Doing Business in Asia: Making a Good Impression

It may go without saying that first impressions are important in business, but they are particularly crucial when you’re doing business in Asia.

Your image matters. Looking polished and sharp in a business meeting not only reflects well on you and your business; it also indicates respect for your host.

Proper Attire
For example, wearing an open-neck shirt, and going without a tie, is usually appropriate when you’re visiting suppliers, particularly if you’re touring factories. However, for other business meetings the dress code is stricter. Men may need a suit and tie, and women should wear a skirt or dress that falls below their knees, along with a jacket or sweater that covers their arms. All dress should be weather appropriate; wearing a heavy suit in a humid city can be uncomfortable and can interfere with the impression you want to create. You also need to make sure your socks are in good condition as shoes are prohibited in certain places in Asia, including some restaurants.

Business Card Etiquette
Business cards are another crucial consideration. Make sure you have plenty, because you’ll be giving away a lot of them, especially when you meet potential clients for the first time.

Following these tips can help you avoid cultural business-card gaffes:

·         Use both hands when presenting and receiving a card. Using one hand in Asia is considered casual to the point of rudeness.  Although it is common to slide you cards over a table like dealing at a casino in the West this is not done when making a good impression in Asia.

·         Properly acknowledge your associate. You do this by accepting his or her card and examining it carefully.  If you are not sure how long this should take be guided by how long they look at your card.

·         Ask, “how should I address you?” Asian businesspeople are keenly aware of position and hierarchy. Titles are important, so don’t guess; ask! Do not be afraid to write down their preferred title so you can refer to it during the meeting.  When you make the effort to be respectful it is noticed and the other “mistakes” you will make are excused.  Also, never use a client’s given name unless he or she invites you to do so.

·         Keep the client’s business card on the table during your meeting. It is also acceptable to place it in a cardholder. Either way, leaving the business card in full view for the duration of your meeting will show appropriate respect.

Mawson Global can help you navigate the process of doing business in China and other Asian countries – and making a good impression while you’re there! In addition to arranging hotel and flight bookings, Mawson Global’s on-site staff can advise you on the proper way of dealing with Chinese businesspeople, along with briefing you on local businesses practices, business development, and the country’s customs, holidays, and practices. 

3 Steps to Avoid Recalled Products due to Packaging and Labelling Errors

The Scenario:

The product you imported has now been distributed all over Australia and Europe and you have found  it does not meet labelling laws and needs to be recalled – at your expense!

 

We’ve all seen it happen before, a product gets recalled, not because it is faulty or subpar, but because a business overlooked the importance of following all rules and regulations for labelling and packaging. The question remains, how can you ensure your new product is not recalled because you overlooked a labelling requirement in another country?

 

Follow these three steps to ensure your business does not have an expensive product recall.

1.       Find consultants in your country or the countries you do business in to draft the labels and help you understand all the requirements for import

2.       Use third party inspection agents to check labels prior to shipment

3.       Use a customs broker to find out what paperwork you need to import the product

 

Over preparing and double checking is the first step to saving time and money in the long run. You do not need to be the expert on each rule and regulation your business will face, but it is important to hire someone who is an expert.

What other precautions can you share to make sure a labelling mistake does not lead to an expensive recall?

Distributor of name brand beverages, snack foods and confections experiences enhanced savings

Organization: Distributor of name brand beverages, snack foods and confections

Looking to Source: Soda bottles

Results:

  • Annual cost savings of more than $200,000.
  • Rapid procurement of multiple sourcing options.
  • Diverse pricing options from a variety of qualified suppliers.

 

The Objective

For 13 years, our client has been the state distributor for Cadbury Schweppes beverages, which includes Pepsi Cola, Gatorade, Spring Valley and Red Bull. The company also bottles its own line of specialty soda drinks.  The company contacted Mawson Global in order to improve its bottom line by discovering a reliable global sourcing partner to save on the cost of materials for soda bottles.

 

The Approach

After learning of Mawson Global’s proficiency in sourcing materials, our client engaged us to identify reliable global sources for its soda bottle business.

Our China-based staff researched a variety of suppliers, along with the company’s product specifications for the bottles, and we were able to recommend reliable suppliers producing the material in several China provinces.

