Advice needed - Manufacturing China

[cs118]

I am looking to start a footwear brand and I am looking to get my products manufactured in China. The shoe will be similar to generic brands but it will be partly made from recycled materials sourced from Europe. I have been in contact with some suppliers on Alibaba to communicate my requirement.

This is the first time I have got anything manufactured, so I would appreciate the advice on the points below and any general advice. (I will be travelling out there to stay near the site while samples and the products are made)

- Negotiation on costs, generally speaking is there much room for negotiation?
- How do I ensure I do not get ripped off, i.e. good quality samples, but lower quality actual goods produced.
- Terms of payment. What are the standards?
- Health and safety of my product. They could potentially could use dyes, compounds that are illegal in Europe? What can I do to ensure this isnt the case
- As I am using new materials, I would want to test various sizes, thickness and shapes. Maybe 10 variations during the sample process. Will this be accommodated?

 

[Barry12345]

I can advise one thing, don't trust companies from alibaba, check them properly

 

[CHUKTC]

Hi It is certainly possible to achieve your plans, but it will require a number of phases each requiring separate negotiation with your chosen factory. Design and prototype stage, the manufacturing stage. Your product will need to comply with EU footwear regulations if you plan to sell in the EU. Footwear must be labelled with an indication of the main material from which the upper, lining and sock, and outer sole are made in the form of either pictograms (symbols) or words. The label should be attached to at least one item of footwear per pair and it may also appear on the packaging. Clearly you need to check any dyes and adhesives used carefully before you manufacture and this should be stated in your contract with them. Choosing the right factory (perhaps one experienced in selling to Europe) can go a long way to sort these issues out.

You will not find any factories on Alibaba, by and large they are all agents and clearly for your project you need to go direct to suppliers and talk to them. There is plenty of room for negotiation on prices but you have to be realistic, the factory has to make a profit and will not make at a loos for you. China works on volumes so the first question most factories will wan to know is how many you want to buy. This will be crucial not only in deciding whether your plans are viable but also in your negotiations with them over price.

I assume you speak Madarin? If not you need to think how you will deal with this. Many will speak some English but you cannot rely totally on this and will at some times need an independent translator (not one provided by the factory!

The quality and standards issue should be addressed in the contract you sign with the factory (remember this will e written in mandarin (don't rely on an English translation it has no weight in court). You will need to put inspection and quality control measures in place to monitor this.

Payment terms again will be stated in the contract and you will need to negotiate these. Development and prototype costs are usually paid upfront. With orders typically they ask for 30% on placing order and 70% when ready to ship although some vary and for small orders 100% upfront is usual.

It may be worth getting a little assistance from consultants with experience in setting up new manufacturing lines - it can save you making expensive mistakes and help a lot wit your negotiations.