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How to Prepare For Holiday Season Supply Chain Disruption | BlinkGlobal

For all those associated with the retail industry, the Holiday season begins with Halloween and lasts till the first week of New Year. It is arguably a very busy time for businesses particularly for retailers as the shoppers stock on everything and retailers must remain on top of their game to stay afloat. This year’s Holiday season in particular is going to be more challenging for retailers. The supply chains have not yet fully covered from the pandemic disruptions and the festive season is upon us already. If you are a retailer that sources products from overseas, it is wise to build a supply plan for the holiday season. At BlinkGlobal, we provide international sourcing services to retailers across the United States. In this article, our experts share some valuable tips to prepare your supply chain for the holiday season.

Diversify Your Supplier Base:

This is also a lesson that we all have learned from the COVID disruptions. It seems that the dependency on a single country or one particular to fulfill the needs for raw materials or finalized products is a mistake that businesses must avoid. During the shopping season, many of the suppliers in Asian countries have a lot of orders and they exploit they even charge more than usual. Ahead of the holiday season, spot new vendors and create alternative supply continuity sources. Secondary suppliers will not only ensure resilience in your supply chain network but it will also help you avoid the situational manipulation done by suppliers. 

Partner Up With the Reliable 3rd Party Logistics Company

​It is wise to partner up with a logistics company. Reliable 3PL provides you with real-time counts and being informed about your resources is the key. It helps you track your inventory and sales in real-time and spot potential lapses and leakages. This can also help you prepare for the extended holiday season and predict if your current stock is optimized for holiday sales. With the help of the right and professional consultancy, you’ll be able to source and deliver the right quantity of products that can easily cater to your customer base.

Plan Ahead – Prepare for the Unexpected Delays:

Delivery delays during the holiday season are a common thing. Shipment delays during the holiday season can pose some of the most serious constraints to business operations. Solutions include advanced planning and not relying on the vendor-provided ETA but calculating the expected delivery time yourself. Calculate the probable transit time considering the possible delay factors such as weather conditions, holidays in various parts of the world and then make a plan based on the evaluated factors. Experts suggest adding at least one week to the expected transit time as a provision to the unexpected delays.

Blink Global – Your International Sourcing Partner

It’s wise to partner up with a reliable sourcing company as they have import and export agents that have expertise in cost reduction and quality assurance. With our deep understanding of global sourcing, we supply B2B industrial and consumer products with centralized procurement and high delivery precision. We are ready to help you make the right decision with our Price Audit Services.
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Importance of Cargo Insurance When Sourcing From Overseas | BlinkGlobal

Great opportunities come with certain risks. International sourcing offers a wide range of opportunities to businesses. However, like every other business opportunity, there are some potential risks that business owners and supply chain managers must identify. There is an array of unexpected variables that can create trouble and harm your business.

One big risk factor in international sourcing is the transportation of your goods across the oceans and borders. While international cargo transport has become a lot more secure, it is still advisable to be prepared and take preemptive measures that will minimize the loss if anything goes wrong during the journey. This is where cargo insurance comes in.  

At BlinkGlobal, we provide international sourcing services to clients across the USA. Having years of experience in international trade, we always recommend our clients to get their cargo insured. In this article, our experts share some knowledge on what is cargo insurance and why it is important.

What is cargo insurance?

During national and international movement of goods, your cargo is always vulnerable to potential damages and losses that may occur due to

  •         Inappropriate packing
  •         Vessel Accidents that may occur due to Collison, Heavy weather, Sinking, Derailment
  •         Cargo abandonment
  •         Poor handling at Transits (may or may not be covered)
  •         Customs rejection (may or may not be covered)
  •         Improper storage in warehouses (may or may not be covered)
  •         Employee’s dishonesty (may or may not be covered)
  •         Non-delivery.
  •         Theft
  •         Fire

Cargo insurance provides coverage against all external causes that may damage or cause losses to your cargo during shipping. It is similar to insuring your car. You get your car insured. It may not always get into an accident, but being a vehicle, it is prone to accidents all the time.

You can purchase these policies from the insurance market. If you have a sourcing company on board, they have partnered with various vendors that will provide you the best policy. Cargo insurance is generally covered under risk policy or floating policies.