We utilized our proven rating system to identify the top suppliers by marking efficiency levels, reliability and quality. Within a number of days, we presented the client with four soda bottle supplier options from different suppliers in China in our informative, easy-to-read Sourcing Report.

 

The Benefits

Significant Annual Cost Savings

Substantial Savings: As a result of Mawson Global’s global sourcing expertise, the client selected a vendor that will help it experience an annual cost savings of $200,000.

Outstanding ROI: Because Mawson Global operates on a fee-for-service model; the client only pays once for the process that now will save it significant costs for years to come.

Less Stress & More Flexibility

Multiple sourcing options: Mawson Global was able to identify a number of suppliers to fit our needs.

Future options: Because of Mawson Global’s approach, the client not only has acquired a provider for its current needs, but also has direct access to suppliers for future glass projects.

Comprehensive approach: Mawson Global not only conducted its Sourcing Project to identify the best soda bottle partner(s) for the client, but also conducted our Quicklook analysis, as well as our Research Project.

Quick Results

High Efficiency: Mawson Global sourcing experts conducted a timely and robust search for suppliers that not only could provide the required materials, but also could do so with significant cost savings.

Skilled, professional staff: Our staff in Asia has been with Mawson Global an average of six years, and they have streamlined the process of selecting trustworthy, reliable suppliers that meet our high standards for quality and customer service. This team, combined with our proven supplier ratings system, is why we were able to quickly address our client’s request for global sourcing options for its soda bottle business.

Mawson Global Client Experiences Remarkable Cost Savings

Organization: Manufacturer of steel and innovative product development

Looking to Source: Bubble wrap

Results:

* Annual cost savings of more than $79,000.

* Rapid procurement of multiple sourcing options.

* A variety of pricing options from a diverse group of qualified suppliers.

 

The Objective

Our client, a small, independent roofing company, has only been in business since 2009, but it’s quickly expanding, both in size and in the products and services it offers. The client provides a traditional mix of domestic and commercial products, and is constantly developing new products. Always searching for ways to save on the bottom line, the company sought out Mawson Global to help it identify a reliable global sourcing partner that will help it save on the cost of shipping and packing materials.

 

The Approach

Because of Mawson Global’s expertise in globally sourcing materials, the client engaged us to identify reliable global sources for bubble wrap.

Because we have “boots on the ground” in China, we were quickly able to research a number of suppliers. Taking into consideration the client’s specifications for the product, we delivered a detailed list of suppliers from various provinces in China.

Our established rating system enables us to gauge the top suppliers by monitoring efficiency levels, reliability and quality. So within a short period of time, we were able to present the client with four different supplier options in our informative, easy-to-read Sourcing Report.

 

The Benefits

Significant Annual Cost Savings

Substantial Savings: As a result of Mawson Global’s global sourcing expertise, the client selected a vendor that will help it experience an annual cost savings of more than $79,000.

No Additional Costs: There are no hidden costs or fees because Mawson Global operates on a fee-for-service model. This also means that the client pays for the service once and continues to enjoy the benefits for years to come. 

Flexible Alternatives

Future options: Because of Mawson Global’s approach, the client not only has acquired a provider for its current needs, but has direct access to a number of suppliers for future projects as well.

Comprehensive approach: Mawson Global not only conducted its QuickLook Analysis, but engaged its Research Project capability as well.

Added Bonus: The client able to partner with a new supplier for the required product and can now quote on more product because of the cost savings.

Skilled, professional staff: Our Asia team members have been in the area for an average of six years, and during that time they’ve developed a streamlined process for selecting trustworthy, reliable suppliers that meet our high standards for quality and for customer service. This team, combined with our proven supplier ratings system, is why we were able to quickly address our client’s request for global sourcing options for bubble wrap.

Global Sourcing Leads to Big Cost Savings for Mawson Global Client

Organization: Developer and manufacturer of flavors and fragrances

Looking to Source: Onion powder and other ingredients

Results:

* Annual cost savings of more than $248,000.

* Rapid procurement of multiple sourcing options.

* Variety of pricing options from a select group of qualified suppliers.

