Make It in China: 6 Secrets to Successful Sourcing - Paperback

by Steve Feniger (Author)

What's it really like to do business in China? Bridging East and West, this is a practical guide to succeeding in the most vibrant business environment on the planet! Whether you are a corporate manager seeking to improve your company's performance in Asia, or an entrepreneur looking for your next opportunity, Steve short-circuits your learning curve by sharing with you his sometimes painful experiences and recommending specific solutions. He dismantles the "urban myths" surrounding Chinese suppliers with multiple tricks and tips for sourcing products in China for Western markets. Steve, a sourcing veteran who has made Hong Kong and Shanghai his home for the last two decades, guides you on: - How trust is at the heart of building business, and how to develop it in a way best suited to China. - How best to negotiate, and ensure the deal sticks. - How to go about developing your own network, and building your Asian platform. - How to convert adversity into opportunity, including dealing with intellectual property rights infringements, integrity issues, and being cheated. Anyone who wants to buy or source products from China will benefit hugely from this insider's view of what works and what doesn't, so you can accelerate your own business.

Author Biography

Steve Feniger has 30 years' international experience in sourcing, manufacturing, and retailing, the last 20 based in Hong Kong and Shanghai. He was born and educated in England, graduating from the University of Manchester with an Honours Degree in Management Sciences. Steve started his career as a management trainee at Marks & Spencer, where he stayed for 18 years as a buying manager in London, Paris, and finally Hong Kong, where he was sent in 1996 to set up direct Asian sourcing. At the end of three years in Hong Kong, preferring not to move back to London, he resigned to run global sourcing, manufacturing, and retailing for Warnaco Inc. overseeing USD600m annual production of Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear, Chaps Ralph Lauren, and Speedo as Senior Vice President. From 2001 to 2006, Steve was CEO of Linmark Group, then one of the largest buying agencies in Asia, and led a successful IPO on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2002. He managed 1,000 staff across 37 buying offices, spanning 18 different countries across Asia, with hubs in Hong Kong, Bangalore, and Shanghai. In 2006, Steve left corporate life and established 55 Consulting for retailers to professionalise their approach to Asian sourcing. Steve has always had a keen interest in supplier social compliance, (balancing the demands of Western retailers with the realities of working in China) and corporate governance. He has lectured on this subject at Beijing University International Law Faculty.