You may have heard the term product assembly in China before, but you might not be entirely sure what that means or how it will affect your business. Many companies decide to outsource this process to help them keep costs down and get their products in front of more customers. In order to decide whether or not product assembly in China could play a key role in your business success, you need to learn more about what it entails and how it works.

1) Suppliers are available around the clock

In China, suppliers are available around the clock, which means that you can get your products assembled and shipped out much faster than if you were doing it on your own. This can be a major advantage for businesses that need to move product quickly.

You have more control over the quality of the product. When you have your products assembled in China, you have more control over the quality of the product. This is because it is also much more affordable there to hire 3rd-party QC service to inspect the products before they are shipped out, and you can also choose to have them assembled by a reputable company that usually comes with an excellent QC team.

If you have your products assembled in China, you can save money big-time on shipping costs, given all the transportation access China offers.

2) The ability to experiment with new ideas

When it comes to business, the ability to experiment with new ideas is key to success. And what better place to do that than in China, where there are endless opportunities for product assembly?  You’ll be amazed at the expansive network of suppliers and manufacturers you can choose from.

In addition to a wide variety of options, you’ll also have access to manufacturing facilities at an affordable price. If you are just starting out, it’ll be very cost-effect for you in terms of trying out new ideas and finetuning your product. There’s no need to worry about breaking the bank before your product has even been released into the market!

3) Variety of product expertise

Decades into being the “World’s Factory”, Chinese manufacturers have developed strong versatility for types of products they can assemble. The wide range of industries that use product assembly services makes it possible for companies to outsource many aspects of their production process to China and still maintain control over every step, from design and development, through manufacturing, quality assurance, distribution and after-sales service. 

Spanning from textile to advanced electronics, you will have no problem finding a supplier for any part of your product locally. Your company does not need to dedicate all its resources towards producing one specific type of product as it can easily find suppliers who are experts in different parts of the production process. These specialists work hand-in-hand with other local factories so that you do not need to allocate staff or space at your office solely for these processes.

4) Utilization of the latest technology

In order to stay competitive, businesses need to utilize the latest technology. This is especially true when it comes to product assembly. By using state-of-the-art machines and equipment, businesses can ensure that their products are of the highest quality. Additionally, by keeping up with the latest technology, businesses can save money on production costs.

China is definitely you to-go option regarding technology, especially If you’re looking for top-of-the-line machinery. Due to encouragement from the government and decades of industrialization, China has managed to stay on top of the game as far as new innovations go. It’s not uncommon for a company in China to have access to many different types of cutting-edge technology which they can use at an affordable price. The accessibility of these technologies gives Chinese manufacturers a competitive edge over others because they are able to produce higher quality goods more quickly than ever before.

5) Speed of production

In today’s business world, time is money. And when it comes to product assembly, China has the speed advantage. With a well-oiled assembly line and a large workforce, China can get your products assembled and shipped out faster than most other countries. That means you can get your products to market quicker and start generating revenue sooner. It also leaves room for contingencies if there are delays in shipping or if another one of your suppliers cannot deliver on time.

Also, your company will grow because your company was able to do what others couldn’t. Your company is flexible: You may need more help assembling at certain times but not at others. For example, during western holidays or long weekends where many companies would like extra help with their orders. If you were already doing some assembly in China, this would allow your assembly team in China to be ready for those busy periods without having to find new hires and train them up from scratch – something which takes up both time and money before they’re productive again.

Meanwhile, your time saved on product assembly can be well spent on marketing. Multi-tasking is very much viable for your business!

By working with a reputable assembly partner in China, you can ensure that your products are of the highest quality and meet all applicable safety and quality standards. Shield Works has over 17 years of experience under the belt to help you achieve all of that. It’s never too late to take action. Contact us now!

Are you an entrepreneur who’s looking to partner with a China manufacturing company in order to bring your product design and development process to the next level? If so, there are several reasons why partnering with China’s manufacturing industry can be extremely beneficial to your goals as an entrepreneur. Read on to learn how it can benefit you, as well as some tips on how to go about it if you’re interested in pursuing this option.

