For ecommerce operators battling relentless supply chain disruptions, this episode provides a crucial blueprint for navigating the ongoing shipping and sourcing challenges expected in 2022. It dissects the root causes of current delays—primarily container circulation issues, port congestion, and labor shortages—and, more importantly, offers actionable strategies to mitigate these problems, optimize lead times, and improve supplier relationships, ensuring your inventory keeps flowing even in turbulent times.
Key takeaways
Always request quotes from 3-5 different freight forwarders (both Chinese and international) for every shipment, as pricing and capacity vary greatly month-to-month and even last-minute cancellations can impact rates. Don't rely on a single forwarder, even if they've provided good service previously.
For optimal pricing, secure your freight quote 30-45 days before your cargo readiness date. Booking too early or too late will likely result in higher costs as capacity is unpredictable closer to the shipping date.
Proactively improve relationships with suppliers by diversifying your supplier base, negotiating payment terms for better cash flow, and implementing quality control checks earlier in the production process to prevent costly delays.
Leverage "Golden Week" and Chinese New Year holidays by planning shipments around these periods. While historically expensive, these breaks can stabilize container supply as factories temporarily cease production, potentially leading to slight cost decreases.
Utilize new platforms for remote sourcing, like the Canton Fair online, Alibaba, and other B2B marketplaces to discover new suppliers and monitor market pricing more effectively, reducing reliance on single-source relationships.
Kian Golzari is back with some updates and insights on the current situation regarding sourcing and shipping. He also shares his top strategies for 2022.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Always request quotes from 3-5 different freight forwarders (both Chinese and international) for every shipment, as pricing and capacity vary greatly month-to-month and even last-minute cancellations can impact rates. Don't rely on a single forwarder, even if they've provided good service previously.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
For optimal pricing, secure your freight quote 30-45 days before your cargo readiness date. Booking too early or too late will likely result in higher costs as capacity is unpredictable closer to the shipping date.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Proactively improve relationships with suppliers by diversifying your supplier base, negotiating payment terms for better cash flow, and implementing quality control checks earlier in the production process to prevent costly delays.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Leverage "Golden Week" and Chinese New Year holidays by planning shipments around these periods. While historically expensive, these breaks can stabilize container supply as factories temporarily cease production, potentially leading to slight cost decreases.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Utilize new platforms for remote sourcing, like the Canton Fair online, Alibaba, and other B2B marketplaces to discover new suppliers and monitor market pricing more effectively, reducing reliance on single-source relationships.
