Manufacturing

There is a certain barrier to entry when trying to shift production in China. In fact, shifting your resources and production capabilities to a different country is huge work. The communication barrier can make it hard for a foreigner to be familiar with the factories in China. It is also relatively difficult to find a reliable factory in China – considering how its a manufacturing powerhouse, but with a lot of Intellectual Property Controversy.

Struggles of entering the Asian Supply Chain

  • Cultural and Language Barriers

One of the first issues we’ve encountered is the communication barrier. As you might have known, Asia is such a diverse community with a variety of personalities.

Effective communication and building relationships with Chinese partners or suppliers require a deep understanding of Chinese business culture and etiquette.

  • Supply Chain Transparency and Quality Control

Another issue was quality. China is a production powerhouse. They have a huge variety of production capabilities, but the focus on quality has always been a big concern for clients when trying to procure products.

Verifying the authenticity of products and materials, as well as monitoring production processes, can be challenging as well.

  • Intellectual Property Protection

Intellectual property (IP) protection remains a significant concern for businesses operating in China. Instances of IP theft, counterfeiting, and infringement are not uncommon, posing risks to foreign companies entering the market.

  • Environmental and Sustainability Concerns

Increasing awareness of environmental issues and sustainability standards necessitates compliance with stricter regulations and demands for eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain. Meeting these requirements may require significant investments and operational changes.

Reasons Why You Should Manufacture in Asia

Manufacturing in Asia, particularly in China, offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their supply chains and production processes. Some of the key reasons to manufacture in China include:

  • Cost Efficiency

While the western market supply chain might also have their own specialty in manufacturing, they still cannot perform similarly to their Asian counterparts.

This is due to the larger labour force and also cheaper resources.

We’ve figured that companies are always seeking the best, low-cost manufacturing routes and we believe that the Asian Market has always been able to satisfy the needs of our clients.

  • Scale and Capacity

China boasts a vast manufacturing infrastructure with a high level of industrial capacity and capability. Its extensive network of factories and suppliers can accommodate large-scale production runs, making it ideal for businesses with high-volume manufacturing needs.

  • Technological Expertise

Asina counties have made substantial investments in technology and innovation, positioning themselves as global leaders in various industries, including electronics, automotive, and telecommunications. Access to advanced manufacturing technologies and a skilled workforce can drive innovation and product development.

  • Infrastructure Development

China has undergone rapid infrastructure development, with modern transportation networks, ports, and logistics hubs. This infrastructure facilitates efficient movement of goods within the country and supports global trade connectivity.

Why Is ODM Your Perfect Partner in Manufacturing in Asia?

As mentioned, venturing into a new market supply chain can be a very scary and difficult process. This is why we’ve wanted to simplify this process for our clients.

While we might have started out our on-site journey in China, we’ve slowly entered different popular market supply chains such as Vietnam and India. Over the years, we have managed to build a network of over 2,000+ factories – with a huge variety of production capabilities.

Here’s why you should partner with us:

  • We have people from China to help us communicate with Chinese factories and eventually build our network. We have a dedicated team of Western account managers. This means we can speak many different languages and can communicate with the client in his own language. We come from different countries, and therefore we have a good understanding of different markets and know what works better for them.

  • We’ve understood that the quality of the product is largely associated with the communication between factories and producers. We’ve developed our own quality control system to ensure that quality is not compromised as a result of mass manufacturing.

  • We have an in house design team so we are able to design and create new ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) products. We provide Specification sheet designs of our products before we go to production so that the client knows exactly what they are getting before receiving the end result.

  • ODM has dedicated set of factories that we have worked with for years to be able to get the best possible timing and production. Our staff often travel to factories to ensure that production runs smoothly. 

  • We support sustainable merchandising; thus, we partner with factories that provide sustainable and safe materials.

  • We provide a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for Product Development to keep information about a newly invented product or service confidential before patenting it.

If you would like to learn more on how you can shift your production outside of your own country, do not hesitate to contact us or send us a detailed quote of your next project. We would love to help you develop your supply chain.

Alternatively, if you think your factory has what it takes to partner with us and our network of factories, feel free to register your factory here.

More Case Studies…

Manufacturing Plush Toys

At ODM we love Plush Toys, what’s not to like? Cuddly, cute, and original designs: every plush design is different, be it a Mascot for your brand or an Original Design for a Teddy Bear.

