Sourcing China Manufacturers since 2011

Sourcing Chinese Manufacturers FAQ:

• How do you identify suitable manufacturers in China?

  We start by asking the right questions to your team, so we have a clear understanding of your expectations and stakes. We then implement a 6-stages sourcing plan that involves multi-channel supplier reach. Thanks to our sourcing checklist, supplier scoring matrix, we can accurately and swiftly come up with results that our client use to take informed decisions.

• How to know which supplier is the best fit?

  JS Sourcing builds upon decade long sourcing experience and improvement. We have developed several tools and expert insight to target our efforts on Chinese companies with the right manufacturing equipment, most competitive quotation, and smooth communication.

• What information do you need to start supplier sourcing?

  To initiate the supplier sourcing process we need to identify our client needs first and foremost. Information we gather span industrial capability, target costs, target lead times, conditions of purchase for example. We may also need to cover quality systems such as required certifications (ISO, MDR, GMP, and many others) and audits (BSI, SMETA, SA8000).

• How much is supplier sourcing fee?

  Supplier sourcing projects start from USD 1,000. The final fee depends on project’s specifics and the workload associated with identifying and screening new qualified vendors.

• How long does it take to source suppliers?

  We usually deliver results within 10 working days. But it some cases we can revert as quickly as within a few days. More challenging factory sourcing missions may take up to several weeks. This is all discussed before we sign the sourcing contract naturally.

• What is the difference between supplier sourcing, supplier vetting, and supplier audit?

  Supplier sourcing, supplier vetting and supplier audit are all part of upstream operations of the procurement process. They all participate to selecting suitable suppliers before contracting and placing orders in China. But they differ because they involve specific tasks：

  • Supplier sourcing involves identification and shortlisting.
  • Supplier vetting consists in verifying the company’s capability against requirements. It often belongs to the sourcing process.
  • Supplier audit is usually done on the factory floor in China, and consists in gathering as much information on actual operations.

  In a few words, supplier audit is often times triggered by supplier vetting while supplier sourcing encompasses everything into a larger process.

• How do you know when to source only factories, workshops, or trading companies?

  We decide based on a series of parameters, buyer’s profile, internal processes and experience. Factories are best when you need direct production capacity, equipment, quality systems, and repeatable output. Workshops are useful for flexible, smaller-scale, or specialist processes. Trading companies are considered when the project requires supplier coordination, mixed capabilities, or easier export handling.

• Is the factory audit included in your sourcing fees?

  No, factory audit is an outstanding service that involves planning and 1 to 3 days onsite. It is very different from sourcing suppliers, and usually happens after JS Sourcing has delivered sourcing results. More on factory audit in China here.

• Where do you source suppliers from?

  JS Sourcing focuses most of its efforts on China. We are based in Shanghai, nurture networks with both Northern China regions (Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu), Western provinces such as Anji, Anhui, Sichuan, and sourthern chinese provinces such as Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong. We have helped Clients with identifying sources in Vietnam or Korean suppliers but this is not where our core advantage lies.