Shorten time-to-market

One of the main benefits to outsourcing product design and development to China is that you’ll be able to shave time off your schedule. There are many facets of every project that can be outsourced, including: design, prototyping and 3D modelling, etc.

Designing and developing products takes time, but if you choose to partner with a manufacturer in China, you’ll be able to reduce that time significantly. There are many aspects of your product that can be outsourced, including: design work, prototyping, 3D modelling and more. Working with outsourcing partners means not only being able to work faster (by hiring those who have experience), but also saving money by splitting up the workload between parties. If you choose to go through an entire project (or any part) on your own though, don’t expect costs to stay low. After all, time is money.

Keep up with demand

With Chinese manufacturers, you’ll get instant access to an enormous, world-class supply chain. Instead of producing small batches of products for an uncertain audience, you can create a minimum order quantity (MOQ) large enough to keep up with demand at any given time. A foreign production partner that handles warehousing, shipping and logistics means you won’t have to worry about overseas shipping and import/export documentation; it all gets taken care of automatically by these suppliers.

With so many Chinese manufacturers online today, finding one that meets all of your specific needs is easier than ever before. All you need to do is type in what you want into a search engine or go through Alibaba’s list of vendors. From there, you can select potential partners based on their location, reputation and other factors(Shield Work will be your ideal option!). Once you’ve found a few options that seem like good fits, contact them directly to learn more about their capabilities and ask questions. The key here is to be proactive: don’t wait until after your first shipment arrives—or even worse—after your first customer complaint!

Improve Quality Control

Letting manufacturers in China handle all aspects of production frees up resources to concentrate on quality control. With Chinese manufacturers, you have instant access to hundreds or thousands of factory workers. This means you can scale production quickly as needed. It also helps ensure that every unit produced is identical; from batch to batch, every piece is exactly how it’s supposed to be. When you produce small batches by hand in-house, inconsistencies are inevitable and quality control becomes very difficult. And there’s no way around it—anyone who produces products for resale has to control quality when producing on such a large scale.

With a wide selection of factories at your disposal, it’s simple to move orders between suppliers if one is having issues or just wants to temporarily take on less work. If there are problems with quality control, you have options. And if you don’t have a problem but another factory does, you can easily switch things up without wasting too much time or money. As long as you have good relationships in place, production companies will be willing to accommodate your needs. This saves time and ensures that every unit produced meets your standards—and gets shipped out quickly so that customers receive their products as soon as possible.

Cut Costs

Product design and development costs in China are notoriously low compared to Western countries. There’s plenty of reason for that, including a large talent pool at competitive prices, very inexpensive electronics components, taxes that aren’t levied on imported goods, and no trade tariffs on exported products. Moreover, there’s an enormous variety of suppliers to choose from — more than any other region in the world due to their full-fledged supply chains — so you have more control over specific aspects of your product. For example, assembling devices could be done at one facility while circuits are designed elsewhere. Finally, when it comes to producing prototypes or small runs before going into full production—or even if you just want to validate ideas quickly—prototyping is generally faster in China than anywhere else.

Use New Technology

One of the biggest things that distinguishes Chinese manufacturing is its tech boom over the past decade. This has greatly equipped its manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in areas like product design, where technology has become an integral part of the final product.  As such, when it comes to product design and development in China, many foreign businesses have begun to take advantage of new technologies—3D printing being one prime example—to speed up their processes. With these new technologies, foreign companies are able to make prototypes faster than ever before and create higher-quality products than they could otherwise.

Another big difference between Western manufacturers and those in China is how modern factories use data to improve productivity. In China, every aspect of production is tracked digitally, which means workers know exactly what’s happening at any given time during production. This means there are fewer errors—and more importantly, faster turnarounds—than you would find in other countries.

The list of benefits of using China manufacturing to design and develop your next product can go on forever. If you haven’t yet manufactured in China, you need to weigh out all options before making a final decision. It isn’t as cheap as it used to be, but with manufacturers’ experience and current technology, it’s definitely very cost-effective and saves you from a bunch of headaches. Shield Works is one that can take care of all you need for your product with over 17 years of experience and excellent in-house team. Contact us if you’d like to know more!

