Standardized 3-Phase Sourcing Process
Below are the key points for a typical Chinese Agent project:
Phase I: Supplier Development
STEP 1
Project Evaluation
We understand you, your needs, your standards, and your expectations.
Your account manager at CEDARS will work with you around the clock to fully assess the importance and urgency of your project.
STEP 2
Factory Matching
Our existing network of over 500 suppliers covers all main economic clusters in China, making it a breeze to match your sourcing demand. You can also rely on the CEDARS “20-8-3” model to develop new factories in a fast and efficient way.
STEP 3
Commercial Negotiation
We rigorously compare supplier quotations with prices listed on e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and 1688. We help you perform cost breakdown analysis and track changes in commodity indexes. Our solid relationships with factories ensure the best possible delivery dates for you.
Phase 1I: Purchase Order
STEP 4
Production Monitoring
We help you ensure a reliable manufacturing process, which includes mockup (if any), sampling, approval for production, project planning and timing, etc.
STEP 5
Pre-delivery Inspection
Our experienced QC team check the quality, quantity, marking and packing conditions at CEDARS/Supplier warehouses. We also offer container loading supervision (CLS).
STEP 6
Fulfillment
We optimize the solution with at least two choices of fulfillment. Door-to-Door and Matson Shipment (Military Ship) services are available. Our partnership with many forwarders could save you a lot of shipping time and cost.
Phase III: Continuous Improvement
STEP 7
Services Support
Your account manager is always ready to help. You can expect a response to any difficulties or questions within 24 hours. CEDARS actively assists in aftersales service (e.g. warranty).
STEP 8
Supplier Management
All our suppliers receive mandatory annual audits and are divided into three tiers: Preferred, Qualified or Alternative. We monitor suppliers for various disruption risks including leader change, financial difficulty, legal violations etc.
STEP 9
Process Review
We review and update procurement documents on a quarterly basis. We conduct both client and vendor satisfaction surveys yearly, as part of the “Triple Win” philosophy.
The CEDARS “20-8-3” Model
Our tested supplier development model.
Long List
This is the initial stage of our search, using sources including: business networking, yellow pages, CEDARS database, exhibitor directory, business websites, and more.
Short List
At this stage, we conduct site visits to the potential suppliers. We want to verify their legal documents and check facilities, sales, R&D capabilities, and more.
Final Recommendations
At the last stage, we recommend up to three suppliers for your final decision, based on company culture, product and service quality, price, lead time, warranty, support, and more.
ISO 9001 Certified
Since 2013, CEDARS is proud to be recognized by SGS, the global benchmark for quality.