But there is more to manufacturing plush toys than many would assume, so in this blog, we will discuss the issues and requirements of manufacturing plush toys in China.

Manufacturing in China Plush Toys

Manufacturing in China Plush Toys

China Stainless Steel: Manufacturing Promotional Products

Stainless steel is the material very commonly used in the promotional products industry for manufacturing such items as kitchenware, thermo mugs, water bottles, jiggers, bar trays, and many others. So, when manufacturing in China, it is useful to be aware of its different classifications and grades. This blog explains which type of Chinese stainless steel to choose to make a product of your desired quality.

China Stainless Steel: Manufacturing Promotional Products

China Stainless Steel: Manufacturing Promotional Products

Promotional Tote Bag Types: Manufacturing in China

Being one of the top products in the promotional industry, a custom tote bag can become a perfect, memorable, and yet inexpensive way to promote your brand. ODM has decided to go deep into details and provide you with professional information, which will definitely be useful for your next promotion.

Promotional Tote Bag Types: Manufacturing in China

Promotional Tote Bag Types: Manufacturing in China

Sock Factory Visit: Manufacturing in China

Recently, ODM visited one of our preferred suppliers: a sock factory in Guangdong province. Our goal was to check the supplier’s production facilities, learn more about the production process, and make sure that the production went smoothly. Today, we are going to talk you through the production process for customized socks. Factory visits are a great experience, and ODM is happy to share with you.

Sock Factory Visit: Manufacturing in China

Sock Factory Visit: Manufacturing in China

Choosing the Right Type of Plastic for Manufacturing Plastic Food Containers

When manufacturing plastic products that will contain or come in contact with food or beverages, it is strongly advised that the type of plastic material used is investigated to ensure that it is safe for use. In order to ensure the safety of the plastic product to the end consumer. It should be noted that certain types of plastic are used to fulfil certain roles and applications.

Types of Plastic

Types of Plastic

Manufacturing Issues when Producing Glasses

When producing any kind of product, always watch out for manufacturing issues. Finding them in an early stage may save you a lot of time and money. Read below which problem we found and how we encountered it in an early stage, saving us and our client a lot of time and money.

Manufacturing Issues when Producing Glasses

Manufacturing Issues when Producing Glasses

What Are The Benefits of China Factory Visits?

China factory visits play an incredibly important role in the successful production of a product that meets your expectations. In this blog, we’ve listed some of the most noticeable benefits of visiting the factories yourself, which became apparent to us during our most recent factory visit.

China Factory Visits - Benefits of Visiting

China Factory Visits – Benefits of Visiting

Guide to Pencil Manufacture in China

Recently, ODM managed to spend time visiting one of our suppliers in Zhejiang Province, East China. Our mission was to make sure production was running smoothly and, at the same visualize the processes involved in pencil manufacture.

China Manufacturing

China Manufacturing

China Manufacturing – Drink glass manufacture

Drink glass manufacturing can be broken down into three simple manufacturing phases: the batch house, the hot end, and the cold end. The technique used for contemporary glass production is still quite similar to the ancient technique the Egyptians used around 3000 BC.  Of course, certain techniques have been modernized, and we use them for Promo Drinks Glasses.

China Manufacturing - Drink glass manufacture

China Manufacturing – Drink glass manufacture

Gift box Manufacturing in China

When manufacturing in China, it is imperative to visit factories often and control all aspects of production. This is often a difficult task when located halfway around the world.

Gift Box Manufacturing in China

Gift Box Manufacturing in China

Promotional products – ODM Factory Visit to Xiamen in China

ODM staff just returned from a factory visit in Xiamen, and we are glad to say everything is in the running to plan on our production lines for our current promotional products manufacture.

Not only have we conducted a follow-up factory audit, but we have also fostered better relationships with the factories. This allows ODM to communicate the needs and requirements of clients clearly to the factories and work on new product development. For current orders, potential problems can be averted and resolutions can be implemented quickly on any issues.

Promotional products - ODM Factory Visit to Xiamen in China

Promotional products – ODM Factory Visit to Xiamen in China

Design Considerations – Why is Tolerance Important?

