is usually from perspective clients who have had bad experiences with businesses they have met through that portal, or they have simply outgrown it. Either way often leads them to … Read More
Avela Corporation has been sourcing manufacturing in China for our clients since 2002 and we have pretty much heard it all. Clients often come to us after having tried to “go it alone” by dealing with a trading company that they may have met at a trade show, through a website on Alibaba or elsewhere. If all goes well, things … Read More
My first visit to China was part of a trade mission trip in 2002, just a year after it entered the World Trade Organization. Back then the place pulsed with potential as the country embraced capitalism as the keystone of its economic reform. As a sourcing agent for manufacturing in China, the intervening years have been a whirlwind as I … Read More
Your company has decided that it must source some or all of it’s manufacturing to China in order to… (pick one)1) add to the bottom line.2) make a key product that’s not practical to make locally.3) repurpose your work force to more profitable contributions.4) focus on sales and marketing and not manufacturing.Does one sound like you?Then its a big deal and you can’t afford to … Read More
Find the Right Sourcing Agent to Strike Gold with China ManufacturingAnyone considering outsourcing manufacturing to China soon encounters the term “China sourcing agent” –-at least they should. Sourcing agents are important in parts of the world where cultural norms typically do not follow the Rule of Law or respect the sanctity of contracts—which are concepts many people elsewhere take for … Read More
The Value of a Sourcing Agent for Your Manufacturing In China As a business leader, your decision to source in China might not be an easy one. If there were a manufacturing option closer to home, you would probably take it. You know the simple truth, however: in today’s environment, Chinese manufacturing is key to the sustainability of many businesses.You … Read More
China Sourcing is an interesting industry and my journey has been long and fascinating. For the past 12 years I have helped companies buy products and services in China and the most important advise for anyone wanting to buy from China is simple: You Have to Do the Work. I guess I could say you “need to do your homework”, … Read More
Having been in the China sourcing business for almost 13 years now, I am often asked what is the most difficult aspect of working in China. My short answer is “Communication”. China manufacturers want to create the product you are asking for. What I have come to appreciate is just how nuanced our thoughts are, and how good communication is taken for … Read More
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