Thirty years ago, sourcing in China was challenging due to ascarcity of suppliers.Nowadays, even with numerous suppliers, foreign companies still encounter difficulties. The question is, how can we become apreferred supplierthat minimizes communication and trial-and-error costs?
My journey in addressing this question began over adecade agowhen I worked in a hardware factory. I realized the difficulty in meeting diverse customer needs and the challenges posed by price considerations. This prompted me to seek collaboration with suppliers, which ultimately led to the successful completion of several projects.
In 2005,I founded LML INTERNATIONAL HK LTD., initially a small operation with just my wife and me. Over time, we invested in factories to provide technical support and sample production. Today, LML boastsover 200 high-quality suppliers, catering to a wide range of customer needs.
Notably, many of our suppliers lack direct export capabilities, making them inaccessible to overseas clients. However, in niche areas, they excel over exporters, offering specialized technical knowledge and production experience. These suppliers form the core ofLML's unique advantage.