Following the post series about the LED Screen from China, I received another very interesting letter from one of you.

Michele deals with China on a daily basis and he sent us a Decalogue based on his experience, to help you survive while buying any Chines products (therefore, even LED screens).

The letter I received was in Italian, so the translation is mine. Here's the "Top 10 Rules to Deal with China"

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Dear Fabio, I represent a company specialized in electronic components and I deal with China on a daily basis. Even if we are not focused on LED Screens, after reading your blog I would like to give some advices to anyone who is considering buying anything from China.

1- Do not take too seriously any offer they make, any quotation they send and anything they promise, even if in written form - they often take back their words as soon as they need it.

2- Do not blindly trust any Chinese company (don't put all your eggs in one basket).

3- Explain into the smallest detail any product you want to buy or any project you want to start. Even better, explain each single detail two or three times. If they say they understood at the first time, do not believe them... it is unlikely that they understand everything the first time.

4- Do not push them. They hate to be pushed so they panic... and they end up creating more problems than those they will surely create everyday (I do not spend one single day without issues... most of which are created for no reason).

5- Always buy with a Letter of Credit, asking for the certificates as explained in the next point. Do not ever pay cash in advance, even if in small percentage.

6- Get constant quality control, loading and shipping supervision. If you can not do it by person (which is always better) then get someone you trust to do it. Or at least, hire a specialized company (there are some providing such services).

7- It often happened to me that they present perfect prototypes but then the real production is of terrible quality, even not functioning.

8- Always ask for the ROHS certificate and the "No wood packaging material" phrase on the packing list.

9- To get the goods shipped to you, use a courier that you know and trust AND that has its own offices in China. Do not use a courier that will ask another shipping company to get assistance in China.

10- Please keep in mind that, once sold, in case you have a problem of any kind with the good, it is unlikely to find someone ready and available to solve it. Actually, the biggest the problem, the more likely they will disappear.

Of course, buying from China is a good opportunity but only for goods in quantities or value that justify the potential risks and the problems you will surely encounter.

Hope this help.

Best Regards,
Michele

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So Michele doens't seem very encouraging, but... What do You think? Do you agree or not?

As always, I strongly recommend you to send me you opinions and share your experiences - just drop me an email (fabio DOT aversa AT eurodisplay DOT com) or leave your comment.

I look forward hearing from you about the LED Screens From China.