For many many years now, companies have been having their products mass-manufactured in Asia, usually in and around Southern China as this is now recognised as the global manufacturing centre of the world.
The reason for this is that you get a lot more for your money in China than you do pretty much anywhere else because of the exchange rate, a single unit of their currency (Yuan) is worth far less than a single unit of ours.
And there we have it, pretty much THE reason most products are sourced in China. Cost. But what more reason do you need it it will save a great deal expenditure? There are a few more advantages, and a couple of disadvantages.
There are only a few advantages, but I still think that they by far outweigh the disadvantages. The main one I have already talked about, the price. For every single GBP you get 11.2CNY (Chinese Yuan), so your money really does go a lot further.
Another advantage is the close proximity you gain to their local trading environment. If you can get your company recognised in the Chinese trading industry it can only benefit your organisation. Also there is a good chance that you will end up a lot closer to the raw materials you need to make your product, therefore saving on the acquisition of your raw materials as well.
The disadvantages, I would say, are severely disproportionate to the advantages in that they seem relatively insignificant. The main disadvantage is the shipping cost. Actually getting your produced product back to the UK/USA/wherever you are based can be a bit pricey, but compared with the money you will have saved on the actual production, I think this is an insignificance.
As well as that, there's the time that shipping takes. This is probably more of a disadvantage as this could result in loss of turnover if demand for your product is high enough. Also, the production might be a little sloppy to start with, but if you get a good sourcing company to sort it all out for you, they will ensure that this doesn't happen.
In summary, it is my personal belief that sourcing form low cost countries such as Southern China is far more advantageous to businesses than domestic sourcing.
The reason for this is that you get a lot more for your money in China than you do pretty much anywhere else because of the exchange rate, a single unit of their currency (Yuan) is worth far less than a single unit of ours.
And there we have it, pretty much THE reason most products are sourced in China. Cost. But what more reason do you need it it will save a great deal expenditure? There are a few more advantages, and a couple of disadvantages.
There are only a few advantages, but I still think that they by far outweigh the disadvantages. The main one I have already talked about, the price. For every single GBP you get 11.2CNY (Chinese Yuan), so your money really does go a lot further.
Another advantage is the close proximity you gain to their local trading environment. If you can get your company recognised in the Chinese trading industry it can only benefit your organisation. Also there is a good chance that you will end up a lot closer to the raw materials you need to make your product, therefore saving on the acquisition of your raw materials as well.
The disadvantages, I would say, are severely disproportionate to the advantages in that they seem relatively insignificant. The main disadvantage is the shipping cost. Actually getting your produced product back to the UK/USA/wherever you are based can be a bit pricey, but compared with the money you will have saved on the actual production, I think this is an insignificance.
As well as that, there's the time that shipping takes. This is probably more of a disadvantage as this could result in loss of turnover if demand for your product is high enough. Also, the production might be a little sloppy to start with, but if you get a good sourcing company to sort it all out for you, they will ensure that this doesn't happen.
In summary, it is my personal belief that sourcing form low cost countries such as Southern China is far more advantageous to businesses than domestic sourcing.
About the Author:
A great company to do all your import and manufacture with is Red House Global. They have had decades of experience and are well known among the Chinese traders, ensuring you the best price.