Tolerance is always an issue that arises when designing something. Tolerances are often an afterthought, but it is actually incredibly important that tolerances are considered at an early stage of the design process.

During mass manufacture, the dimensions of every product will not be exactly the same. Many aspects of manufacturing may affect the size, which is why tolerances are so important. Tolerances dictate how far the size can vary. Tolerances will depend on any other external components that come into contact with the component.

Design Considerations - Why is tolerance important?

Design Considerations – Why is tolerance important?

Factory Visit – Eating in China

During the factory visits, the factory sent their representative to bring our staff around. This included bringing him around for meals, as the Chinese usually make use of this time to strengthen business relations. This is an important culture to take note of. Each province and city in China have their own distinctive flavour reflected in their food. These factory visits definitely enriched our staff’s experience and also strengthened the working relationship that ODMasia has with its business partners in the Mainland.

Factory Visit – Eating in China

Factory Visit – Eating in China

How do you manufacture promotional nylon frisbees?

Were you ever curious about how to manufacture promotional nylon frisbees in China?  We frequently visit factories and are happy to share our knowledge.  The first main point to consider in any promotional product campaign is what kind of budget you have.  Traditionally, frisbees were mainly made out of plastic or cheap fabric.

How do you manufacture promotional nylon frizbees?

How do you manufacture promotional nylon frizbees?

Preparation for Christmas – Key to Successful Production

In this blog we’re going to look at why you should begin your preparations for Christmas right now, to ensure a successful production run. By looking through the production process below, you can see why preparation well in advance, especially for Chinese production, is so important.

Sarobag Development – Original Design Manufacturing case study

Felt it would be good to share the product development process for our new Sarobag.  This case study can be used as an example of how ODM work for inventors as we discuss the various aspects of development – from concept to market.

Just some background, the Sarobag was designed on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro where our team were relaxing after a long day meeting with Brazilian Promotional Products Companies – this trip was sponsored by a British Airways Business Opportunity Grant.

Manufacturing Garments in Asia 

US statistics from January to April 2010 show garment shipments coming from China have increased more than 13% to $6.8 billion.  Other countries also increasing their market position increase include Vietnam and Indonesia…

The first runner up in terms of growth has drawn our attention.  Vietnamese exports in recent years have jumped. Based on January to April 2010, Vietnam has had a 9.6% increase to $1.7 billion total export.

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #38 Moulding Foam

This week ODM visited a moulding foam factory in the Guangdong province. The reason for visiting was to confirm that all the details were understood from all sides, the client, us and the factory. Communication via email and phone calls is a good first step, but confirmation in person, where you can visibly and physically show exactly what you’re looking for is key to ensuring that production is successful, and that everyone is happy with the outcome.

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #38 Moulding Foam

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #38 Moulding Foam

China Factory Visit Buyer Diary #35 – Yiwu

Here is the China Factory Visit Buyer Diary #35 that you all have been waiting for. We still are in China, on the way back from Yiwu where we did a China factory visit. Yiwu is quite a big city, with more than a million inhabitants. It’s located about 200 kilometers away from Shanghai. Yiwu , known as a “factories hub”,  is the largest market of petty commodity wholesales in the world where various foreign buyers go to place orders; according to Morgan Stanley, the UN as well as the World Bank.

Yiwu Train Station - Mrs Zhang came to pick us up.

Yiwu Train Station – Mrs Zhang came to pick us up.

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #34 Airport GWP

For this week’s buyer diary, we are going to visit one of our suppliers in China to do quality control for some goods that are in production. On our way there, we decided to write a blog about airport GWP. As you may have realized, airports are some kind of paradise for advertisers. Many companies give them great importance, since their promotional efforts are likely to reach directly their target consumers.

Jessica Magazine Promo Gift

Jessica Magazine Promo Gift

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #31 Figurine Manufacturing Process

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Today ODM is going to bring you through the production process of an action figurine. To make it more comprehensible, this blog will be organized into 3 stages. Firstly, we will explore the different types of materials that could be used for production. Next up, we will look at how some of the price factors affect the overall cost. Finally, we will reveal the complexity of the production line and understand the manufacturing process of an action figurine. So let’s begin!

