Global Trade Consultancy
Insights
Practical guidance on international sourcing, quotations and supplier evaluation.

OEM and Private Label Production in Asia: How It Works, MOQs and Timelines
The difference between OEM and private label, typical MOQ ranges, tooling investment, packaging and labelling compliance, and realistic timelines.
6 October 2026 · 7 min read

Incoterms 2020 for Importers: EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP Explained
Who pays what, and who carries the risk under EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP? A practical summary of Incoterms 2020 and how to pick the right term.
18 August 2026 · 6 min read

Quality Control in Contract Manufacturing: Building a Quality Agreement with Your Manufacturer
Specifications, golden samples, change control, corrective actions and traceability: the core clauses of a quality agreement with a contract manufacturer.
9 June 2026 · 7 min read

Product Inspection Explained: Pre-Production, In-Line and Pre-Shipment Checks
When to inspect, how AQL sampling works, what an inspection report must contain and how to handle defects: a practical overview.
14 April 2026 · 8 min read

A Supplier Verification Checklist Before You Place an Order
From licences and tax codes to matching bank details, factory visits and sub-contracting red flags: what to verify before your first order.
5 March 2026 · 7 min read

How to Start Sourcing from Vietnam: A Practical Buyer's Guide
Where do you start when sourcing from Vietnam? A practical step-by-step guide covering requirement briefs, supplier screening, samples, negotiation and the first order.
20 January 2026 · 8 min read
