“Made in China” has become a loaded phrase — but is the reputation actually accurate?

In this episode, Erin and Jackie unpack the biggest misconceptions around manufacturing in China and explain why it remains one of the most powerful tools for building a scalable, profitable product business.

They share firsthand experience working with factories over the past two decades and break down what China actually does better than anywhere else — from speed and efficiency to innovation and infrastructure.

They also address the common concerns founders have around ethics, quality, and communication, and explain how much of the fear is rooted in misinformation rather than reality.

If you’ve been hesitant to explore overseas manufacturing, this episode will give you a much clearer, more informed perspective.

Everyone talks about “minimum viable product” — but in the physical product world, it’s often completely misunderstood.

In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down what an MVP actually is, how it applies to product-based businesses, and why so many founders get stuck overbuilding before they ever launch.

They explain the difference between simplifying your product and compromising your brand — and why your first version should still be high quality, fully functional, and representative of your brand.

Through real examples from jewelry, apparel, and their own businesses, they walk through how to launch faster, learn from your customers, and build smarter over time.

If you’ve been stuck perfecting your product before getting it into the market, this episode will help you finally move forward — the right way.

Indecision might feel harmless — but in a product business, it’s one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.

In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down how hesitation, overthinking, and delayed decisions quietly drain your time, money, and momentum.

From dragging out product development timelines to missing key market windows, they’ve seen firsthand how founders lose thousands simply by not moving fast enough.

They also share why indecision often shows up as “being thoughtful” or “waiting until it’s perfect” — and how to shift into confident, forward-moving action instead.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed your decisions, or delayed a launch, this episode will give you the push (and perspective) you need to move.

If your factory just came back with higher pricing… you’re not alone.

In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down why product costs go up — and why they almost never come back down.

From raw material spikes and global events to inflation, labor increases, and supply chain shifts, they explain what’s actually driving these changes (and why it’s not personal).

More importantly, they walk through what you can do about it — from material swaps and construction changes to pricing strategy, margin planning, and how to have smarter conversations with your factory.

If you’re building a product-based business, this is a reality you will face. The goal isn’t to avoid it — it’s to understand it and manage it strategically.

Have you ever placed your first bulk order and wondered if you were doing it right?

In this episode, Erin and Jackie break down what it really means to “nail” your first production run — and why it’s not about going big, moving fast, or maximizing profit right out of the gate.

Instead, your first bulk order should be treated as a test-and-learn phase — one that validates your product, your factory, your customer, and your entire business model before you scale.

From sampling mistakes to inventory overload, margin missteps to missed quality checks, they walk through exactly how to approach your first order in a way that protects your cash, builds confidence, and sets you up for long-term success.

If you’re about to place your first PO (or thinking about it), this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

What started as a podcast has turned into something much bigger.

In this episode, Erin and Jackie pull back the curtain on how The Sourcing Gals evolved from education to a full-service product development agency — and the unexpected pivots that got them there.

Over the past year, they’ve tested, tinkered, and refined their business model in real time — from launching digital courses, to consulting, to building a done-for-you “Gold Glove” service that helps founders bring products to life.

They share what worked, what didn’t, and the key insight that changed everything: founders don’t just need information — they need execution.

If you’ve ever wondered how to evolve your business, follow demand, or build something scalable from scratch, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how it happens.

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately thought, I don’t belong here?

In this episode, Erin and Jackie explore the idea that the rooms you choose to enter can shape your business, confidence, and future more than almost anything else.

They break down the three types of rooms that can change your trajectory: the Learning Room, the Collaboration Room, and the Courage Room. Each one plays a different role in personal and professional growth — from expanding your knowledge, to building powerful relationships, to doing the uncomfortable things that push you into your next level.

Through personal stories and real-life examples, Erin and Jackie share how stepping into the right rooms has shaped their careers, opened unexpected opportunities, and helped them grow both personally and professionally.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong somewhere — this episode might just be the sign that you’re exactly where you need to be.

Most founders default to email for efficiency—and it works for day-to-day operations. But written communication keeps relationships transactional, while voice builds the trust and rapport that gets you through challenges and unlocks better terms. This episode breaks down exactly when to pick up the phone with your manufacturer, how to use calls strategically (not constantly), and what you can achieve when you shift from transactional to relational. If you've been hesitant to call because you're not quick on your feet, Erin shares why that's actually okay—and when it's worth doing it anyway.

Most product founders assume they need to build a full brand around their idea—Instagram handle, website, inventory management, the works. But if you've developed patented technology or a proprietary component, there's another path: licensing your IP to established brands with existing distribution channels. This approach lets you leverage your invention without the overhead of building a consumer-facing business. The key is understanding when licensing makes sense and how to structure deals that protect your technology while creating ongoing royalty streams.

Most founders fight over nickels at 500 units—but that aggressive negotiation could cost them thousands when they land their first wholesale account. The truth is, factories are investing in you at low MOQs, absorbing sample fees and setup costs with the hope you'll scale. Push too hard too early, and you'll burn your trump card when you actually need it. This episode breaks down exactly when to negotiate pricing and when to hold back—based on decades of experience launching products at Abercrombie & Fitch and working with factories worldwide.