Figurine

Figurine

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #30 ODM’s Role in Factory

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip, regarding ODM’s role in a factory. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

ODM has 4 offices in total, 1 in Hong Kong, 2 in China and 1 in Singapore. One of the 2 offices that we have in Zhu Hai is a china buying office. In this office, we have a team of merchandisers who source for products and contact factories directly. So now, you must be wondering what is ODM’s role in a factory? Today, we will be discussing more about the role that we play in the china buying office and exactly what we do.

China Factory Visit Buyer Diary 30 ODMs Role in Factory

China Factory Visit Buyer Diary 30 ODMs Role in Factory

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #29 Life for Factory Workers

One of our clients asked us to audit a factory they were planning to work with. Read below to get an idea of how we felt during this China factory visit, regarding the daily life of a factory worker. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Many of you readers would most probably have no idea as to what a factory worker’s daily life would be like in China. This is written based on a factory audit that we have conducted recently for one of our clients. Factory audits are conducted by ODM to prevent us from working hand in hand with factories that are not ideal now and in the near future.

 China-Factory-Visit-Buyer-Diary-29-Life-for-Factory-Workers

China-Factory-Visit-Buyer-Diary-29-Life-for-Factory-Workers

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #28 Increasing Productivity

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip, regarding the different ways to help increase productivity of workers. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Ever wondered what should be done in order to increase the productivity of your workers? This is one question that every factory would have to solve in order to ensure that their human resources are well maximized. The key in solving this problem is not overloading a worker with hopes of trying to increase productivity as this might backfire instead. Today, we will be discussing about the different ways and methods to be implemented in order to increase productivity of workers.

China Factory Visit - Buyer Diary #28 Increasing Productivity (Team Work)

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #28 Increasing Productivity (Team Work)

Procurement in China – Buyer Diary #27 Terry Towel Manufacturing Process

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary. Terry Towel, a pile fabric is known as towel worldwide. In terry towel loop piles are present on one or both side of the fabric. The research indicates that the terry towel was first developed in Turkey and later towel manufacturing concept spreads across the world. Manufacturing of a basic terry towel has been discussed in the following paragraphs.

Factory Visit

Factory Visit

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #26 Workers Payment Scheme

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip, regarding the payment scheme of workers. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Different factories adopt different payment schemes. These payment schemes are often catered to the different types of job scope, positions and qualifications. Today, we will be discussing about how these payment schemes are allocated to the workers and how they will affect the company in the long run.

China Factory Visit - General Factory Workers

China Factory Visit – General Factory Workers

Procurement in China – Buyer Diary #25 Non Woven Bag Manufacturing Process

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below about non woven bag manufacturing process. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary. Promotional non woven bags are the type of item that will get a lot of attention very simply because there are many different ways in which a person will use a bag.

Bag Factory

Bag Factory

Procurement in China – Buyer Diary #24 Quality Control Service

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary. Your company should have a staff member or qualified representative monitor the procurement in China to ensure quality, especially if it is your first time working with the factory.

Here ODM will explain more on the different types of Quality Control services you can consider when making procurement in China. There are 7 QC service types you need to know.

Procurement in China Buyer Diary

Procurement in China Buyer Diary

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #23 Promo Gift Factory Workers Employment and Management

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip, regarding employing & managing promo gift factory workers. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Employing and managing factory workers are not as easy as it seems. Generally, promo gift factory workers are classified into different groups. These groups each have their way of employing and paying the staff. Usually, the attitude of workers as well as job scope assigned is generally similar for those classified under the same group.

Professional Workers - Promo Gift Factory

Professional Workers – Promo Gift Factory

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #22 Custom Promos Factory Management

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip regarding the factory management system for custom promos. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Organizations fail because of bad leadership. ODM has faced factories which had a weak management system resulting to a badly delivered production of custom promos. One of the worst experiences dealing with factories was one which had a management system that revolves around different shareholders.