Is Cargo Insurance required by Law?

There is no such law that binds you to get your cargo insured when you move it around nationally or internationally. However, international trade experts will always recommend you to buy insurance so that you are prepared for the worst-case sceneries. Your hundreds and thousands of dollars are floating in the air or ocean and you have little to no control over the process. It is a wise decision when you compare the insurance cost against the potential losses and the perils associated with cargo movement.

Finding the Right Cargo Insurance

There are different types of cargo insurances and hundreds of cargo insurance providers. Choosing the right type of insurance for your cargo depends upon the worth and sensitivity of your cargo. If your cargo is fragile, we recommend you to get an-all feature coverage. However, these decisions can be confusing. Working with a sourcing an experienced sourcing company like BlinkGlobal can lessen the confusion and help your get the right cargo insurance for you. Let’s Talk!

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This is Why You Should Always Sample Products From Overseas Suppliers | BlinkGlobal

If you are someone with prior experience in sourcing from overseas, chances are that you already have familiarization with the sampling process. Samples are a standard element in the overseas sourcing process. It helps international buyers analyze the reliability of the supplier, spot their strengths and weaknesses, manage the quality risks, and determine the turnaround time. In a nutshell, sampling helps you analyze if a certain supplier is truly up to the task and can fulfill your quality expectations. At BlinkGlobal, we provide our clients with a thorough consultancy on the sampling process. We get a lot of queries from our clients pertaining to how the process works. In this article, our experts answer some of the pressing questions that are often asked by the clients.

Who Pays For The Samples?

As the quote goes, “there are no free lunches”, similarly, there are no free samples. Samples cost valuable time, effort, and materials. Suppliers are going to charge you and even if you provide the assurance that the cost of samples will be adjusted when you’ll pay for the real order, chances are that you will still have to bear the costs of shipping from the supplier’s country to the United States. Suppliers that charge you for samples are generally interested in doing business and are serious vendors.

How many samples will I need?

This is subjective to the product and industry you are dealing in. As a general rule, we help our clients get 2 -3 rounds of samples. The purpose of rounds of samples is to uncover the gaps in specifications and help you get the product you want. Suppliers invest their time and money so we recommend you to be very specific from the beginning and don’t change your demands in the middle of the process as it can lead to confusion and mistrust.

 Are 3-D rendered Samples Effective?

Asking for physical samples from 2 to 3 suppliers can cost you a lot of money. You can cut that expense by asking for digital samples. 3D rendered samples are becoming very popular in international sourcing as they can be tested in a digital environment using different tools and software. The downside of 3D samples is that you still can not be sure of the materials and the supplier’s ability to produce the product with minimal turnaround time.

Can I send the Samples to the Supplier?

Yes. At BlinkGlobal, we also suggest our clients to send samples to the suppliers with notes mentioning key requirements. This will give the supplier an idea of your perspective and make their and your life a lot easier. Either the supplier will totally replicate the sample or come up with an even better design. In any case, it will eliminate the communication barrier as the sample will tell itself what you expect. 

Get Consultancy from Blink Global

At BlinkGlobal, we have made international sourcing easy and hassle-free. From initial consultancy to sampling to shipping, we do it all so you can relax and focus on your core competencies. Leave the procurement to us and let our experts manage your supply chains. Give us a call today. 
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5 Devastating Mistakes to Avoid When Sourcing From Overseas | BlinkGlobal

Sourcing is the latest buzzword in the manufacturing and the supply chain. As the business environment is becoming more and more competitive, companies are trying to maximize their gains by sourcing raw materials or finalized products from cheaper destinations. As per the findings of Harvard Business Review and other research publications, certain countries have an inherent advantage in succeeding in particular industries. This is why more and more cost and quality conscious businesses all over the world are turning to overseas sourcing.

However, international sourcing is also a risky maneuver as a lot of your money is at stake. You are not physically present at the location and your money is in a foreign land so you do not have full control over the process. At BlinkGlobal, we help our clients get the best solutions when sourcing from overseas. In this article, our experts share 5 mistakes that you must avoid when sourcing from overseas.

