simple sourcing

How to communicate effectively with a Chinese supplier. It may seem like common sense however, the Chinese speak English as their second language. The amount of emails I've had to decipher for my Chinese suppliers from their western customers is astounding.
KEEP IT SIMPLE:
- explain what you want in point form.
- send pictures
- ask quantity, delivery time, colours available, carton packing details so you can work out the shipping accurately.
- use simple terms, short words.
Rather than let you know, that they don't understand, they simply don't reply or take a guess!

Cut out the middle man in the economic downturn

Over the past few months all we've heard is economic blues. There is opportunity in every situation. Retailers are still looking for new product to keep their stores fresh...as a matter of fact we have just started selling direct to retailers ourselves. Also, in China many manufacturers are finding their orders are down...they are happier now, more than ever, to negotiate smaller quanitities. You may have to pay slightly more...but far less than buying off another wholesaler!
Definitely the case with pet supplies