Adventures in Product Sourcing's Podcast

The cost of flying to China, and how I can get a lot more comfortable for a little bit more money.

I pre-order a SIM card for each trip to China.  But I get one from Hong Kong.  Here are the whys and advantages.

The importance of writing a list in advance to make sure that I complete all the little tasks before it is too late.  And making copies of all the important reservations my passport, so I have printed copies with me at all times.

Practice face to face with Chinese suppliers in Las Vegas before you go to China!  They come from the other side of the globe to see you at Source Direct, in March and August each year.  A summary of what to expect.

Demystifying the different classes of seats on the bullet trains in China, how to buy those tickets in advance, and how to physically get them.

The one thing that Shanghai has that you cannot get anywhere else.  The Fastest Train in the World!  And it is super easy to experience.

China granted the US a special privilege that the rest of the World wishes it had.  And it saves Americans tons of money.  You have to listen to find out.  :)

China is the biggest, but not the only place to source product.  Depending on your product type, there are other countries besides China that can make it, and make it cheaper. But they have their own disadvantages to consider.

I discuss several clear advantages to flying to China yourself.  The ease of finding suppliers at Canton and Yiwu, the advantages of pressing the flesh for negotiation, and the responsibility of getting to know the factory that produces your goods are all bared here.

There are specific cases where you need to avoid getting products made in China.  And a couple of cautions are explained.