1. Choosing Vendors Without Research

Right vendor selection is the most crucial decision that you need to make when sourcing from overseas. The most important factor to consider when selecting suppliers is to first make sure that they are able to provide what your business actually needs, rather than randomly selecting suppliers who just want to sell.

A good way to get a reliable supplier is by seeking recommendations from your business acquaintances or you can also look for online reviews about different suppliers. Suppliers also have certain rules and requirements like minimum quantity and advance payment. Be an informed consumer and ask important questions like shipping time frame and shipping charges as well as legal requirements such as taxes and duties.

2. Paying Everything Upfront

Since many suppliers offer discounts on paying the total amount upfront, many buyers fall for the temptation which can be risky. If you have a long-term relationship with a supplier, getting a discount by paying everything makes sense but if you are dealing with a certain supplier for the first time, it’s better to obtain credit terms from the supplier. It will encourage the supplier to ensure quality and make the deliveries on time. While developing the contract, clearly mention the specifications and expectations.

3. No Information Security Program

If you have to pass data and sensitive information to your vendor, it is important to make sure that the vendor has an information security program in place. Moreover, the program should highlight its capacity and strengths to protect sensitive information. The program must include administrative safeguards such as strong password requirements as well as physical safeguards such as Account lockouts.

 

4. Not Asking for Product Samples

Don’t hesitate, ask for product samples. Product samples depict the supplier’s capacity to cater to your quality requirements. Most of the vendors will agree to this and will let you inspect the quality of the product. This will also help you analyze if the product can meet your customers’ expectations.

5. Choosing Sourcing Agent over Sourcing Company

Sourcing agents or sourcing companies deal and communicate with suppliers on your behalf. They are supposed to ensure transparency and make decisions that are right for you. Sourcing agents are essentially freelancers with no reputation to uphold. Sourcing agents are present in the country where you want to source from, meaning you can meet them virtually not physically.

Sourcing companies have a vast network and global diaspora of agents with specialized backgrounds in various industries and extensive experience in global trade. As opposed to sourcing agents, sourcing companies have a reputation to uphold.

Let’s Talk!

Reliable sourcing companies such as Blink Global, offer clients a fair comparison of different vendors based on their terms of production, quality, and pricing!

 

 

 

 

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Sourcing Agent vs Sourcing Company? Make Your Decision Wisely | BlinkGlobal

So you have decided to source from overseas. When companies and businesses decide to source from overseas, their only objective is to benefit from the competitive markets existing in other parts of the world.  As per the findings of Harvard Business Review and other research publications, certain countries have an inherent advantage in succeeding in particular industries. This is because their home environment favors those industries. However, international sourcing is also a risky maneuver as a lot of your money is at stake. You are not physically present at the location and your money is in a foreign land so you do not have full control over the process. Sourcing agents or sourcing companies deal and communicate with suppliers on your behalf. They are supposed to ensure transparency and make decisions that are right for you. You can either partner up with a sourcing agent or get onboard with a full-fledged sourcing agency. The choice is yours but we want to give a holistic view of how sourcing agents and sourcing companies operate so you can make your decision more wisely.

Sourcing Agents

In a nutshell, a sourcing agent is a freelancer hired on a fixed fee or commission to source products for you. Since they are typically freelancers, they can be found through sites like Upwork and Elance, referrals, or they may approach you via cold contact through email or social media, such as Facebook/LinkedIn. Sourcing agents are present in the country where you want to source from, meaning you can meet them virtually. A sourcing agent will get you quotes from different factories and suppliers, establish a deal, and ship products to your home. The problem with sourcing agents is that they have no reputation to uphold. If things go wrong, it’s very hard to hold them accountable. They are in another country and you cannot just walk into their office and give them tough looks.

Sourcing Companies

Sourcing companies have a vast network and global diaspora of agents with specialized backgrounds in various industries and extensive experience in global trade. The procurement officers have forged long-term relationships with reliable sellers to get the best products at an excellent market price. Here are some benefits of sourcing companies:

Global Reach & Limitless Industries

Sourcing companies have global reach and they have agents around the world. They have connections with manufacturers across various industries.

