I think @Kak has summed it up rather well. Buy wherever you can do so legally and profitably.
Those who have read my book know that I have long advocated looking to countries other than China. The latest edition deals specifically with 18 countries plus the USA, and has a catch-all section to assist in sourcing in almost any country.
An important point to consider is that it is generally far easier to locate suppliers in China than in any other country, because the unleashing of capitalism in China has revealed a vast latent entrepreneurial spirit. Ordinary people who never saw an opportunity to operate their own business suddenly saw the possibility opened up to them and they have seized it with enthusiasm, and rapidly learned how to advertise their wares internationally.
Although sourcing in China is so easy to accomplish once you learn how to avoid the pitfalls, there are many undesirable factors in buying from China.
A more adventurous approach to product sourcing could give a big edge to those who are willing.
Walter
Those who have read my book know that I have long advocated looking to countries other than China. The latest edition deals specifically with 18 countries plus the USA, and has a catch-all section to assist in sourcing in almost any country.
An important point to consider is that it is generally far easier to locate suppliers in China than in any other country, because the unleashing of capitalism in China has revealed a vast latent entrepreneurial spirit. Ordinary people who never saw an opportunity to operate their own business suddenly saw the possibility opened up to them and they have seized it with enthusiasm, and rapidly learned how to advertise their wares internationally.
Although sourcing in China is so easy to accomplish once you learn how to avoid the pitfalls, there are many undesirable factors in buying from China.
- Freight costs. Although the cost of sea freight is low, that is not an option for a great many importers, particularly new ones.
- Poor quality mindset. This is partly cultural, but is largely influenced by the downwards cost pressure exerted by Western buyers, mostly the very big retailers. Using trusted inspection services will help alleviate this problem.
- Penny pinching attitude of manufacturers towards keeping costs down, and that includes deceptive practices. (E.g., you buy stainless steel, you get plated mild steel that until it rusts, looks like stainless steel.)
- The frustrating habit (for Westerners) of Chinese business people to always say yes, even if they mean no.
- The existence of a vast pool of talented scammers. I know you will find them in any country, but nowhere near the same extent.
- Unique products. Sometimes, simple browsing can open up great possibilities.
- Better quality. I must include a caveat here with a generalization that might raise some objections: The Latin attitude is very easy-going compared to some others, and as in dealing with China, could require more effort to achieve good quality control.
- Many countries neglect export possibilities, so they don't even have B2B sites. Following the search path I outline in the catch-all section of my book can be very time consuming and in many cases be met with disinterest on the part of officials whose job is supposedly to promote exports.
- Shipping by sea from some countries will cost a lot more than shipping from China.
A more adventurous approach to product sourcing could give a big edge to those who are willing.
Walter