Reader Question: Importing Bluetooth/RFID products from China

Hi Dave,

I'm a fellow entrepreneur from Canada that has started a mobile software business. I think the site that you created is extremely useful for people like myself that are looking to leverage the Chinese market so first off a big thank you!

Our company is looking at importing some electronic products from China. I was actually thinking of making a trip over myself (as per your websites advice!). We are looking at sourcing a number of electronic parts from China (bluetooth and RFID technology). I wanted to ask if you had any contacts that you trust (in China, Vancouver, etc.) that you think would be good parties to go through. We are really looking to make sure that we partner with the right people and being new in the space if you had any references it would be worth its weight in gold.

Thanks,
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

As a general rule, I don't recommend people to import electronics from China, especially when first starting off. China's main competitive advantage is in having a lot of cheap, manual labour- not necessarily a lot of cheap, highly skilled labour. A lot of times in fact, electronics are actually cheaper in the West.

You might get lucky and find a great supplier, but I've heard a lot more disaster stories rather than success stories with electronics. Especially if the bluetooth and RFID technology are simply going to be a component of your software business (opposed to strictly selling bluetooth/RFID products) you do not want a bad shipment from China negatively affecting the rest of your business.

All the best,

Dave