 

The Objective

During the past seven years, our client has developed into one of the leading flavor houses in Australia. With its own flavor development laboratory and factory located with its home office, the company is has an impressive portfolio of clients that seek its flavors and fragrances. Searching for a way to save on the cost of the ingredients for a variety of its products, the company reached out to Mawson Global in an effort to reduce its expenses on raw materials, as well as identify a reliable global sourcing partner. 

 

The Approach

Mawson Global’s reputation as a leader in globally sourcing materials led the client to engage us to identify reliable global sources for its onion powder and other ingredients.

The client has been expanding its business into Asian markets, so our China-based staff was able to strengthen these ties by identifying a variety of suppliers that meet the client’s product specifications and price point.

Using our proven rating system to identify the top suppliers, we were able to present the client with five different supplier options in China via our informative, easy-to-read Sourcing Report.

 

The Benefits

Significant Budget Benefits

Bottom line results: Because of Mawson Global’s global sourcing expertise, the client partnered with a vendor that will provide an annual cost savings of more than $248,000.

Perpetual bonus: Mawson Global operates on a fee-for-service model, which means there are no hidden costs or fees. It also means that the client pays for the service once, but will enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Flexible Alternatives

Multiple sourcing options: Mawson Global identified five reliable suppliers that matched the client’s requirements.

Growth potential: Because of Mawson Global’s efforts, the client now has the ability to quote more jobs and grow its business.

Future options: Because Mawson Global conducts a comprehensive search for sourcing partners, the client not only has acquired a provider for its current needs, it also has direct access to suppliers for future sourcing requirements.

An experienced team: One of the benefits of working with is that we maintain a staff in Asia. These team members have been with the company and average of six years, and during that time, they have sourced everything from colored glass to bubble wrap. They’ve also maintained a high rate of success thanks to a streamlined process for selecting trustworthy, reliable suppliers.

Mawson Global Client Realises Significant Savings

Organization: Designer and supplier of aluminium garden edging

Looking to Source: Garden edging

Results:

* Annual cost savings of more than $485,000.

* Rapid procurement of multiple sourcing options.

* Variety of pricing options from a select group of qualified suppliers.

 

The Objective

In the past 20 years, our client has been designing Australia’s leading aluminium gardening edge. Many professional landscapers, construction companies, as well as DIY enthusiasts, utilize the company’s product exclusively. In an effort to realise cost savings on its raw materials, the company contacted Mawson Global with hopes of identifying a reliable global sourcing partner to save on the cost of materials for aluminium link edge.

 

The Approach

Because of Mawson Global’s expertise in sourcing materials, the client engaged us to identify reliable global sources for its aluminium link edge.

Our China-based staff researched a variety of suppliers, also taking into consideration the client’s product specifications, and we were able to recommend reliable suppliers producing the material in several China provinces.

We utilized our proven rating system to identify the top suppliers by marking efficiency levels, reliability, and quality. Within days, we presented the client with three sourcing options from different suppliers in China in our informative, easy-to-read Sourcing Report.

 

The Benefits

Significant Annual Cost Savings

Substantial Savings: As a result of Mawson Global’s global sourcing expertise, the client selected a vendor that will help it experience an annual cost savings of more than $485,000.

Outstanding ROI: Mawson Global operates on a fee-for-service model, so the client only pays for our service once and reaps the benefits for years to come.

 

Flexible Alternatives

Multiple sourcing options: Mawson Global was able to identify a handful of suppliers to fit the client’s needs.

Growth potential: Now that the company is global sourcing, it has an opportunity to supply more retailers with its product in the future.

Future options: Because of Mawson Global’s approach, the client not only has acquired a provider for its current sourcing needs; it also has direct access to suppliers that can assist with sourcing other items.

Comprehensive approach: Mawson Global not only conducted its QuickLook Analysis, but completed a Research Project for the client as well.

High Efficiency: Mawson Global sourcing experts conducted a timely and robust search for suppliers that can provide the aluminium link edge at a significant cost savings.

Skilled, professional staff: Our staffers in Asia have been with Mawson Global an average of six years, and they streamline the process of selecting trustworthy, reliable suppliers that meet our high standards for quality and customer service. This team, combined with our proven supplier ratings system, is why we were able to quickly address our client’s request for global sourcing options for its aluminium edge business.