Chinese manufacturing has long been infamous as the place where you can get cheap, but low-quality, goods. But times are changing, and China can now claim to be the home of some of the highest quality products available in the world. Product design and development in China has been improving significantly over the past several years, and many companies are looking towards China to get great products manufactured at affordable prices. Here’s why product design and development in China may be right for your business as well.

The rise of Made-in-China

If you’ve spent any time shopping for consumer goods, there’s no doubt that Made-in-China products are everywhere. While some manufacturers simply relocate to take advantage of low labor costs, others—including those with a luxury brand—choose to make high-end goods on Chinese soil to keep an eye on quality control. Meanwhile, more Chinese companies are starting to build their own brands by marketing their home-grown products as superior (whether they actually are or not). An interesting phenomenon of modern consumerism; plus, it’s hard to argue with cheap prices.

Products made in mainland China, with their high production quality and low prices, are starting to become popular, even not just in China. Its strong presence in international markets, especially in the area of electronics and new energy vehicles, has proved the point. Chinese products have gradually formed an image that is both attractive and reliable. The country’s brand awareness among global consumers will continue to rise along with its economic growth, making it more important than ever for foreign companies to consider how they approach manufacturing there, especially in terms of designing and developing their product there, as China is very capable now in this regard and China-made products are less and less associated with negative stereotypes.

Technology Innovation

China never shies away from its ambition in technology innovation. Take Shenzhen for example, a Chinese city adjacent to Hong Kong, which has risen quickly as one of Asia’s fastest-growing tech hubs. And it’s only going to get bigger: Shenzhen will invest more than 700 billion RMB($104.05 Billion) in hi-tech research and development as its 14^th five-year plan. In addition to software startups, electronics manufacturing plays a large role in its economic growth; there are over 100 companies within Shenzhen dedicated to producing electronic products for other companies.

It’s no wonder that Silicon Valley giants like Intel have turned their attention (and investments) toward Shenzhen—the global market for smartphones alone will reach nearly $792.51 billion by 2029. By comparison, total U.S. retail sales were $6.6 trillion in 2021. The future looks bright for Shenzhen, and even Apple has started to outsource more and more assignments to Chinese engineering and design teams. Its technology capabilities of developing a product has made working with manufacturers in China an excellent way to get your products designed and produced quickly and creatively, and some of their technologies even have redefined the whole industry.

It may not be dirt cheap anymore, but still cheaper than your native market

China may not beat Southeast Asia regarding price, but it definitely only costs a fraction of what will cost if designing and developing your product in a western country. Moreover, Chinese companies are generally more willing to work with you to help you come up with an idea that can be produced at an affordable price than those in other countries. This means that you could end up saving money by going through them as they might suggest ways for you to lower production costs without sacrificing quality. It’s also worth noting that because Chinese workers are paid more moderately – so don’t be afraid to ask for multiple revisions on your prototype until it’s just right!

You’ll also have access to a huge pool of affordable talents. The sheer number of universities (both public and private) located throughout the country mean that there are thousands upon thousands of people who have already graduated with degrees related to these fields. In fact, many would argue that China has some of best colleges around – many even rank among top universities worldwide – which means there’s no shortage when it comes to getting qualified candidates for your project! Most importantly, that’ll cost a lot less than the west.

Full-fledged Supply Chains

If you want to start an actual business, not just launch an idea or a project, then you need to make sure that your idea can become reality. That involves making sure that all aspects of production are accounted for and worked out so there aren’t any nasty surprises down the road. This is called having a full-fledged supply chain, and China has it.  China allows companies to take advantage of its large manufacturing base without sacrificing quality control, and every aspect of a manufacturing process is concentrate around one place, which will afford you better control.

It also makes it easier for small businesses to get started since they don’t have to worry about building up a massive infrastructure from scratch. Getting started with product design and development in China means taking advantage of these benefits—and potentially saving yourself time and money along the way.

