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467: Vietnam: The Untold Gold Mine For Sourcing You’ve Been Ignoring With Jim Kennemer

The My Wife Quit Her Job Podcast · with Jim Kennemer · June 12, 2023 · 43 min

Summary

For ecommerce operators currently sourcing from China, Jim Kennemer presents a compelling case for diversifying your supply chain to Vietnam. This episode uncovers why Vietnam is quickly becoming a prime location for manufacturing, offering practical advice on identifying reliable suppliers, navigating local business practices, and understanding the cost, quality, and efficiency comparisons with China. It's a strategic guide for mitigating risks and optimizing product sourcing in a shifting global landscape.

Key takeaways

Themes

supply chain & operationsproduct & merchandisingfounder & leadership

Topics covered

vietnam sourcingchina plus one strategysupplier vettinginternational manufacturing trendscost-effective sourcingsupply chain diversification

Episode description

Today, I'm thrilled to have Jim Kennemer on the show. Jim and I met randomly on a panel run by Global Sources. And when we met, I knew I had to have him on the show. Jim is the founder of Cosmo Sourcing and he's helped hundreds of clients source more than $100 million worth of products from both China and Vietnam. Production and sourcing have been slowly shifting away from China to places like Vietnam and Jim just happens to be a sourcing expert for Vietnam.

Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Shift manufacturing focus to Vietnam for supply chain diversification to mitigate dependence on China and capitalize on a growing manufacturing hub.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Leverage local sourcing agents like Cosmo Sourcing to vet suppliers, navigate cultural nuances, and optimize the sourcing process in Vietnam.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Prioritize building strong relationships with Vietnamese manufacturers to ensure product quality and reduce lead times.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Thoroughly compare costs, quality, and efficiency between Vietnam and China for specific product categories to make informed sourcing decisions.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Understand and prepare for potential challenges such as cultural differences and logistical considerations when expanding sourcing operations to Vietnam.

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