Most Vital Sourcing Process- Supplier Audit

Many individuals engaged in international sourcing businesses emphasize the importance of various aspects such as searching for suppliers, conducting effective communications, placing orders, inspecting shipments, and arranging logistics. However, it's crucial not to overlook one of the most vital processes - visiting and auditing suppliers.

Before initiating discussions with any potential suppliers, it's essential to consider the following:

1. **Identification**: Do you have a clear understanding of who you are dealing with? Are they a legitimate and reputable entity?

2. **Alignment**: Does the size and business strategy of the supplier align with your own? For example, are you considering a substantial order of 50,000 smartphones from a factory like Foxconn, which may typically handle much larger orders, such as 5 million units?

3. **Capability**: Does the manufacturer possess the necessary equipment and resources to efficiently produce your specific products? Or are they a small-scale operation, perhaps just a one-person operation with limited capacity?

4. **Quality Management**: Does the factory have a robust quality management system in place, or do they merely possess ISO-9001 certification for marketing purposes? Ensuring quality control is essential.

5. **Certifications**: Does the factory hold the relevant certifications for the products you intend to purchase, and can they guarantee that the mass-produced items will meet these certification standards?

6. **Ethical Practices**: Does the factory operate in a socially responsible and environmentally friendly manner? Are their production facilities clean and safe, and do they provide necessary employee protection gear, or is there room for improvement in these areas?

Remember, it’s very important to check these things out onsite!

Taking these considerations into account can significantly enhance your sourcing process and help you build more secure and sustainable supplier relationships.

If you have any questions or need help with your China/Asia sourcing, please visit our website at www.victuregroup.com or message me, Paul Weedman.

Other useful groups about Asia Sourcing-

China Sourcing- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4462099/

India Sourcing- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8454669/

Vietnam Sourcing- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8815822/

Asia Sourcing- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8909383/

Gifts and Premiums- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4421652/