In short, there are many benefits to getting your new product design and developed in China. If you have a clear idea of what you want from your manufacturing partner, it doesn’t take long to find one that suits your needs perfectly. Shield Works is your perfect choice with 17 years of product design and development helping so many startups. Let us know if you’re interested!

3PL service can be a valuable tool to help your Amazon business grow and get where you want it to be. But why use 3PL service? What are the benefits of working with 3PLs? How can they help with your Amazon business? Those are all excellent questions, so let’s take some time to go over them in detail.

What is a 3PL Service?

You may be familiar with 3PL services already. A third-party logistics (3PL) company is a business or other entity that handles storage, transportation, sorting and delivery of goods on behalf of a retailer. The U.S. has more than 6,000 3PLs, according to American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). Amazon itself is often cited as one example of a company that uses 3PL service for its ecommerce sales via Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). In fact, many online retailers use 3PL services because they’re so convenient: They can offload some or all shipping responsibilities from their own staffs to experienced professionals who have access to resources like trucks, warehouses and sophisticated software. That leaves your small business free to focus on what it does best—selling products—while you outsource what you don’t need in order to grow faster.

With more and more businesses outsourcing their manufacturing overseas, 3PL service in other countries are also in high demand, especially in China. These companies can help your business save money by providing a single point of contact for all your global logistics needs. Many of these firms have experience dealing with multiple languages and cultures, so they can communicate directly with suppliers in foreign countries to ensure that your products arrive on time and as expected. This is particularly helpful if you’re new to importing or exporting goods from overseas: You can leave most of the work to them while you focus on growing your company’s sales revenue.

Why Do I Need it as an Amazon Seller?

More importantly, what are your options for managing third-party fulfillment? One option is to do it all in-house, but that can be difficult if you’re trying to run a business. In addition, it might make more sense from a brand management perspective to use outside vendors with established reputations. For example, Shield Works offers 3PL (third-party logistics) services that allow Amazon sellers to leverage its warehousing infrastructure and expertise on their behalf. This allows Amazon sellers like you to focus on brand development instead of worrying about operational details. 

What’s more, it provides peace of mind by helping ensure inventory doesn’t sit idle or get lost. There are many ways to approach your online sales efforts—and no one way is better than another—but shipping and fulfillment may be one area where working with an expert makes sense.

What Should You Look For In A 3PL Service Provider?

The following are some things you should consider when evaluating a 3PL service:

Global reach

Choose a provider with locations around the world so you can reach customers in multiple time zones. Comprehensive set of transportation options. You’ll want access to air, ocean, trucking and rail services so you can choose whichever mode is most cost-effective for each shipment.

Transparent rates and fees

Look for providers that charge per package or weight based on total volume rather than as a percentage of total value. This will allow you to price your products competitively without surprises at checkout from additional fees. Recurring transport scheduling/management capabilities.

Real-Time Tracking

Want to know where your shipments are at all times? 3PLs that offer real-time tracking can help ensure you’re meeting customer service standards. Check out the system they use and do some research on how it works and it’ll give you an idea how your goods will be handled.

Automated import/export services

For example, if you need assistance calculating how much duty you will owe on a shipment to Europe, a provider with an automated system can save you valuable time and eliminate errors.

Customized shipping solutions

A provider that offers these services will help you ship products directly from China or other overseas locations to your customers in North America and Europe at competitive rates. This is particularly helpful when importing large volumes of goods from China as it allows you to take advantage of bulk discounts on shipping charges by consolidating multiple packages into one larger shipment that arrives at its destination faster than individual shipments would have arrived.

Multiple package-shipping options (e.g., small, medium or large boxes).

A 3PL service provider should offer multiple box sizes so that you can choose which size best fits your product’s needs and reduce packaging costs accordingly.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring A 3PL Logistics Company

Choosing a 3PL service to transport your inventory can seem daunting. The Amazon marketplace is full of shipping companies claiming to offer inexpensive, efficient and reliable shipping services for sellers. As with any decision you make regarding your business, it’s important to take time before selecting a company that will handle your shipments. If you’re thinking about hiring a 3PL logistics company, ask yourself these questions first:

1. How do they communicate?
2. Is their response time reasonable?
3. Does anyone actually pick up their phone when you call?
4. What is their process for handling shipments?
5. How can I access information about my shipment?
6. How are customs forms handled?
7. What happens if my shipment gets seized by customs or delayed by weather or other factors outside of my shipper’s control?

