Update from the GS Show in HK, Oct 14th.

More quality information from people that know how to do business in China. Here are some tips from the experts.First, from Global Sources, Bernie Holmbraker presented the 5 R’s:1. Re-learn. Realize up-front that working in China is different from buying domestically. You need to go in without any preconceptions.2. Research/resources. Because you need to re-learn China, take advantage of the online and professional resource available to you. Ask: What can you do to learn more about what you are doing (both importing and production of your own product & the Chinese processes). New resources can be found at: www.importfromchina.globalsources.com.3. Relationships (guanxi). Business is more personal here than in the west. Trust is first, business is second.4. Requirements—yours and theirs. Be more than specific than you would be on a PO in the West; get everything in writing, confirm it before you pay for it.5. When in Rome… Be polite, culturally appropriate and do as much as you can to make the process as comfortable and effective as possible for all involved.Second, Allen Matheson from Verify, said that because China is seen as risky, too many businesses don’t do any DD—they assume that there is risk so they just jump into China and forgo any DD because “hey, it’s risky anyway.” There is much that can be done in China; sometimes even more than what’s available elsewhere. At the very least a simple credit reports should be doing on all potential suppliers.Third, Michael Lavergne from Bureau Veritas, listed out some steps that you can take to ensure you are getting what you expect and that you are doing it the right way (legally). You should ask: Am I confident? Are my products safe? Am I doing what is right?Also, he agreed that choosing your supplier is probably the most important decision you will make. Choosing a good supplier is half the battle for getting good product.And, since your name is on the product and you’re paying the money, it is the buyers’ (your) responsibility to verify and confirm the claims made by potential vendors/suppliers.Remember, A VENDOR IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE INFORMATION YOU GIVE THEM. So, standardize information formats, keep it as simple as possible, document everything, and provide as many appropriate samples as possible.Testing and inspections are essential so you need to know: What is required by law? What are your customer’s requirements? Are you testing for additional high-level risk issues? Finally, who is paying for it? When you test use only recognized testing labs, standardized procedures and document everything.Good stuff. Good luck.