They Provide Complete 360° Sourcing Solutions

They provide 360-degree services that include:
  •         Supplier Research & Factory Audits
  •         Contract Negotiations & Verifications with Analysis
  •         Order Monitoring, Product Development & Dispute Management
  •         Quality Control, Inspection & Reporting
  •         Logistics, Shipping Consultancy & Payment Management

Quality Assurance

As opposed to sourcing agents, sourcing companies have a reputation to uphold. They ensure high-quality products and monitor the production process while also running quality assurance tests. Reliable sourcing companies such as Blink Global, offer clients a fair comparison of different vendors based on their terms of production, quality, and pricing.
Any questions? Get in touch with us today!
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What is Minimum Order Quantity & Why Does it Matter in International Sourcing | BlinkGlobal

When sourcing from overseas, the minimum order quantity is a requirement that can never be superseded. Small businesses often loathe it, suppliers like it, and some businesses have no other option but to cope with it. However, at Blink Global, we believe that minimum order quantity should never be a deal-breaker for deciding if you want to source or not.  We understand that MOQ can be a tough call for small businesses but there are ways to play around. With our vast experience in international sourcing, we have helped hundreds of small businesses effectively deal with MOQs while maximizing their profitability. If you are new to international sourcing, this article will help you understand the basics of Minimum Order Quantity and learn how you can use it to your advantage.  

What is MOQ?

The definition of the term Minimum Order Quantity is pretty self-explanatory. MOQ is the lowest set amount of stock that the supplier is willing to sell. International suppliers have set an MOQ on many of their products and don’t cater to orders that fall below it. MOQ varies from product to product and supplier to supplier. However, when dealing with suppliers overseas, MOQ is always a factor.

Why Do Suppliers Have MOQs?

In a nutshell, wholesale suppliers need to place MOQs to stay profitable. If they cater to orders of very small sizes, they won’t be able to manage their costs and stay profitable. Suppliers need to cover all the costs and MOQ helps them earn profits from the coordination.

How to Deal with MOQ When You are Buyer

Like we mentioned earlier, there are walkarounds that you can try and ensure the profitability of all parties involved. Here are some tips:

Negotiate on a Lower Cost

MOQ may not always be flexible and negotiable, but prices most certainly are. When a supplier is stringent on MOQ, try to negotiate on the price of the minimum order. Work toward a lower price but don’t risk your investment by insisting on a price so low that the supplier may compromise on the quality.

Work with a Small Supplier

If the scope of your ordering is small and limited, it is wise to partner up with a small-sized supplier. Small suppliers usually don’t have stringent MOQ requirements and are often ready to negotiate on the terms. There are plenty of small-scale suppliers that provide high-quality products at very competitive prices. So if you are just stepping into international sourcing, start with a small supplier. However, you should always make sure that the supplier is reliable and authentic.  

Sign Up for a Long-Term Contract:

The best way to get the supplier on your terms is by signing a long-term with a supplier. Overseas suppliers are looking for long-term contracts and partnerships and if you ensure a supplier that you are going to work with them in the future, they’ll compromise on their MOQ terms and will cater to your small orders as well.

Partner up with a Sourcing Company 

The best strategy is to partner with a sourcing company. An experienced sourcing company like Blink Global has vast experience in dealing with suppliers and helping clients get the best products at competitive rates. Our agents also deal with industry-specific suppliers and are masters of creating win-win solutions.  Get in touch today!
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Top 4 Benefits of Outsourcing Your Inventory Management | BlinkGlobal

If you are a business that gets its raw materials shipped from overseas, you definitely understand the importance of inventory management. There is no debate in saying that effective inventory management is crucial for staying competitive and profitable. However, inventory management is a gruesome and time-demanding task and despite the availability of cutting-edge technologies, many enterprises, both small and large still struggle to manage their inventories efficiently. 

The lack of expert in-house inventory management specialists is the premier reason why many enterprises fail to properly take on critical aspects that include ordering, restocking, storing, and inventory forecasting. This is why businesses have turned to 3PL (3rd Party Logistics)  for inventory management.

Professional supply chain companies provide inventory management services that are backed with experience and cutting-edge technologies that help businesses prosper.