As we wrap up, there are two things you should remember: first, 3PL’s can be a great asset to your Amazon business. By working with a reliable and trustworthy service provider, you can save time and resources on everything from picking and packaging to shipping and order fulfillment. The second thing is just as important: choose a provider that meets all of your specific needs. The best 3PL will have industry expertise (especially in terms of handling products), but will also make it easy for you to monitor shipments and control inventory without missing out on profit potential. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding an existing operation, pay attention to each of these tips when selecting a new supplier partner!

Shield Works is one of your ideal options with our western background and 17-year industry experience. We have helped so many launch their Amazon business with our logistics service in both the US and China. Reach out to us and learn more about how we can help!

When you’re importing goods from China, the last thing you want to do is get things wrong on your end. That’s why you need to hire a 3rd-party quality control service to check the product before it gets shipped out to your customers. The problem, however, is that there are so many companies offering this type of service in China that it can be hard to know which one will do the best job at an affordable price. By following these tips, you can find exactly what you need from an excellent 3rd-party quality control service in China and avoid costly mistakes with your business.

What is 3rd-party quality control service?

A 3rd-party QC inspection is a kind of quality control conducted by an independent and neutral institution. A company can choose a 3rd-party inspection agency as its partner for QC at a lower cost, because it’s outsourced from them. In comparison with other types of inspections, such as 2nd party or 1st party inspection, 3rd party QC is recommended more. Mainly because it’s less expensive than other two types but still has strong credibility among customers. The key reason why companies prefer using a 3rd-party QC service provider is that they don’t have to buy any equipment or hire new staff members. Instead, they can just focus on their core business while outsourcing their quality control services.

Can I trust 3rd-party quality control service in China?

This is probably one of the first questions that comes to mind for many people considering outsourcing their quality control needs in China. It’s natural to have doubts about something you are not familiar with, but rest assured that you can trust Chinese quality control services. Hiring a 3rd-party in China is no stranger to many businesses. In fact, it’s common practice for large foreign companies to hire several 3rd party QC services in China, such as SGS and BV. These companies are large and well known due to their reputation of accuracy, strictness and integrity. Thus, if you already outsourced your QC work to them before, you would most likely find their service worth returning for another round of cooperation.

What should you first consider when choosing one?

If you are new to China, choosing a quality control company in China can be challenging. There are so many independent QC services for you to choose from in China. It is also hard to tell if a 3rd-party QC provider is good or bad as there are no clear standards or service levels available. You need to make sure that they can provide quality inspection service at an economical price that suits your budget while also ensuring quality. To find a reliable 3rd-party quality control company in China, it’s important to understand what type of product testing and inspection needs you have first. For example, do you require plastic injection molding samples inspection? What about raw material inspection? How will these materials affect product performance? What kind of production process is used? Are raw materials tested prior to production? These questions should help narrow down your search and help you find a trusted and qualified 3rd party inspector who will do their job well.

How can you judge whether they are qualified or not?

First, it’s a good idea to ask for samples of their previous work, as well as references from existing clients. Once you have selected a few prospects, there are also several ways you can get an idea of their competence and reliability. Before selecting any one provider for your project, make sure that they have experience working with similar projects. Check if they have received ISO certification and how long they have held it for. Also ask what kind of equipment they use on site and how large their staff is; an operator should be on site at all times during testing. If possible, find out if they have ever done business with other companies in your industry. This will help you determine whether or not they will understand your needs and requirements. Asking these questions up front will save you time and money later on down the line when things go wrong. If possible, request a copy of their quality control manual so that you know exactly what to expect from them before signing anything official.

Where to find reliable 3rd-party QC services in China?

