China Sourcing

By far, most of Avela’s China sourcing clients are corporations that wish to improve their bottom lines by saving money by sourcing products in China. Usually, this means working directly with Chinese factories to cut out the middleman, so to speak, and to source products (and often improve upon products) that they currently buy from distributors.

Some of our strongest and most successful China sourcing relationships are with venture capitalists, angel investors, and investment bankers who support both start-up companies and existing companies seeking to take their business to the next level.

Unbeknownst to some, China sourcing is not just for large corporations. Individuals and small businesses also can take advantage of the huge cost savings that come with sourcing products in China. Some of the most creative, exciting sourcing projects that Avela Corp. has overseen have involved sourcing for inventors and individuals seeking to take their ideas from concept to reality.

Transparency and the Why in my China Sourcing Business

Transparency and the Why in my China Sourcing Business

by on September 7, 2010 with No Comments

So what does business transparency have to do with Sourcing in China? I will get to that in a minute, but let me set the stage.

As the transparency movement drives businesses to be more open about their products and services, it is becoming routine to expect full disclosure on the who, what, when, where and how our products and services offered. It has gone way beyond “features and benefits”, and now with instant tools like FaceBook and Twitter just to name a few, we are at the instantaneous mercy of the fingertips of our customers.

China Sourcing and the Agent of Change

China Sourcing and the Agent of Change

by on August 22, 2010 with No Comments

I was thinking about my job and what it really represents. It struck me that sourcing products and services in China is all about change and I am really a change agent. I guess that is why I only deal with top executives as change is too difficult to power up from the bottom. Powering change from the top down is where change is most likely to occur. And change seams like such a natural process, but I know from personal experience that it can be seam painful.

Sourcing my Breakfast in China.

Sourcing my Breakfast in China.

by on August 8, 2010 with No Comments

Instead of talking strictly about sourcing products and services in China, lets talk breakfast. I usually make 4-5 sourcing trips to China each year that can last 2-4 weeks each, depending on the nature of that particular trip. … I penetrate the crowd and let their energy whisk me along toward my breakfast street vendor rendezvous. Hundreds of smiles, strange looks and a mile later, I’m in line. Finally it is my turn as I watch my breakfast being created.

A Ship in Port is Safe vs China Sourcing

A Ship in Port is Safe vs China Sourcing

by on July 23, 2010 with No Comments

“A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. Sail out to sea and do new things.” – Admiral Grace Hopper:

Are you setting sail or looking for safe harbor?
It reminded me about the reason I got into sourcing in China, but more importantly it relates to todays economy and what CEOs are planning to deal with this uncertain future. Many are setting out to sea and chartering courses to places like China, India, Mexico and Brazil.

Your interpreter may speak Chinglish

Your interpreter may speak Chinglish

by on July 8, 2010 with No Comments

I am already thinking about the fall session of the Canton Fair.  http://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/index.asp 1,130,000 M2 of exhibit space; 56,915 standard booths I love the energy and there is so much to learn with each session. It really stimulates my creativity, sense of adventure and I always come up with a new idea or two for my clients. I will go … Read More

Feet on the Ground in China

Feet on the Ground in China

by on May 26, 2010 with No Comments

But as it relates to sourcing products and services in China, our meaning is a bit more literal. We have feet on the ground. We have people in China. We have an established presence. This does not mean “I know a guy” or “we have contacts” in China. So what are the advantages of feet on the ground? Here are just five.

Are you a Tourist or a Traveler?

Are you a Tourist or a Traveler?

by on May 5, 2010 with No Comments

I do a lot of traveling back and forth from Houston to Shanghai as part of my job as CEO of Avela Corporation. My trips involve traveling with clients to do final negotiation on sourcing deals that the Shanghai office has spent weeks and months setting up. Our travels take us to all parts of China, from futuristic mega-cities like … Read More

Hitchcock and Sourcing in China

Hitchcock and Sourcing in China

by on April 6, 2010 with No Comments

I had an odd thought develop on my way from Shanghai to Guangzhou; comparing sourcing in China to one of my favorite film directors, Alfred Hitchcock.I was traveling to a factory that I have worked with for four years, to inspect a new item that had never been produced before. I have a very comfortable and easy relationship with this … Read More

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