Here are some benefits of outsourcing your inventory management:

Real-Time Inventory Counts

Many 3PL provide you with real-time counts. This can help you track your manufacturing and sales in real-time, and spot potential losses and leakages. This can also help you prepare for the future and predict if your current stock is optimized for future needs. 

With the help of professional consultancy, you’ll be able to produce and deliver the right quantity of products that can easily cater to your customer base rather than overproduction or underproduction that can cause your troubles.

Reduced Operational Cost

The upfront cost to establish an efficient inventory management department may require hundreds and thousands of dollars. For startups and companies with low revenue, putting up an inventory management infrastructure may mean comprising on other areas such as marketing, or packaging, etc.

3PL partners have already invested in infrastructure development that provides the most cost-effective solutions. Moreover, they have expertise, knowledge and the skill to optimize transportation, reduce operational costs, and provide better inventory management.

Risk Mitigation

Partnering up with a 3PL also provides you with peace of mind as they take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of your inventory. This is a big advantage and a wise move to make your supply chains more resilient and risk-free. 

They provide insurance coverage and also estimate the financial impact of possible losses and develop mitigation contingency plans against events such as theft and natural disasters.

Focus on Other Business Aspects

It’s hard for a small business to be good at everything. There are always certain strengths and weaknesses and if inventory management is an area where you seem to be not doing well, let the experts handle the depart. This will let you focus on your core competencies and utilize your strengths to the fullest level.  

Inventory Management is a time-draining task and by outsourcing, you can utilize those precious hours on other important aspects such as marketing, customer support, PR, and innovating your products and services. Focus on your core competencies and make your company more productive.

About BlinkGlobal

Your Global Sourcing Partner. With our deep understanding of global sourcing, we supply B2B industrial and consumer products with centralized procurement and high delivery precision. Get in touch today!

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4 Things You Should Know About Air Freight | BlinkGlobal

90% of the world trade is carried by sea. Maritime transport is the most cost-effective way to mobilize goods and raw materials around the world. However, maritime transportation of goods takes a lot of time and if you want to get your goods shipped ASAP, air freight seems like the obvious choice.

Despite how appealing it seems, air shipping is not always that convenient. We are listing four important things that you must know about air freight.


  1.   Air Freight May Not Always Get Goods Delivered ASAP

Time is the most important factor why many businesses decide to choose air freight over sea freight. However, air transport is not always reliable as the air traffic is very vulnerable to weather conditions. Flights get delayed when the weather is not certain. Since air traffic can be affected by adverse weather conditions, you must always be prepared for unexpected delays.


  1.   It Can Get More Costly Than You Think

Many business owners realize that air transport is costly but often find themselves asking, “How costly can it really be?” Well, it turns out that it’s very expensive and can get 10 times to 100 times more expensive than maritime transport. Airfreight is regarded as the most expensive mode of shipping. Air freight rates are so high that it usually isn’t practical for transporting low-value products.


  1.   Be Careful With the Packaging

If you are shipping internationally, your cargo is going to have to be properly packed for the long, arduous journey. Many business professionals believe that air shipping is totally safe for the cargo but it’s important to remember that just like ocean shipping, your cargo is going to be handled by different people multiple times during transloading and other operations. So it’s imperative that you put in the time and money to make sure that it’s packaged properly. It is wise to apply ample amounts of padding and add more protective layers to give your cargo the extra cushioning it needs.


  1. Air Freight Isn’t Very Eco-friendly

Lately, we have seen large corporations taking on “green” initiatives as there has been a great deal of scrutiny on businesses to pledge to sustainability with more eco-friendly operations. While major environmental risks such as oil spills are also associated with oceanic transport, the carbon emissions in air freight are guaranteed. Air transportation poses a more consistent threat to the environment so if your business has or wants to create an impression of eco-friendliness, air freight is certainly not a wise choice. 

About Blink Global

BlinkGlobal is your next Global Sourcing Partner. We excel at B2B industrial and consumer products with centralized procurement and precise delivery. We are ready to help you make the right decision, get in touch with us today!

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3 Things You Need To Know About Ocean Freight | BlinkGlobal

Maritime transport is crucial to the world economy and global supply chains as over 90 of world trade is carried by sea. Maritime transport is the most cost-effective way to mobilize goods and raw materials around the world.

