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| Seth Berman |
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| Seth Berman |
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| Good News from Milan Design Week |
The New York Times and fashion website Inhabitat have some great coverage and encouraging news from Milan. Not only is the visitor count up significantly from... |
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Posted06/16/2010 |
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| Renaud Anjoran |
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| Trading companies and their dirty little secrets |
Before you read this post, I have to emphasize that some trading companies here in China–including Hong Kong–truly create value for their customers.
What I wrote below does not apply to all intermediaries. But I observed it so many times that I believe it is true in 80%+ of cases.
The problem is that the interests of trading companies are seldom... |
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Posted06/16/2010 |
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| Renaud Anjoran |
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| Production in large batches: Top 5 problems |
Some really large factories appeared in the US and in Europe in the early 20th Century. The prime example is the Ford Motor Company and its huge factories. The basic idea was that the higher the number of pieces produced, the lower the unit cost.
This is what 99%+ of Chinese factories still believe. They’d much ... |
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Posted06/16/2010 |
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| Seth Berman |
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| How to Source Online |
Sometimes the best way to find a good home furnishings' manufacturer is not at a trade fair, but online.
I’ve almost given up on collecting catalogs at furniture fairs. After visiting the Canton Fair for the 12th time, and many other furniture shows this spring, I’m realizing that unless I’m looking for a supplier with good design skills, the results we’ve found online are far better... |
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Posted06/16/2010 |
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| Seth Berman |
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| Mystery Prices at Furniture Shows |
A lot of factories do not put their prices on their products at furniture fairs in Asia. We're curious about the reason for this.
When we go to a trade show in the U.S., the first thing that we always check is the price point to be sure that the company’s products are the right value for... |
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Posted04/03/2010 |
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| Renaud Anjoran |
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| Higher minimum wages in China: what impact on prices? |
Since Chinese New Year, several cities–located in the most productive areas of China–have significantly increased minimum wages. Does it mean your purchasing prices will go up? I don’t think so. Don’t let your suppliers invoke this reason for raising prices.
Global Sources just published an article entitled Higher base pay not... |
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Posted04/03/2010 |
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| Seth Berman |
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| Supplier Rating System Launched |
(April 2, 2010) GoodFactories.com and Panjiva Strike Partnership
GoodFactories.com announced a strategic data integration with Panjiva, an innovative trade intelligence website. The deal will give home furnishing buyers instant access to powerful trade information... |
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Posted04/03/2010 |
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| Renaud Anjoran |
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| Factory workers: it's all their fault! |
Chinese factory workers are often seen as the obstacle to higher quality, fewer working hours, and better safety measures. Let’s study each of these issues separately:
1. Chinese factory workers, not capable of good workmanship?
As I wrote before, managers like to point to individual operators as the cause of quality problems. And I admit it is quite tempting in certain cases.
For... |
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Posted03/04/2010 |
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| Mpdclick.com |
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| Paris Living Trends - Spring 2010 |
Twice a year in September and January, for more than 10 years, the MAISON&OBJET trade show has been bringing together players from the home-fashion sector to offer them a major focal point to express themselves and to network. The show's determined focus on creativity brings together homeware and furniture brands in one place, positioning it as a key exhibition in Europe. This year was no exception with both established... |
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Posted03/04/2010 |
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| Mpdclick.com |
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| Spring Dining Trends 2010 - MAISON & OBJET |
Twice a year in September and January, for more than 10 years, the MAISON&OBJET trade show has been bringing together players from the home-fashion sector to offer them a major focal point to express themselves and to network. The show's determined focus on creativity brings together homeware and furniture brands in one place, positioning it as a key exhibition in Europe. This year was no exception with both established and... |
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Posted03/04/2010 |
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| Seth Berman |
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| Seth Berman |
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| The Best Furniture Sourcing Fairs (Spring 2010) |
For a list of ALL upcoming events through May, visit our Furniture Fair Calendar
February
Las Vegas Market (Feb 1-5)
The second largest furniture fair in the United States, it boasts over 5 million square feet of buildings, and all the top American home furnishing... |
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Posted01/11/2010 |
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| Renaud Anjoran |
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| Negotiate about prices, not about quality standards |
I had a funny conversation with one of my clients’ suppliers. My inspector had found too many defects and had to reject one of their shipments. I was also in the factory, monitoring the whole thing. I started questioning the supplier about their quality checks during production. This is what they told me:
You know, for the price [the importer] gives us, we really select the best factories we can work with in this area. We can’t afford to work with better factories.
Well... |
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Posted01/11/2010 |
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| Seth Berman |
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| Las Vegas Eases Pressure off High Point Market |
In an unexpected announcement, the Las Vegas Market is moving their fall show back to early August, giving High Point some breathing room.
Last summer, it seemed The Las Vegas market was making their power move to become the most-attended furniture fair in the United States. ... |
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Posted01/11/2010 |
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| Seth Berman |
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| Incredible India |
Some of the greatest-looking products come from India. Long known for their design and manufacturing skills, this year’s Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair did not disappoint.
Those... |
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Posted11/04/2009 |
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