China Factory Visit - General Factory Workers

China Factory Visit – General Factory Workers

Procurement in China – Buyer Diary #21 Remote Factories in China

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip, regarding the problems faced with remote factories in China. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Procurement - Remote Factory

Procurement – Remote Factory

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #20 Custom Promos Factory Audit

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip regarding the factory audit for custom promos. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Factory Audit for Custom Promos

Factory Audit for Custom Promos

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #19 Building up Factory Network

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip regarding building up a factory network. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Factory Dinner

Factory Dinner

Procurement in China – Buyer Diary #18 Complicated Products

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip regarding the manufacturing problems faced. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Procurement in China Complicated Products

Procurement in China – Buyer Diary #18 Complicated Products

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #17 Manufacturing Problems Solution

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip regarding the manufacturing problems faced. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

When embarking on a China Factory Visit, do expect to encounter certain manufacturing problems, especially with unprofessional factories.  These manufacturing problems can be highly detrimental towards production. For example, there could be production lag or a poor quality production.

Manufacturing Problems Insufficient Storage Space

Manufacturing Problems Insufficient Storage Space

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #16 – Pen Manufacturing Process

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

The ballpoint pen is the most popular promotional item on the market today. Millions of ballpoint pens, in a variety of colours (most popular being black, red, and blue), are sold throughout the world every year. How all of the materials that make up these pens come together in manufacturing is an in depth process.

Pen Manufacturing Process

Pen Manufacturing Process

China Factory Visit- Buyer Diary #15 Manufacturing Problems

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip regarding the manufacturing problems faced. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

When embarking on a China Factory Visit, do expect to encounter certain manufacturing problems, especially with unprofessional factories.  These manufacturing problems can be highly detrimental towards production. For example, there could be production lag or a poor quality production.

Manufacturing Problems Blackout

Manufacturing Problems Blackout

Procurement in China – Buyer Diary #14 Negotiations with Factories

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions at a China factory visit during procurement recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

One of the most interested topics that businessmen are into is the negotiations with China suppliers, especially during procurement related services. Negotiations would most probably mean slashing of prices before signing the manufacturing contract; however, it is definitely more than that.

Procurement in China

Procurement in China

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #13 Post – Production

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Post – production is all about tying up the loose ends as covered in the previous buyer diary. It is often the case whereby you either finish it off smoothly, or tons of trouble come in your way.

Leftover Goods

Leftover Goods

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #12 Plush Toys Manufacture

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit about plush toys manufacture. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary. Going on China  factory visits allow us to understand the different processes of  promotional product manufacturing.

Plush Toy Factory Visit

Plush Toy Factory Visit

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #11 Coming to End of Production

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions of China following a buying mission recently at a China Factory visit.   Read below to get an idea of what they felt during this trip.   This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

As production is coming to an end, it is crucial to take note of the matters as mentioned below. This phase is as important as pre-production planning.

China-Factory-QC

China-Factory-QC

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #10 Purchasing Raw Materials

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to see how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we title: Buyer Diary.

For every production, there is a need to purchase raw materials. Let’s take a look at the different materials required to manufacture a plastic toy!

China Factory Charcoal

China Factory Charcoal

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #9 Porcelain Manufacturing Process

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to see how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we title: Buyer Diary.

China-Porcelain-Factory

China-Porcelain-Factory

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #8 Technical Issues

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

During the previous entry, we got to understand more about the production process for toys. Every production process includes the use of machinery, which brings us to today’s topic – technical issues relating to machinery. How should we handle these machineries that are used for production?

China Factory Visit Material Making

China Factory Visit Material Making

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #7 Production Process (Part 2)

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

Continuing my previous entry on China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #6 Production Process (Part 1), I’ve mentioned that it’s probably one of my favorite entries throughout the entire buyer’s diary.  Well, I hope that you have learnt quite a bit on the production process and let’s go on for Part 2! We’ve introduced the steps from molding to initial cleaning and up next is printing.

China Factory Visit Printing Machine

China Factory Visit Printing Machine

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #6 Production Process (Part 1)

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

This is probably one of my favorite entries throughout the entire buyer’s diary. Before embarking on the China factory visit, my expectation of the factory was like an automated system, whereby we just throw the goods into the machine. And after the entire process, the end product comes out just right.

Automated Machinery

Automated Machinery

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #5 Production Terms

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

During your China factory visit, you will definitely encounter these foreign production terms. In fact, these production terms are important for negotiations and discussions with factories during the pre-production process. There are a thousand and one existing production terms, of which only a few are widely used. Using the simplest words possible, let me groom you to be a production term expert!