 

 

 

Importing: The Productivity Booster

Productivity.  It’s essential to success. It can be elusive. And it’s the driving force behind businesses -- literally. Without it, the world would crumble and nothing would ever get done. Without it your company wouldn’t exist.

Productivity is vital to all businesses, but it’s especially important to those in global commerce. To be successful, manufacturers need to bring products to market quickly, ensure on-time delivery, provide outstanding customer service, and maintain their market share. A high level of productivity is required to accomplish all these initiatives.  

There are a lot of methods for increasing manufacturing productivity – from restructuring the workforce to reworking procedures. However, one of the best ways to up the output is by importing manufacturing machinery.

Importing machinery can make a plant more efficient at a fraction of the cost of local machine brokers. It can also be accomplished a lot faster than other methods and with minimal disruption, especially when importing fully complete sub-assemblies.

By looking to equipment suppliers in other areas of the world, manufacturers can often find a larger selection of machines, lower prices, and better customer services. However, locating qualified international suppliers can be a challenge, especially for those with limited resources to devote to the search. These limitations don’t have to prevent you from importing your equipment, though.

Mawson Global, a leader in global sourcing, has a proven method for helping manufacturers import machinery and components. Need a supplier of sanding equipment or corrugated cardboard box maker? Mawson Global can perform a comprehensive search and provide you with supplier recommendations that meet a company’s exact requirements.

With Mawson Global, the risks commonly associated with global sourcing are minimal because we have teams located around the globe. This “boots on the ground” approach means we’re familiar with the international standards, language, and culture of each of the countries we source from.

If your manufacturing company is searching for a way to boost its productivity without having to decrease it first, Mawson Global can help. Let us handle the search for your machinery supplier. With our assistance, your business can not only improve its output, but also slash costs and increase its profit.

 

Go East, Entrepreneurs! The Business Impact of Global Sourcing

In a recent Forbes article, the authors give a ringing endorsement of the power of global sourcing for businesses:

“Although the relative cost of manufacturing in China has risen in recent years, the country is still often the cheapest location for American retailers and manufacturers to source goods or parts.”

Many entrepreneurs and small-business owners assume that successful sourcing from China requires opening local offices, hiring staff and making other investments that are impractical below certain revenue levels. However, a global sourcing firm with business expertise, established relationships and the experience to navigate the Chinese business world opens up an entirely new approach to doing business for companies interested in sourcing materials from China.

It’s a major landscape that can be difficult to navigate. All an entrepreneur has to do is visit an online sourcing platform to recognize that hundreds or even thousands of potential vendors in every area are listed. There’s a massive opportunity to identify new sourcing partners. Yet with an online search it’s hard to tell which companies are legitimate, which have the manufacturing capabilities to meet demand, and whether their customers are happy. A knowledgeable sourcing partner can vet potential Chinese suppliers, eliminating stress by developing a short list of potential candidates.

Due diligence requires time, expertise and resources. There are numerous avenues that can be used to connect with suppliers. Entrepreneurs need to begin with some understanding of the Chinese market. When evaluating individual suppliers, it’s important to understand the company, its management team, its products, quality assurance programs, production capabilities, credit and financial terms and other components of how they do business. Chinese language skills and the ability to navigate Chinese business regulations and culture are helpful to this process. A local presence for site visits and face-to-face meetings is also important. An established sourcing partner can conduct due diligence and provide answers to all the questions that arise.

Accelerate progress by partnering with a sourcing partner. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with thoughts on visiting trade shows, reviewing audited financial statements, making site visits to plants and negotiating terms. But sourcing from China can provide a significant competitive advantage for any company and immediately impact a company’s bottom line … provided the company partners with the right firm. Working with an establishing global sourcing expert, like Mawson Global, allows companies all the benefits of a Chinese supplier while dramatically minimizing stress, travel and costs. Sourcing partners can manage the process end-to-end while communicating regularly throughout the process.

Are you ready to explore the advantages that working with a Chinese supplier could bring to your business? Contact Mawson Global today to discuss your company’s specific needs and learn more about how our Asia team’s global perspective and local expertise can work for you.