Online platform is a common solution. You can get a 3rd-party QC company through local e-commerce platform or other online platforms like Alibaba. But before you decide to use an online platform, you need to do some research about it. There are scammers on these platforms that will charge you for their services without ever doing anything for you. It takes time and patience as well as know-how of which sites are safe to work with.

Shield Works has almost 17 years of QC service in China and strictly enforces international standards. Check us out and reach out if you are interested!

It’s no secret that China has become the dominant manufacturing force in the world, but many people still don’t realize how far this dominance reaches and what it can mean for your business. Product prototyping, for example, is something we take for granted in America, but China has taken it to a whole new level with their affordable and precise methods of product prototyping. With this knowledge, you can feel confident in your company’s ability to produce high-quality products at the speed of light by using Chinese product prototyping services.

Low-Cost Labor

While labor is not cheap in China, it’s still cheaper than similar manufacturing centers like Japan and South Korea. Using more advanced equipment and more efficient production processes, Chinese manufacturers are able to make their products faster, cheaper, and of higher quality than anywhere else on Earth. This allows them to price their services much lower than other countries. These efficiencies come from better use of technology (like robotics) and closer monitoring of labor schedules to minimize downtime (i.e., workers on breaks). The combination of these factors—lower costs from efficiency improvements plus lower wages—means that Chinese manufacturers can provide more products at a lower cost than anywhere else in the world.

One-Stop Shopping

You can get everything you need to prototype a product in one place. Many Chinese prototyping shops have engineers, graphic designers, 3D printers and injection molders on staff; once you sign up for a package deal, they’ll coordinate all aspects of your project from start to finish. This allows startup founders to do more with less. Even better: there are increasingly specialized prototyping companies that provide rapid manufacturing services for startups tackling a specific industry vertical.

For example, if you’re building a medical device, it makes sense to partner with a manufacturer that specializes in medical device design and manufacturing. These firms know exactly what’s required by regulatory agencies such as FDA so your team doesn’t have to worry about those details. Startups working on hardware projects should definitely consider partnering with these specialists early on in their development cycle.

Fast Delivery

Inexpensive prototyping and large-scale manufacturing allow product developers to innovate at an unprecedented pace. Chinese factories offer lower costs, shorter lead times, and larger production volumes than other countries. Companies like Apple have established relationships with Chinese manufacturers for over a decade. Today, nearly all of Apple’s products are manufactured in China—including final assembly for some parts (e.g., cables and batteries). While there are many factors that come into play when deciding where to locate production, high speed of prototype delivery has become increasingly important as consumers demand better turnaround times on pre-orders.

Preloaded Technology

Chinese manufacturers have preloaded their 3D printers with software to make them easier to use. They’ve also preloaded their engineers with more industry experience, as they tend to hire skilled workers who are versed in traditional manufacturing and creating similar products—or at least work with experts who are. Given the size of the population, the talent pool in China is nothing comparable to other countries. Such a huge gap can be difficult to close.

Culture of Innovation

The Chinese are traditionally known for copying or outright stealing Western technologies. But that’s all changing as China transitions into a technological powerhouse on its own right. Beijing’s top leaders have started to believe that innovation, not imitation, can help to solve some of their country’s problems and create new industries as well. They know that innovation can lead to economic growth and more jobs; over 700 universities across China have integrated innovation into their names, signifying an emphasis on education for research and development (R&D). Just a few years ago, these schools were focused on training engineers by rote—and churning out products manufactured elsewhere.

Local Tech Hubs

One reason why Chinese entrepreneurs are able to prototype at an impressive rate is because many Chinese startups utilize local tech hubs. These facilities allow a company to rent office space, equipment, and more – eliminating expensive overhead costs while also fostering a sense of community and support. Silicon Valley may have its perks, but when it comes to product prototyping, being closer to industry experts and resources might be just as important as proximity to large financial markets. For example, take Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei Market for Electronics Components. This massive market features almost every kind of electronic component imaginable, from processors to motors and sensors to circuit boards. It’s like an entrepreneur’s paradise! There’s no need for a startup engineer or product designer to go through a distributor or manufacturer if they can just walk down Huaqiangbei Street instead! But there’s another benefit that makes Huaqiangbei so attractive: information sharing.

