Tag: Procurement

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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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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!

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Minimizing The 3 Major Risks of International Sourcing | BlinkGlobal

There is no debate in saying that the benefits of international sourcing are endless. Manufacturing capabilities that sometimes are unavailable domestically and availability to cutting-edge technologies that exist in certain markets make international sourcing a wise choice.

However, with great opportunities come great risks. Owing to the rapid changes in the global market environment, potential risks and uncertainties are now also part of the game. It is very important that you understand these risks, make a scientific assessment, and then analyze if international sourcing is the right choice for your business.

So what are the common risks and dilemmas? How can organizations minimize these risks and optimize the benefits of international sourcing without jeopardizing their investments and supply chains?

Unexpected Delay in Shipping:

Various factors can cause expected delays in shipping. Shipment delays can pose some of the most serious constraints to business operations. The most common factors include vessel delays, disruption in logistics, as well as lack of coordination of the freight. If you are transporting via sea, be prepared for things like bad weather, shortage of space in the vessel, and port congestion.

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.

Quality Risks:

Quality assurance remains the biggest concern as you cannot monitor and manage the manufacturing process in a foreign land. If the supplier compromises on product quality, your whole investment can go down the drain. Quality risks can occur due to serval reasons such as lack of communication and misunderstanding. It’s not that suppliers overseas are some fraudsters ready to rob you but it’s often the lack of communication that results in unintended consequences.

One way to evaluate the supplier’s capacity to meet your quality requirements is by asking for a physical product sample prior to placing a real order. Many suppliers volunteer sampling requests as it demonstrates their seriousness and depicts that they are truly up to the task. You can also consider virtual product samples. It can either be a 2D rendered image created in Photoshop or sophisticated 3D product samples that can be tested in a digital environment.

Unexpected Costs

International sourcing is a popular choice because it is cost-effective but there are certain hidden cost factors that you must be prepared for. The most common is the fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate. Moreover, the cost of delays, losses in transit, an unexpected rise in transaction costs, contract management costs, legal discrepancies, and many other factors can contribute to the rising costs of international sourcing.

The best way to counter cost risks to sit with an expert or someone involved in international sourcing and do in-depth research of the suppliers across various locations. Take time and develop a deep understanding of the process and spot all underlying cost risks. Moreover, it’s always wise to spare a margin for unexpected expenses.

BlinkGlobal – Your International Sourcing Partner

It’s wise to partner 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. BlinkGlobal is ready to help you!

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Value Chain vs Supply Chain: What is the difference? | BlinkGlobal

Value chain and supply chain are two of the most widely used jargon in the business and commerce sectors. Many entrepreneurs confuse value chains with supply chains and vice versa. The difference between the two is apparently very subtle but there is a big difference.

In this post, we are going to look at value chains and supply chains. What both terms stand for and the differences and similarities between the two terms.

Supply Chain

In a nutshell, Supply Chain refers to the integration of all operations involved in the process of manufacturing, sourcing, procurement, conversion, logistics, and warehouse management. Supply chain activities comprise the flow of information, products, and funds between all the stages of creating and selling a product. From procurement to management to logistics, every step is a part of the company’s supply chain.   

It’s important for any organization to keep their supply chains moving as disruptions can have major repercussions. Here are the major functions of supply chains.

  •         Raw products procurements
  •         Product development
  •         Logistics
  •         Operations
  •         Distribution
  •         Resource Management

At its very base, the primary concern of supply chain management is to effectively manage the supply and demand equilibrium while delivering the products at the right time, place, and at the right cost. Proper supply chain management can help organizations reduce consumer costs and increase their overall profits.

Value Chain

In a nutshell, value chain refers to a series of business operations and creative measures that an organization takes to add value and utility to the goods and services offered by the firm. The concept of value chain comes from both a branding and business management perspective. The process involves experimentation, interpretation, and improvisation to cut back on the shortages and work with people involved at different stages of the chain.

Value chain tends to be traced in the opposite direction to the supply chain.  Value chain essentially flows in reserve to supply chain starting from end customers and going all the way up to the manufacturing and procurement of raw materials. Here are some major functions of supply chains.

  •         Finding new and better raw material
  •         Innovate and improve manufacturing processes
  •         Simply packaging
  •         Improve delivery
  •         Quality assurance

Spotting shortcomings and maximizing the new opportunities can help any organization have a competitive edge over players in the industry

The Main Difference between Value Chain & Supply chain

In simple layman’s terms, the ultimate difference between a supply chain and a value chain is the most apparent fact that supply chains do not involve value addition. The supply chain is all about keeping the supply and demand cycle optimized whereas value chains are about optimizing the supply chain for quality and adding value to make the products more presentable and resourceful for the clients.

About Blink Global

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. We are ready to help you make the right decision with our Price Audit Services. Get an estimate today!

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Top 4 Benefits of Outsourcing Your Supply Chains | BlinkGlobal

Supply chain management can be a gruesome and demanding task. Despite the rapid advancements in automation, enterprise risk management programs, and the availability of sophisticated communication networks many enterprises still struggle to manage their supply chain efficiently. This is largely because many enterprises face difficulties in understanding and optimizing the critical elements of supply chains such as procurement, product development, and distribution network.

Smart companies and business owners understand the importance of the skill and expertise that are required to run the supply chain efficiently. This is why many business owners outsource their supply chain department when they realize that they don’t have access to expert resources.

Outsourcing supply chains is not a new concept and has been around for a while now. Professional supply chain companies provide support and services that are backed with research, experience, and cutting edge technologies that help your business prosper.

Here are some benefits of outsourcing your supply chains.

Focus on Other Business Aspects:

Every business has its strengths and weaknesses. If supply chain management is an area where your company struggles to excel at, better let the experts handle that front so you can focus more on your strengths and capitalize them properly.

Supply chain 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.

Reduced Operational Cost

The upfront cost to establish a powerful and efficient supply chain department requires hundreds and thousands of dollars. For startups and companies with low revenue, putting up a supply chain infrastructure may mean comprising other areas such as marketing, or packaging, etc.

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

Prepare for the Future

3rd parties have in-house research and development teams that can help your business prepare for the future. If your demands are increasing or declining, the experts will do the math to help you analyze if your demand and supply are optimized for future needs.

With the help of supply chain 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.

Supply Chain Risk Mitigation:

The supply chain can never be 100{7e1984170fd929454d69f1f4a772917cb839fb26f7e1ecd6c8a5e6994cf1a858} secure and are always prone to risks. They may be internal risks such as Manufacturing Risk, Planning and Control Risks, Planning and Control Risks, or external risks such as Natural Disaster Risk, geopolitical risks, etc.

3rd parties run mock tests to identify areas of your supply chains that have high-risk vulnerability. Moreover, they estimate the financial and reputational impact of possible disruptions and develop mitigation contingency plans that will help you reduce the impact of any disruptive event.

About Blink Global

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. We are ready to help you make the right decision with our Price Audit Services.