New Case Study: Mawson Global Enhances Client’s Savings

Organization: Distributor of name brand beverages, snack foods and confections

Looking to Source: Soda bottles

Results:

  • Annual cost savings of more than $200,000.
  • Rapid procurement of multiple sourcing options.
  • Diverse pricing options from a variety of qualified suppliers.

The Objective

For 13 years, our client has been the state distributor for Cadbury Schweppes beverages, which includes Pepsi Cola, Gatorade, Spring Valley and Red Bull. The company also bottles its own line of specialty soda drinks.  The company contacted Mawson Global in order to improve its bottom line by discovering a reliable global sourcing partner to save on the cost of materials for soda bottles.

 

The Approach

After learning of Mawson Global’s proficiency in sourcing materials, our client engaged us to identify reliable global sources for its soda bottle business.

 

Our China-based staff researched a variety of suppliers, along with the company’s product specifications for the bottles, and we were able to recommend reliable suppliers producing the material in several China provinces.

We utilized our proven rating system to identify the top suppliers by marking efficiency levels, reliability and quality. Within a number of days, we presented the client with four soda bottle supplier options from different suppliers in China in our informative, easy-to-read Sourcing Report.

The Benefits

Significant Annual Cost Savings

Substantial Savings: As a result of Mawson Global’s global sourcing expertise, the client selected a vendor that will help it experience an annual cost savings of $200,000.

Outstanding ROI: Because Mawson Global operates on a fee-for-service model; the client only pays once for the process that now will save it significant costs for years to come.

Less Stress & More Flexibility

Multiple sourcing options: Mawson Global was able to identify a number of suppliers to fit our needs.

Future options: Because of Mawson Global’s approach, the client not only has acquired a provider for its current needs, but also has direct access to suppliers for future glass projects.

Comprehensive approach: Mawson Global not only conducted its Sourcing Project to identify the best soda bottle partner(s) for the client, but also conducted our Quicklook analysis, as well as our Research Project.

Quick Results

High Efficiency: Mawson Global sourcing experts conducted a timely and robust search for suppliers that not only could provide the required materials, but also could do so with significant cost savings.

Skilled, professional staff: Our staff in Asia has been with Mawson Global an average of six years, and they have streamlined the process of selecting trustworthy, reliable suppliers that meet our high standards for quality and customer service. This team, combined with our proven supplier ratings system, is why we were able to quickly address our client’s request for global sourcing options for its soda bottle business.

Overcoming Language Barriers with Global Sourcing Partners

Globally sourcing your company's products can improve your productivity, efficiency and bottom line, but sometimes language barriers can get in the way. From simple miscommunications to cultural gaffes, language barriers can cause international business relationships to grind to a halt.

It’s important to have a strategy in place to mitigate language issues before they cause serious problems. So, here’s a closer look at strategies that can help overcome language barriers with your global sourcing partners:

1.       Translate all critical documents into the local language. Before embarking on a business partnership, it’s important to consider the basic documents that will outline and guide the relationship. Examples of critical documents include legal contracts, sourcing guidelines, company and background information, and operating agreements. Translate these documents into the local language to ensure that both members of a partnership get off to a good start. It gives everyone involved a clear frame of reference. Any point of confusion or disagreement can refer back to these original core documents.

2.       Utilize multiple channels for communication. One of the most effective strategies for overcoming language barriers is creating redundant systems. Don’t rely on a single source of communication to handle important conversations. Follow up conference calls or Skype discussions with summary emails that outline the major takeaways. Email exchanges are easier to track than phone and in-person meetings, but written communications also should be supplemented with other points of contact. Even simply hearing a colleague’s voice helps to build strong relationships.  

3.       Partner with sourcing firms that have language capabilities: When you’re selecting your global sourcing partner, choose a firm that has language and translation capabilities. The right partner will be able to navigate your sourcing market with conversational fluency, but also be able to translate written documents as part of the process. The best firms offer this support to clients as part of the ongoing relationship, and can provide premium support at a reasonable price when special translation needs arise.

If you’re contemplating launching a global sourcing initiative, Mawson Global can help. Contact us to discuss your business, your sourcing goals and how our services can make it easier to navigate the process today.