Ever wonder why things just don't go smooth while developing a product from China (or any manufacture in the world)?
Common issues for buyers
Not receiving your development samples on time
Colors are not correct after giving a Pantone number
Your graphic is not correct, poor logo, poor details
Techniques are not correct
Does this sound similar in your recent development cycle working with your supplier? I am sure there are many other issues you personally encounter that everybody else encountered.
This is how you can reduce your headaches for your development.
The Artwork (Gateway to Quality and Timing)
Are you providing artwork? If you are, make sure details are clear or highlight the key details in your email. Really great artwork cuts down cost and time.
Provide your artwork in AI (Adobe Illustrator) or other forms of high DPI format. Providing a .png file and hoping your 8 color logo comes out clear leads to more frustrations.
Supplement words with more pictures of what you are trying to achieve. I seen customers who write long detail explanations but they could of explained this clearly buy attaching a picture. We forget that some manufactures may be able to read/write in your language, but they may not really understand the full details of what you are describing but a Picture is worth a thousand words. Which leads us to..
When providing pictures always download and attach a picture, try not to give your supplier a web link. I have seen many people who try to give you a link from Google to a China supplier. Most of the time your China supplier will not be able to see the picture or reach the link form Google. Because its blocked in China. They may not even notice you were trying to give them a picture
Questions you should always ask your 1st time supplier in regards to artwork.
Is the Artwork in the correct format to produce the sample?
Are there any limitations to my artwork in regards of techniques? If so can you provide options?
Does your supplier have a Pantone color book? Do not be surprised if the supplier has no pantone book or pantone book that's 5 years old (colors are faded, incorrect pantone book version and using pantone color from the online website (Any designer will tell you, judging color on a monitor is not the same).
Prepare yourself that your development sample will be late
You must be thinking. why would I say this. We expect our supplier to always provide the correct date when receiving the development sample.
Truth is Nobody likes to be late, not even your supplier. But you need to learn how to manage the unexpected.
Manage the unexpected. You will get better results to your clients.
Your supplier may encounter the following unexpected issues.
Raw material supplier is late or out of stock (they were in stock 2 days ago)
Communication was not clear, which lead to more questions later in development.
1st round samples was really bad and the supplier does not want to show you
Weather delays with transportation. Mother nature does not care about anyone.
Remember your supplier's holiday's (this is really not unexpected unless you do not care about your supplier's holidays)
Custom may delay the delivery of your samples (Electronics, food, etc)
So how do you manage the unexpected
If a supplier gives you X days, do not forget to add X days for delivery to you. I heard stories where the buyer forgot to include 2 days of delivery for his/her client, which lead to pushing the supplier to make faster samples (which resulted in poor quality)
Always Add a 2-5 days (depending on complexity of your design) for your final delivery date, especially if you are going to show your client. Give yourself a buffer to prepare for the unexpected.
Check your customs for your product on what necessary documentation is required to deliver your samples to your country.
Check your supplier's holiday schedule (especially during Chinese New year in China).
Following these simple guidelines will insure your development will produce better and faster results with your supplier. Do not forget to always prepare for the unexpected and this will lead to less sleepless nights.
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