Shield Works has over 16 years of product prototyping in China and our n-house engineering team is both well-seasoned and bilingual. If interested, please feel free to contact us!

When you’re planning your next big product, where should you look to get it done? China or the United States? You might think that the answer to this question depends on your budget and how long you need the product to be in development, but that isn’t necessarily true. As it turns out, Chinese product development companies are capable of producing world-class products just as quickly as US companies and at a lower cost as well.

Is it a good idea to outsource product development in China?

Outsourcing product development to China may sound like an odd choice to many people. It’s not uncommon for engineers and product developers working on a project to assume that manufacturing abroad is only done when sourcing parts from other countries, but there are many advantages to having your new invention manufactured to China. For example, Chinese companies often provide their clients with ready-made factories, so you don’t have to worry about setting up a factory space before production begins. The best advantage of outsourcing product development, though, is cost savings; manufacturing costs are generally cheaper there than in Western countries, which makes it possible for startups to take risks they might not otherwise be able to afford.

After years of development, China is fully capable of developing quality products that can measure up to international standards. Many engineers and product developers think that outsourcing manufacturing to China is a risky decision because they believe that it would result in low-quality products. However, as more and more American brands begin using Chinese manufacturers for their projects, consumers are realizing just how reliable these companies can be.

Get it right from the start

The best way to avoid having quality problems later is to make sure that you are working with a partner who has great experience and impeccable standards from day one. Although there are myriad problems that can occur when making products abroad, you’ll want to make sure you have someone on your team that knows how to spot those issues before they snowball into disaster. Whether it’s something as simple as a minor translation error or as complex as a hardware issue, working with an experienced partner will help avoid major setbacks. Make sure you know what areas of your product and business could cause potential issues. No one can foresee everything.  If you’re not certain about any aspect of your production process, do some research or consult with experts.

How long will it take to develop my idea and have samples made?

There are a number of steps involved in bringing an idea to life, from making some prototypes and testing them, to sourcing materials and having samples made. On average, it takes about six months from beginning to end. However, your product development timeline can be impacted by a number of factors (for example, if you choose to have your own custom mold created instead of using an existing mold).  If you’re planning on manufacturing in China, there will also be shipping time factored into that equation. So how long does it take for samples to arrive? That depends on whether or not you’re going with standard shipping or DHL Express/UPS/FedEx delivery. With standard shipping, expect your sample shipment to take two weeks at most; with express delivery, expect one week at most.

But the pandemic is still here, and the world is more complicated than ever with everything going on. It is still subject to change.

How much should I pay for prototypes?

Even if you’re not ready to commit, getting prototypes made is often a good way to see what your product will look like (and feel like) and get a sense of its durability. It’s also worth considering that prototypes come with different price tags depending on their complexity. A simple injection-molded part may cost several hundred dollars and more, but full working samples can run into several thousand dollars. Get quotes from multiple suppliers and keep an eye out for low-cost prototyping options such as 3D printing; some firms even offer free printouts for first-time clients who bring them work.

How can I make sure you don’t rip me off?

It may seem scary to send money to someone you don’t know, but many clients work with their manufacturer to come up with an agreement before sending any payment. That contract should outline what will happen if there is a delay, how long it will take for delivery and what quality standards are expected. If you have concerns about your contract being followed, consider hiring a lawyer or working with someone who has experience making products in China. That way you can have peace of mind that nothing will go wrong and get exactly what you ordered.

There are definitely some reasons why you may or may not want to trust product development in China. But by investing time into finding a reputable partner and carefully researching them before handing over your project, you’ll be far less likely to have an issue. Shield Works has a history of 16 years in product development in China and certainly knows your language coming from the UK. Please contact us if you are interested in getting to know more!

There are many things that businesses need to know before they start operating in China, and IP protection is one of them. It’s particularly important to be aware of these things if you’re doing business in the Chinese market—or any emerging market, really. Here are four things you need to know about IP protection in China that could help save your business down the road.