At Blink Global, we provide our clients with all types of freight options but for shipment over 100lbs, we recommend our clients to opt for ocean freight. It is the cheapest and the best option as shipping by sea scales well. For instance, a shipment of X lbs might cost you Y$; whereas a shipment weighing 100X lbs might cost you only 20Y$, making it the best option for transporting in bulk.

However, for someone who is new to international trading, ocean freight may appear a little intimidating. In this article, we are addressing 3 of the most common and pressing concerns that our clients have about ocean freight.

  • You Don’t Need to Book a Full Container

This is a basic concern that many people have. There are two types of options in maritime logistics: LCL and FCL. FCL, or a full container load, is a shipment process where you get a full exclusive container for a single shipment. In FCL, your cargo space is not shared by any other cargo. However, in LCL you do not get an exclusive container, instead, you pay for the share of the space you use. With LCL, you are not required to book for a full 20 or 40-foot capacity container.

  • Customs Clearance at Ports Isn’t That Complicated

Many people believe that customs clearance at seaports is way too complicated compared to airports. A good freighting partner such as Blink Global will make sure that you meet all of the legalities, have adequate clearance documents, and have paid all the necessary fees beforehand. Meeting all of these simple pre-reqs will ensure a smooth passage of goods from the port authorities.


  • Pricing is Not Complicated

Calculating ocean freight is in fact easier than air freight or land freight. LCL shipments can be expensive in terms of price per unit. However, since you are not required to book a full container, you can ship limited goods at a fair price. For LCL shipments, the freight is calculated in terms of the volume your shipment will acquire (for exceptions like fragile or extremely lightweight cargo, the pricing may be different).  For FCL, you have to pay a flat price for the container.  

About Blink Global

We’re your Global Sourcing Partner. With our deep understanding of global sourcing, we supply B2B industrial and consumer products with centralized procurement and high delivery precision. Get in touch with us TODAY!

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Difference Between Cargo and Freight – What’s Best For You? | BlinkGlobal

Freight and cargo is the most widely used terms in the business and commerce sectors. Many entrepreneurs confuse freight with cargo and vice versa. Generally, the two terms can be used interchangeably, but in supply chains, the two terms cannot be cut from the same cloth as it may cause confusion.

In this post, we are going to compare freight and cargo. What both terms stand for and the differences and similarities between them.

Cargo:

The term cargo refers to the shipping of goods and supplies via sea or air. Cargos are usually sent on ships and planes. For a certain shipment to be classified as “cargo” it has to travel over large bodies of water, meaning going from one continent to another. Cargo vessels and planes are meticulously designed to carry bulk quantities of goods and raw materials across the world. The term cargo is often used when discussing international shipping.

Freight:

As opposed to “cargo,” the term freight refers to the shipping of goods and supplies via roads or railroads. This shipping typically uses tractors, trucks, and railroads, hence the terms freight truck and freight trains. For a shipment to be classified as freight, it has to remain on the land. While some goods may be moved across a country via air, it resorts to being freight as it resumes travel overland.

The Term Air Freight

As we mentioned earlier, goods are classified as freight when they travel across the land but lately, we have also seen professionals using the terms “air freight” and“sea freight,” which is also commonly accepted as correct usage. This is primarily because the term freight is also used for the payment when certain goods are being transported.

It must be noted that mail cannot be classified as freight as it generally does not include commercial goods. The right term for mail, whether it be bundles of letters or packages or parcels, is cargo. Mail is never referred to as freight, whether it is transported via air, land, or sea.

Difference Between Cargo & Freight

The main difference between the two is the medium and vehicle of transportation. Cargo is usually moved by large vehicles, such as vessels and cargo aircraft, whereas frights are usually moved by smaller vehicles such as trucks and vans. Like we mentioned earlier, the term freight also refers to the cost/payment of the goods being moved from here to there, cargo does not refer to anything else except goods or products. 

Freight Solutions by Blink Global

Ocean freight is the most cost-effective solution for shipment on a large scale. At Blink Global, we have partnered with the world’s leading shipping and container transportation companies to provide you the most efficient, reliable, and cost-effective services. Get in touch with us today!