https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/categories/guides/ Recent content in Guides on O2O Sourcing | China, Seen from the Ground Hugo en-US Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/buying-trip/ Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/buying-trip/ <h2 id="before-you-leave">Before you leave</h2> <ul> <li>Define specifications, target cost, compliance and packaging requirements.</li> <li>Build a supplier longlist and book showroom, factory or trade-fair meetings.</li> <li>Bring a sample log, measurement tools and a written question list.</li> </ul> <h2 id="on-the-ground">On the ground</h2> <p>Record each contact, quote version, sample number, commitment and next step. A stack of business cards is not a supplier database.</p> <h2 id="after-the-visit">After the visit</h2> <p>Compare samples, quotes and risks in one sheet. Confirm payment, contract, inspection, consolidation and freight timing before placing a first order.</p> https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/factory-finding/ Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/factory-finding/ <h2 id="the-ten-step-path">The ten-step path</h2> <ol> <li>Define the product; 2. Build a longlist; 3. Decide factory or trader; 4. Compare quotes; 5. Arrange samples; 6. Audit; 7. Set quality standards; 8. Plan production; 9. Inspect and ship; 10. Maintain the relationship.</li> </ol> <h2 id="the-operating-principle">The operating principle</h2> <p>Leave a checkable record at every step: specification, quote version, sample log, audit, quality standard and shipping file. Supplier selection is a traceable decision chain, not a one-off search.</p> https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/freight-forwarder/ Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/freight-forwarder/ <h2 id="fields-to-compare">Fields to compare</h2> <p>Origin, destination, Incoterm, chargeable volume, cut-off, document fees, destination charges, insurance and exception handling belong in one comparison sheet. A low rate is not a low landed cost.</p> <h2 id="ask-about-exceptions-first">Ask about exceptions first</h2> <p>Ask who handles delays, inspections, damage, rerouting and document errors, and how quickly they respond. A small trial shipment often says more than a promise.</p> https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/oem-odm/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/oem-odm/ <h2 id="three-paths">Three paths</h2> <p>Private label is useful for testing existing products; ODM involves shared product definition; OEM follows the buyer’s specifications. The difference includes tooling, documents, responsibility and modification rights—not only price.</p> <h2 id="write-the-boundary-early">Write the boundary early</h2> <p>Define design ownership, tooling, certification responsibility, change control and after-sales data before sampling. Clearer boundaries mean fewer disputes later.</p> https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/contract-terms/ Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/contract-terms/ <h2 id="look-beyond-unit-price">Look beyond unit price</h2> <p>Link the contract to specifications, approved samples, delivery point, acceptance window, payment milestones, delay handling, confidentiality and IP. Cross-border contracts should also define governing law and dispute resolution with professional advice.</p> https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/market-research/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://o2osourcing.pages.dev/guides/market-research/ <p>Write the hypothesis first, then look for counterexamples in districts, fairs, platforms and interviews. Record time, place, sample and limits; one lively street is not a national trend.</p>