Ask the Experts: Sourcing tablets and other electronics

with Mike Bellamy of AsiaBridge Law

Home Academy writes: What should I look out for when I order graphic tablets for online classes – I need 1200 customised tablets.

MB: Thanks for contacting the “Ask the Experts” desk. I have been sourcing electronics for 20+ years in China and am happy to offer some suggestions.

My answer to your question depends a lot on the level of customization you are taking about.  For example, custom hardware and software installation has a different set of challenges from custom packaging or labeling.

Rather than give a short, generic reply, it think it would be of more value to you if I share a few links to longer articles and video tutorials that I have produced on the topic of sourcing customized tablets and other electronics.  I am happy to curate the following resources and welcome any additional questions you may have.

By the way, while 1200 units sounds large to you and me, in the eyes of a typical factory, it’s a fairly small order. So the links I present below about dealing with MOQ (minimum order quality) barriers may be of particular interest to you.

1. Case study: Dealing with MOQ barriers when sourcing consumer electronics from China

2. Video Tutorial:  5 Small Order Strategies - with Mike Bellamy   This is one of the first tutorials I put on video almost 10 years ago. The recording quality is not so good but the content is spot on, even today.

3. Here is an interview I did with Global Sources at their Startup Launchpad event for Tech companies on the topic of how to find and manage suppliers of electronics with a special focus on customization challenges.

The link above takes you to the full interview, but here is a list of the topics covered so you can skip around if you want. Note on Target Audience: If you wish to buy a generic widget on Alibaba and resell it on Amazon, then this video is probably not the best fit. But if you have a customized or highly-engineered product and are looking for a factory-direct relationship in China, then this video is for you!

Topics Covered: For people coming to China for the first time, what does it take to find quality manufacturers and how can they determine they are getting a fair deal? Starts at 3:05

Does making complicated new electronic products introduce a complexity and make it harder to find these reliable suppliers? Starts at 7:46

Is it easy for a company to know their demands are unrealistic for particular supplier? Starts at 9:33

When a startup is ready to put the final touches on their product, are there any signs they can look for in a supplier that’s good to collaborate with? Starts at 11:04

Would you say it’s best to have every stage of production very well defined before you even talk to manufacturers? Starts at 13:14

Is there a way startups who are frequently cash strapped can try to keep costs down without risking issues with the suppliers? Starts at 14:45

Majority of our audience are making something new. Do you think that’s a danger or does research ameliorate all issues related to that? Starts at 16:00

What is the best way of crafting an enforceable contract for China that is agreeable to all parties? Starts at 17:16

When crafting bilingual contracts, one contract is usually deferred to incase of ambiguity. What is the best way to deal with that? Starts at 20:31

Are there any benefits to having an English only contract or China only contract? Starts at 22:02

Can you elaborate on the pitfalls of an English contract enforceable in say the US? Starts at 24:23

What are the common mistakes that startups make when dealing with manufacturers for the first time? Starts at 25:07

Do you have any final nuggets for us to wrap up this session? Starts at 26:26

4.     Other video tutorials here: https://www.asiabridgelaw.com/resources/

Hope this helps. I welcome any follow up questions you may have.

Regards,

Mike Bellamy

About the Expert

Originally from upstate New York, Mike Bellamy moved to Asia in 1993. At AsiaBridge Law, Mike serves as the Senior China Business Advisor to both Fortune 500 companies and small businesses. Recognized as an expert on China sourcing, he has been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Financial Times & Bloomberg.

A featured presenter on China business issues at seminars, trade shows and corporate events across the globe, many of his presentations are archived at www.asiabridgelaw.com/resources. Mike is also the author of “The Essential Reference Guide to China Sourcing” which includes a foreword by Global Sources’ COO.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash