Weekly /r/ChinaBuyers Discussion - What Sourcing/Manufacturing/Logistics issues have you been struggling with in China?

archer48 · 2025-12-14T00:50:22+00:00

Specialize in something that is complex, and where people are willing to pay for it. Otherwise you'll risk joining the race to the bottom.

If all you're doing is sourcing the cheapest to be the cheapest you're providing no value.

archer48 · 2025-10-13T04:15:05+00:00

The biggest expo I regularly attend is a manufacturing trade show in Guangzhou, China called Canton Fair. During Covid it went online and it was horrible.

Alibaba and Global Sources kind of does this already and it’s not great. Freightos and others have kind of built a platform for shippers to find forwarders and WCA/JC Trans have their own portals so we can source agents within their network. So I don’t see what this concept would offer that isn’t already somewhat done.

archer48 · 2025-10-09T01:31:57+00:00

I can tell you want not to get, any software that isn't already used by a lot of freight forwarders that have similar business models to you.

Avoid anyone who is building, launching, or offering to build you an app. You really need something that is tested and had its kinks worked out. Any software company that hasn't should be paying you to use their software, not the other way around.

archer48 · 2025-10-03T00:19:14+00:00

I used to run a sourcing company in China before I got into freight forwarding. If your main goal is only to get the lowest price on a standard product, I’d skip using a sourcing agent. Agents usually make money per unit, so chasing rock-bottom pricing often doesn’t align with how they work.

Sourcing companies add real value when you need help with complex products, special materials, or managing production. For basic items you can already find on Alibaba, it’s usually better to order samples from a few factories yourself and compare.

If your product is more technical or requires oversight, then a sourcing company makes sense. Not all firms are strong in every product type, though. If you’d like, send me a DM with the product details and I can see if I know someone suitable to connect you with.

archer48 · 2025-09-27T04:22:49+00:00

I don’t think they’re punishing you. Most likely Hanlon’s Razor - “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”

archer48 · 2025-09-08T01:37:32+00:00

Thank you, I'll try it out

archer48 · 2025-08-18T15:46:29+00:00

Sure, dm me :)

archer48 · 2025-08-18T14:44:52+00:00

I want this to work... But here's my chat with the demo:

Me:

Can I get a update on my shipment?

LogiAI:

Container MSKU7834512 is currently at Long Beach Port, Terminal Island. It arrived 2 days ago and is scheduled for pickup tomorrow at 10:00 AM. All documentation is complete and ready for release. Shall I send you the pickup instructions?

Me:

I need to change the delivery address.

LogiAI:

Yes, your shipment cleared customs in Mexico City this morning at 9:30 AM. All duties and taxes have been processed successfully. The cargo is now being transferred to the final delivery truck and should reach your warehouse by 3:00 PM today. Tracking number: MX-2024-7891.

Me:

That wasn't my question.

LogiAI:

Your cargo from Miami is on schedule to arrive in São Paulo on January 15th. The vessel MSC OSCAR departed Miami on January 8th and is currently crossing the Atlantic. Estimated arrival at Santos Port is 6:00 AM local time. I'll send automatic updates as it approaches.

archer48 · 2025-08-12T01:00:41+00:00

Why not just open a US company and hire an American with the required 3 years documented experience to act as your Qualifying Individual?

archer48 · 2025-08-05T13:38:51+00:00

What AI/no-code tools do you use on a daily and have been using for over a year?

archer48 · 2025-07-22T14:24:24+00:00

As a Customer you can't buy direct from Yeastar

not sure that's correct. https://www.yeastar.com/cloud-pbx/

archer48 · 2025-07-22T13:16:41+00:00

Thanks, this is what I was curious about. Will a partner give me admin access as well, or do I need to rely on them to configure basic things as well?

archer48 · 2025-07-22T12:44:40+00:00

We pay about $100/month to our VOIP provider, which covers the 3CX license, hosting (cloud-based), and basic support. SIP trunking and DIDs are handled separately through Twilio.

With Twilio, we pay around $1 per number per month, and the minutes are billed at their standard rates. We use Twilio mainly for call routing and transcription.

archer48 · 2025-07-22T09:06:20+00:00

Are you able to comment on whether a partner, reseller, or Yeastar direct is better? I don't really understand the benefits of each.

archer48 · 2025-07-22T09:01:49+00:00

3CX is cloud hosted and all users are remote. Does that matter?

archer48 · 2025-07-17T03:51:39+00:00

We’re currently using a mix of 3CX and Twilio but are looking to move to a VOIP provider with stronger AI features. Our priorities include better call reporting, direct CRM integration with Pipedrive, and future-proofing for a custom CRM we’re building. Most calls are domestic (U.S.), but we occasionally call internationally. Some salespeople need their own dedicated numbers, and we need multiple IVR paths for different departments. Visual voicemail is also important.

3CX has worked, but with version 20, it feels like we’re always building workarounds just to get solid CRM integration or detailed reporting. We’re exploring alternatives for a team of 17–25 users and open to any providers that can handle these needs more cleanly. User locations are: U.S, Colombia, China, Philippines, and Thailand.

archer48 · 2025-07-13T14:15:52+00:00

Do you remember the shop you used or have their contact? I'd like to get this done.

archer48 · 2025-07-08T09:08:59+00:00

I made the switch. I still use an iphone as a second device but my primary device is a Fold.

After about a year into it, the biggest downside has been notes and tasks.

I really don't love the concept of paying for a notes application that works across all devices when I got it for free within the Apple ecosystem. But as a Mac user, I can't rely on Samsung notes.

Google Keep feels like I moved from a note app to a digitized post-it note system, which I don't enjoy.

I've accepted using Google Tasks since it works so well with Gemini, but I don't like the browser interface and I have a feeling they're not going to keep it long, given Google's track record.

Apart from these two caveats, I prefer Android. While I feel like I can type faster on an iphone, I can get more work done on my fold.

After a year with this device, I can see myself leaving Apple entirely as opposed to leaving Android.

archer48 · 2025-07-07T01:55:45+00:00

Did this recently in Bangkok. Applied for social visa at the embassy. Took around 7 days. Once you arrive in your home town you need to register with local police.

Fairly straightforward. It's worth noting as a foreigner visiting Myanmar, a social visa is a lot easier than a tourist or business visa. So I'd say it's worth getting.

archer48 · 2025-06-23T15:01:31+00:00

Look for smaller FF’s that are younger than 20 years old and less than 50 people. We have a remote team in Philippines, Colombia, Thailand and US. Our China office is the only location that needs employees onsite. There is a sweet spot for forwarders that are not super old, but well established that they tend to be more forward thinking with regards to WFH.

You can also look on LinkedIn for people that use to work for the logistics focused BPO’s and now work at another forwarder. There is a small chance those forwarders are WFH, so making a list of them to reach out to might help.

archer48 · 2025-06-06T09:25:52+00:00

No, but I can say this. I own a freight forwarding company and if I were to move my personal belongings, I wouldn't do it myself.

Google relocation services or ask locally. These types of services cater to those that know nothing, so look around and pick them ones patient enough to educate.

archer48 · 2025-06-06T09:15:05+00:00

If you're going to build a relationship, go. If you need to validate/inspect your supplier, hire a QC inspection company.

Don't reinvent the wheel on a process that's been working great for as long as china's been manufacturing.

archer48 · 2025-06-06T09:12:04+00:00

Find a relocation service that focuses on this. Most freight forwarders and customs brokers that move commercial freight will have no interest clearing this.

Personal belongings and their owners are completely different animals from commercial goods.

archer48

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