Q. What types of items or products are we able to purchase in China?
A. While the list is virtually endless, products that require labor/assembly will yield the most impressive cost-savings. Check out the Products and Services page for a partial list of items available in China.
Q. What makes Dura Global more competitive than other brokers?
A. First of all, we are not just a Broker. We do much more than that. Dura Global currently has 20 employees living in China, almost all of whom are native to China. However, our management is American. And not your average Americans either. We speak and understand the Chinese language fluently. We are literally in a league of our own in comparison to our competition. Our native employees are responsible for not only negotiating the best possible pricing for your products, they also keep track of your product through the development and manufacturing stages as well. Because these employees are native to China, they are able to negotiate in their own language, which allows us to receive the best pricing available. Unlike some other brokers and trading companies, Dura Global relies on no other middlemen to source your product. By using Dura Global, you will get factory direct pricing without having to incur the costs and risks of setting up your own international office.
Q. Is China a stable country to do business in?
A. Absolutely! China jumped from the 6th largest economy in 2004 to the 4th largest in 2005, and many experts believe that they will surpass the USA and Japan within a few years. China is in a similar position to what the USA was at the turn of the 20th century. Europe outsourced its manufacturing to the US to save on manufacturing costs and built the US into the top economy in the world...we are doing the same to China now. Here are a few points to consider:
* China has the most stable economy in Asia and possibly the world
* China’s currency is becoming increasingly valuable compared with other currencies
* China has one of the most modern infrastructures in the world. Most of its factories and transportation systems have been built in the last 15 years. Compare this to the aging infrastructure in the US and even more so in Europe.
* China’s workforce is motivated. They are the have-nots who want what the rest of the world has and are willing to work hard to get it.
* China’s government wants businesses to succeed. They understand that for government to succeed (i.e. have lots of money to spend on public works projects), business must fuel that success.
* China has an experienced export economy.
* China has vast natural resources in reserve. While Europe and the US were using natural resources heavily throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, China’s “new economy” has just started to tap into the resources available due to their largely agrarian way of life until very recently.
* But more than anything, China has people. The 1.3 billion labor pool in China is hardly being tapped. Two-thirds of the population have not left the farms for the factories yet. China will be a manufacturing force to be dealt with for many years to come.
Q. In percentage, how much can I save importing products from China?
A. This is a complex question, as it will depend on how much labor is involved in producing your product. A general rule is that the more labor your product requires to produce, the more cost savings you may realize. You could save up to 75% in some instances, however, on average we see about 20% to 30%.
Q. Why should I work through a broker rather than go straight to the factory like Dura
Global does?
A. First, it is easy for a foreign businessperson to get taken advantage of in China. They know we are used to higher prices and, consequently, their quotes are generally higher. Our employees are natives of China, there is no language barrier and they know how to negotiate the best prices with their own people. Chinese culture is very different from ours, so we believe that it is best to let our native employees negotiate in China and you can negotiate with us in the language we both understand.
Second, China is a huge country. It is approximately the same size as the continental US, and has five times as many people. Finding the right factory is difficult for them and almost impossible for a Westerner without proper connections. Finally, there are a plethora of governmental agencies and importing regulations in both China and the US. It takes years to learn the ins and outs of importing and exporting. We have been importing for over 25 years we know how to watch for currency fluctuations, shipping cost changes, as well as keeping an eye on the political climate between China and the US.
Lastly, we do this all day everyday and we are very efficient at what we do. You can have UPS deliver your packages or you can buy your own plane and do it yourself. The cost benefit analysis will prove that outsourcing your sourcing to Dura Global is the best choice for your organization.
Q. How do I know that my product will be manufactured to our quality specifications?
A. Our team in China follows your project from infancy to completion, personally visiting the plant where your product is manufactured to ensure they are being made to the highest quality standards. Prior to placing an order with us, we will send you a sample of your product from the factory. You can then test for quality yourself and ensure your product is made to your complete satisfaction. Once you approve the sample, we will guarantee the same quality for each of your shipments. In the event there are factory defects, we will reimburse the cost to you.
Q. I have heard stories about the difficulties in procuring products from China even though it could save us money. Is it really worth it?
A. The stories are probably true and may happen when you are dealing with inexperienced brokers who may be in China, but don’t understand their way of doing business. We don’t take that risk. As explained above, our native employees are able to circumvent the cultural aspects of doing business in China, and we handle everything for you from pre-production prototypes to overseeing the manufacturing to quality assurance to handling the government regulations and fees to delivery of the product to your door. That way you can do what you do best - build your business. With a customer service office located in the US, we are only a phone call away should you have any concerns along the way.
Q. I have been importing from China through another brokerage, but I am interested in a competitive quote from Dura Global. Is it difficult to make a transition from one manufacturer to another? I am concerned about losing control of the process.
A. It never hurts to get more than one quote, in fact, we encourage it! We want you to feel confident that you are getting the best possible price for your product. While switching manufacturers is a valid concern, it is unnecessary when dealing with Dura Global. The only thing you lose is the headache of trying to manage the process from thousands of miles across the ocean. Once you are comfortable with how we take care of your project, you can rest assured that we will handle the entire process from manufacturing and quality control to government regulations and fees to shipping the finished product to your door.
Q. How long does it take to receive a quote once we have sent you specifications and samples?
A. Typically two to three weeks, depending on the complexity of your product. A DVD player, for instance, will take longer than a molded plastic toy.
Q. Can I get LCL shipments (Less than Container Load)?
A. Yes, you can. However, depending on the product, the savings can be wiped out due to increased shipping costs per unit and higher production costs due to lower volumes. It costs the same amount for the tooling to make one molded plastic part as it does for a million.
Q. What payment terms are available when ordering through Dura Global?
A. On initial orders we typically will require a deposit or an approved purchase order after researching your company with D & B and checking your financial institution and vendor referrals. It is also an advantage to you to have a letter of credit from your financial institution if you need terms. We do require payment in full before your product leaves the China port unless previous arrangements have been agreed upon.
Q. What kind of warranty does Dura Global offer my company on products that are shipped to us?
A. Dura Global will warranty any product you are purchasing to meet or exceed the quality and functionality of the prototype your company signed off on before the manufacturing process commenced. In the even there are manufacturer defects, Dura Global will reimburse the cost to you.
Q. What if our product arrives and has been damaged in shipping or part of it is unsatisfactory?
A. We need you to contact us within 10 business days. If the damage is significant, the freight company will send an inspector to your location to assess the damage. As all freight is shipped DDP (Cost of Goods, Insurance, Duties and Freight), you are covered for the damaged materials. In the unusual circumstance that the product is unsatisfactory, you will need to send us a sample of the defective product, a count of the defective units, and we will forward the samples to the factory. Because we do business with our associated factories on a regular basis, we will use the leverage we have to make sure the factories replace the unsatisfactory products immediately and at their expense.
Q. What is the best way to get in touch with you if I want to discuss my product with Dura Global?
A. Please visit our contact page for information on how to reach us or simply click here… CONTACT US !
