You’ve successfully navigated production and your goods have passed a quality inspection. The final hurdle is logistics—getting your products from the factory in Vietnam to your warehouse. This final stage is filled with potential pitfalls that can lead to costly delays, unexpected fees, and damaged goods. Here are the top 5 logistics mistakes that can […]
Top 5 Logistics Mistakes to Avoid When Importing from Vietnam Read More »
When you receive a price quote from a Vietnamese supplier, it will almost always be followed by three letters: FOB, CIF, or EXW. These are Incoterms®, and they are critically important. They define the exact point in the shipping process where the responsibility (and cost) for the goods transfers from the supplier to you, the
FOB, CIF, or EXW? Choosing the Right Incoterm in Vietnam Read More »
The single biggest fear for any first-time importer is sending thousands of dollars overseas and receiving a container full of defective, unsellable products. This fear can be managed and overcome with one thing: a robust Quality Control (QC) process. QC isn’t a single event; it’s a series of checkpoints designed to catch issues early and
A Beginner’s Guide to Quality Control (QC) in Vietnam Read More »
While building a good relationship with your Vietnamese supplier is crucial, a verbal agreement is never enough to protect your business. A clear, detailed, and legally sound Manufacturing Agreement is your single most important document. It acts as the ultimate reference point that defines every aspect of your order and protects you if things go
The Vietnam Manufacturing Agreement: 5 Clauses You Can’t Ignore Read More »
Sending a significant amount of money to a company thousands of miles away can be one of the most stressful parts of importing. Understanding the mechanisms and risks of different payment methods is essential to protecting your investment. When sourcing from Vietnam, you will almost always encounter two primary payment terms: T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) and
T/T vs. L/C: Demystifying Payment Terms for Vietnam Sourcing Read More »
Negotiation is a critical part of the sourcing process, but it’s often misunderstood. The goal isn’t just to force the lowest possible price; it’s to build the foundation for a sustainable, long-term partnership. In Vietnam, where relationships (quan hệ) are a cornerstone of business, your negotiation approach can make or break a deal. Here are
Negotiating with Vietnamese Suppliers: 7 Techniques for a Better Deal Read More »
One of the first major decisions an importer faces is whether to source from a direct factory or a trading company. Newcomers often assume a factory is always the better choice, but the reality is more nuanced. Both models offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the difference is key to building a supply chain that
Trading Company vs. Factory in Vietnam: Which is Right for You? Read More »
You’ve found a promising supplier online. Their prices are competitive, and their product photos look great. But how do you know if they are a legitimate, capable manufacturer or just a clever middleman with a nice website? The difference between a successful import and a costly failure often comes down to one crucial step: due
The Supplier Vetting Checklist: 10 Must-Ask Questions Before Committing Read More »
For many international businesses, the search for a Vietnamese supplier begins and ends on one platform: Alibaba. While it’s a powerful tool, relying on it exclusively means you’re often swimming in a sea of traders and resellers, missing out on the top-tier, verified manufacturers that may not have a major B2B presence. To truly tap
Beyond Alibaba: 5 Proven Ways to Find Reliable Suppliers in Vietnam Read More »
The global supply chain is in a constant state of flux, and for the past decade, one country has consistently emerged as a star player: Vietnam. For Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the US and Europe, Vietnam presents a golden opportunity—a potent combination of competitive pricing, improving quality, and a stable manufacturing environment. But