1) Don’t forget you are a foreigner

Protecting your intellectual property rights (IPR) can be a tricky process in any country. It’s even more complex when dealing with a foreign jurisdiction like China, which has its own set of laws and customs that are different from what you may be used to. While no one likes to think they might ever need to use IP protection methods, these can be an important asset if you do start to experience problems. However, before seeking legal help or going after someone for infringing on your IPR, remember that many IP cases fail because companies make basic mistakes; it pays to know some of them before taking action. For example: Don’t forget you are a foreigner – While Chinese laws should protect you against infringement, don’t assume that they will.

Remember that there is always a chance that local law enforcement will not support you, so it’s important to have backup plans in place. Remember who owns what – In China, registered trademarks are owned by their registrant rather than being assigned based on where products are sold. This is opposite of most countries and means you could end up losing ownership over your trademark simply by not registering it properly. Use multiple forms of IP protection – Just as businesses in China often use multiple locations for manufacturing facilities and offices, they also tend to rely on multiple forms of IP protection such as patents, trademarks and copyrights.

2) The first step – register your trademark in China

To fully protect your intellectual property (IP) rights, you need to register for trademark protection in China. There are three ways to do so: through a representative, through an agent, or directly at a Chinese national or regional trademark office. Registering directly at a Chinese national or regional trademark office is fastest and cheapest. However, if you don’t speak fluent Mandarin, you will likely want to use an agent instead. The best agents have years of experience with trademarks in China and can help guide you through all of the paperwork necessary to file your application successfully.

Once you have registered your trademark, be sure to maintain it by filing periodic renewal applications before expiration. Failing to renew could mean losing all legal protections afforded by registration—and that includes preventing others from registering a similar mark. If someone else does register a similar mark after yours has expired, they can legally block any attempt by you or anyone else to register it again in future. This process is called trademark squatting and it happens more often than many people realize.

The most common type of copyright protection is through registration with CIPA (China Intellectual Property Office). This will ensure your work enjoys legal protection.

A trademark can be registered with SAIC (State Administration for Industry & Commerce) or SIPO (State Intellectual Property Office) after you have completed examination and approval procedures. In addition to providing exclusive rights for your trademark, it also provides you with rights over its use in court if necessary. The most important thing when registering a trademark is making sure it has not been registered by another party first; otherwise you may face difficulties if you want to register it later on.

3) How do I protect my brand?

In your work, you are likely to produce some inventions and creations. If you have not registered them through copyright registration or patent registration with competent departments, you cannot enjoy their legal protection. So when creating something new, make sure it is intellectual property before releasing it to other parties for commercialization. This will enable you to set up a solid foundation for protecting your rights and interests.

Try to incorporate an effective copyright notice on all original works: Copyright is defined as a form of personal ownership that protects original works of authorship including literary, architectural and artistic works from being used by others without permission or compensation.

4) What to do if IP disputes arise?

After registering (or not), you should definitely keep your records – business contracts and anything else that may be needed later on when trying to prove your rights. Do not destroy anything! Business contracts between you and your distributor can be some of these important documents. Check with a local attorney before entering into such agreements as there are standard clauses that often appear in them. These clauses can have negative impacts on protecting your Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in China.

If a dispute does arise, there are various ways to resolve it. One is through your local courts or trade organizations and those abroad if necessary. There are lots of examples, such as fair hearing before all members of Beijing Arbitration Commission and seek help from other departments (e.g., State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) and National Copyright Administration). As an alternative, many foreign companies can solve their problems by going to local technology offices for consultation at any time. If you still have no solution after consultations with them, you may sue an infringer directly by yourself or apply for administrative assistance from SIPO. The most important thing is to make every effort when protecting your IPRs in China as once lost there is often no chance of recovering them again.

It’s always better to take precautions before it’s too late, such as finding a reliable production facility with their own IP protection zone. Shield Works is one of them. The facility also provides different types of IP protection services via the partnership with a leading IP industry expert in China. Feel free to contact us if interested in more!