Guided Imports

24/09/2024

There is a growing chance East Coast/Gulf Coast port workers will strike soon.

What does this mean for you?

If you ship cargo into the US, which most of my friends here do, here is what I suggest:

- If you can get shipments out of China before the National Holiday (Oct 1 -7), do it at all costs.

- If you normally ship to the East Coast, begin getting quotes for 3PL's on the West Coast. You might need them.

- If you normally ship with AGL, I'd avoid them for now. AGL is bad at adapting to supply chain turbulence, whereas a smaller forwarder can.

- Expect ocean freight rates to increase within the US and Canada. They usually trend upwards closer to Q4, but the US is about to be down to West Coast ports only.

If you're a consumer, delays, and price increases are what happens during supply chain issues.

If, for whatever reason this turns into a sustained strike, we will probably look at 2021-22 like it was the good ole days.

In other words, it'll be bad.

31/12/2019

Without effective inventory management techniques in place, you make your business more susceptible to costly stockouts and related issues.

Whart are the inventory management best practices you should be following in your business? We asked a handful of retail experts this very question and got a ton of juicy tips. Check them out!

30/12/2019

Let us help make your manufacturing from China simple, safe, and profitable! Book a meeting today and see how we can help you streamline the manufacturing process.

Let us help make your manufacturing from China simple, safe, and profitable! Book a meeting with us to see how we can help you streamline the manufacturing process by finding you the best possible supplier for all of your needs.

29/12/2019

When should you use special inspection levels and how do you go about reading AQL tables? This article has the answers.

How to read the AQL tables when using special inspection levels? When does it make sense to use these special levels?

28/12/2019

With no signs of slowing down, the growth of China’s ecommerce market leaves so much opportunity for American retailers to expand overseas.

China is an ecommerce powerhouse, and Alibaba is its most powerful tool.

27/12/2019

Amazon plans to eventually make all shipments “net zero carbon,” or carbon neutral, and is aiming for half of its shipments to meet that goal by 2030.

Though the company denies it, its new goal comes after pressure from workers and shareholders to do something about its huge carbon footprint.

26/12/2019

Doing business across continents means having to adapt to differences in culture, traditions, and customs that you may not be familiar with.

Doing business across continents means having to adapt to differences in culture, traditions, and customs that you may not be familiar with. There’s so much information to keep track of that keeping track of it all can be a real challenge for even the most experienced industry veterans. This doesn...

25/12/2019

These steps can help you maximize the benefits of quality control and ensure excellence.

There are few things more important in Chinese manufacturing than the quality control and inspection process. Not only will the benefit of quality control help you avoid costly mistakes, but prioritizing the quality inspection process will also help you build trust with your customers.

24/12/2019

Before you dive into this colossal trade show, you're going to want to know what it is you're getting into and how you can properly navigate your way throughout its labyrinthine maze of exhibitors and booths.

The Canton Fair in China is the largest trade fair in China and one of the most important events for those in the import/export industry to attend. With these insights, you can make sure your Canton Fair experience is the very best it can be.

23/12/2019

There’s no need to tote around cash or credit cards because the vast majority of people in the country pay via apps on their phone, for everything from cabs to food orders to doctor bills, and far beyond.

Paradoxically, it was the country's reluctance to adopt conventional banking that led to almost universal adoption of mobile payments.

22/12/2019

Is price pressure from China encouraging reluctant managers to take the big step toward digitization? Or are companies worried that they won't be able to compete even if they invest in new technologies?

The adoption of digital manufacturing is being held back by the low price of imports from China. So if they start to rise, that may be a good indicator of the immediate prospects for a digital manufacturing boom.