China Factory Visit Oven

China Factory Visit Oven

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #4 Pre-Production

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” The pre-production stage is probably the most important stage out of the entire purchasing process, especially before the China factory visit. There are many steps to ensure smooth production and it starts with good planning! These are usually preparation done by firms which purchase the product straight from the factory.

Tea Tool

Tea Tool

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #3 Don’t’s

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

After the Do’s mentioned yesterday, let’s carry on for the Don’ts during China factory visits. Of course, there are many sources which provide good tips for travelling such as NBC News. Here, we provide these tips on the assumption of embarking on a China factory visit.

China Factory Visit

China Factory Visit

 China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #2 Do’s

We asked one of our clients to give us their impressions during a China factory visit during a buying mission recently. Read below to get an idea of how they felt during this trip. This is one of a series of blogs that we will title: Buyer Diary.

The last thing anybody would want to do is to embark on a China factory visit with no preparation at all. Trust me, there is no way you would want such adventure. ODM had this one experience of managing a village factory on my behalf, and this list of Do’s will prepare you for the worst circumstance you can expect!

China Factory Visit Tour

China Factory Visit Tour

China Factory Visit – Buyer Diary #1: Culture & Customs

No Chinese businessman will be willing to talk business without getting to know you. Call it breaking the ice or earning your trust, business is always secondary to building personal relationships. Take note of this during your China factory visits. Due to the political environment in China, it is definitely much easier to do business with a wide network of connections. It is culture in china to rely on another’s help for business. Ironically, the process of building up these relationships may not be as personal as it seems.  Decipher for yourself, is this really relationship building?

China Manufacturing

China Manufacturing

Factory Guide to Producing Porcelain Products

Our ODM staff recently went on a factory visit to Dehua County in China to oversee our current mass production and also do a quick QC check. He was brought to a factory that was manufacturing porcelain products. In the factory, the supervisor introduced him to the process of making porcelain products, such as bowls, plates and mugs. There were many intricate steps which involved perfect synchronisation between workers and machines. To ensure all goods are made according to our clients specifications, we will send our Quality Controllers to do a Final Random Inspection (FRI) as soon as goods are finished.

China Manufacturing

China Manufacturing

Quality Inspection – Yongkang, China

Recently our Quality control division sent a team to a factory in YongKang near Yiwu to undertake a quality inspection.  Our team frequently travels like this to conduct quality inspections in factories.  Ensuring that standards are met, our QC staff monitor the manufacturing process and check the production.  On this particular visit our staff lived at the factory for over 1 week to supervise product development and help speed up product development.

Quality Inspection- Yongkang, China

Quality Inspection- Yongkang, China

Promotional Watches – Following the Manufacturing Process

Recently, I had the opportunity to head down to our watch factory in Southern China to conduct a factory audit with some clients. From inspecting each stage of manufacture you can gain valuable insight into the possibilities of product development and all the assembly process and the industry.

Promotional Watches - Following the Manufacturing Process

Promotional Watches – Following the Manufacturing Process

Polycarbonate vs Acrylic manufacturing

Plastic materials can be any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. In terms of promotional products made of plastics, the type of plastics used are mainly are

  • Polyester (PES) – Mainly used in textiles
  • Polyethylene (PE) – Supermarket bags and plastic bottles
  • Polypropylene (PP) – Bottle caps, drinking straws, containers, plush toy fillings
  • Polystyrene – Food containers, plastic tableware, disposable cups, plates, cutlery
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – ODM’s Octopus Suction Coolie

    Polycarbonate vs Acrylic manufacturing

    Polycarbonate vs Acrylic manufacturing

What are the struggles of entering the Asian supply chain?

One of the first issue is the communication barrier. As you might have known, Asia is such a diverse community with a variety of personalities.This meant that it's essential to have people from China on board to help communicate with Chinese factories and eventually building our network. Another issue is quality. China is a production powerhouse. They have a huge variety of production capabilities, but the focus on quality has always been a big concern for clients when trying to procure products.

Why should you manufacture in Asia?

While the western market supply chain might also have their own specialty in manufacturing, they still cannot perform similarly to their Asian counterparts. This is due to the larger labor force and also cheaper resources. Factories in the Asian Markets are growing at a rapid scale – with an industrial development that complements with the easily accessible resources available in their respective markets.This is the perfect time to leverage on this production giants that will help your company find whatever it needs to develop their own products.