Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How much does it cost to engage Myland’s services?

 

A: The cost of our services varies by the service or project; we can bill clients on an hourly basis, on a per project basis, and/or take a fixed percentage of certain transactions. Our approach is to build a total-solution package that covers the entire or portion of the process, using highly experienced resources, to assure the most successful and profitable results for our clients.

 

Q: Is Myland a U.S.-based company?

 

A: Yes, our headquarters are located in Rochester, New York.

 

Q: How many years’ experience do you have being active doing business with China?

 

A: Proudly, Myland USA has been providing quality services to satisfied customers since 1992.

 

Q: Why is using Myland better than trying to do it myself or having my company doing it internally?

 

A: This is akin to the example of a dentist who needs a surgery—he or she may be expert in certain fields, but must also rely on another expert for key tasks. Taking your business to China requires much more than simply domestic industry or product knowledge. It requires a vast understanding of China business, culture, transactional norms, and much, much more.

 

Our nearly two decades of accumulated experience, knowledge and experience have given us the sense and insight to be able to anticipate and preemptively prevent problems to assure the smoothest possible transactions and business dealings. While many firms have been in business for many years, Myland USA has achieved greater levels of success based on our unique approach to China business strategies. We are result-driven with distinctively great feedbacks from clients who have used our services.

 

Q: What kind of companies can get the most benefit out of working with China through Myland USA?

 

A: Companies ranging from sole proprietorships (such as inventors) through to large size companies can benefit; Companies facing challenges domestically and/or seeking opportunities for growth can benefit from considering, exploring, developing and executing a China strategy; Companies who need to complete an R&D project that will require a significant amount of time and financial resources for drawings, molds, tool & die development, lab testing, experimentation, etc. can find cost-effective resources and solutions in China; Companies who wish to establish their manufacturing facilities; Companies who intend to expand your retail outlets or name brand presence to China through licensing or franchising.

 

Q: What industries does Myland serve?

 

A: We’ve had experience in dozens of industries, but what really matters most is that Myland USA works to find the best matching partners for you, assuring the best connection between you and the suppliers we identify and work with on your behalf. The key is to be connected with the right people in China and speak their language and build the relationship, and this is where we are most successful.

 

Q: At what point does it make sense for me to engage Myland’s services?

 

A: We recommend that you consult with and engage Myland USA from the very start—you will have a better strategy and better results by engaging experts from the get-go, rather than walking blindly into a complex situation and finding yourself investing extensive, expensive resources towards repairing mistakes and damaged relationships. However, it does not say that you should not engage our service if you have already taken initial steps or way into the process. Consider us your family doctor for receiving sound advice to maintain good health, also use us as the Emergency Treatment Center to rescue you from unexpected or extremely challenging situations.

 

Q: How can I compare Myland’s services to competing firms?

 

A: Questions you should ask us (and other firms) include:

 

    • What is your experience?

 

    • What is your track record?

 

    • How strong is your integrity?

 

    • How loyal are you to your clients?

 

    • How keen a sense of

 

    • How strong is your judgment and business sense?

 

    • How strong is your ability to be creative in problem-solving and spontaneous in proactively anticipating and solving problems?

 

    • How sensitive are you to the specific needs and objectives of your clients?

 

    • Can you come up with solutions that push the envelope of what’s possible for the benefit of your clients?

 

    • Do you have years of experience solving thorny business problems related to companies’ China strategy?

 

    • Are you respected in the industry, both locally and in China?

 

    • Do you put yourself in your clients’ shoes when making decisions in the best interests of your clients?

 

    • Do you go above and beyond in solving your clients’ challenges?

 

Q: How does Myland resolve problems?

 

A: We begin by understanding and assessing the situation at hand, and based on our years of experience, we would work with the parties involved to clarify and communicate expectations, negotiate a collective solution that involves the client, the supplier(s), and other relevant parties. We eliminate the problems at the root, taking a long-term view of the client’s best interests and preserving the opportunity for future business transactions with all parties involved.

 

Q: How are the development risks shared between my company, Myland, and the supplier(s) you would retain on my behalf?

 

A: We try to utilize China’s resources to the greatest extent, understanding reasonable business limits. On behalf of our clients, we leverage China’s assets in such a way as to develop a mutually beneficial relationship that leads to a long-term business relationship with the supplier. We do not approach our clients’ work as one-off, single-transaction business. Instead, we always seek to develop long-term relationships. We always consider ourselves to be “in the same boat” with our clients. With the investment Myland injects into every one of our projects in unlimited time commitment, efforts demanded 24/7, network resources and even cash up front, we understand that the only way we can succeed is to build our clients’ success ahead of ours.

 

Q: Why should I use a middleman like Myland?

 

A: In the case of Myland, you are engaging the expertise and experience of professionals who have been conducting business transactions as their livelihood for decades. Our experience will help you come up with the best strategy, plan, and execution the first time. We have the ability to anticipate and prevent problems, create profitable solutions, and help you achieve your objectives. We can help you reduce your risk and maximize your success.

 

The aspect of culture cannot be over-stressed—Myland will help you systematize your communication process. We take the great unknowns out of the metaphoric valley between the U.S. and China. While you no doubt know your own business well, you may not know how your business must be conducted in China. Our expertise will supplement your knowledge and business activities.

 

Q: Do changing political issues between China and the U.S. affect transactions you arrange on my behalf?

 

A: Politically there is not likely to be much affect on our transactions. However there are certain rules and regulations in effect that affect the trading portion of international transactions with China. In our experience, most of the changes that have occurred have brought things from good to even better.

 

Q: How often do currency changes affect transactions for sourcing or exporting?

 

A: Nowadays, currency changes are an increasingly prevalent challenge for transactions with China. With increasing fluctuations, quotes coming from China are increasingly being quoted in RMB so that the U.S. firms must deal with currency exchange fluctuations; in addition quotes are noted to expire typically in 30-60 days vs. 6 months before partly due to the fluctuation of currency exchange rates.

 

Q: How worried should I really be about Intellectual Property infringement, and how should I best protect myself?

 

A: U.S. companies should be very aware of this possibility, walking into transactions with both eyes open. Key is to develop a strong set of strategies that protect your position through a preventative approach, having a plan before you expose your IP to the risks of infringement, including knowing which resources may be needed to defend your interests, and how much those resources will cost. Myland USA has many years of experience developing and successfully implementing IP strategies for companies.

 

Q: Can you help me with the Value Added Tax situation, and do you have experience handling the VAT?

 

A: We have assisted different companies in many situations to maximize their VAT refund. While we have extensive experience in VAT topics, the subject is complex, so we encourage you to give us a call to discuss your own unique VAT situation.

 

Q: Is quality as big an issue as everyone says it is?

 

A: Potentially yes, or even bigger. But managing the process correctly reduces the quality challenges to being no greater than those experienced domestically. Our approach assures the highest quality products and materials from the start, minimizing quality issues for our clients.

 

Q: How often do problems arise in the sourcing process?

 

A: The frequency with which problems arise varies widely based on the client’s product (or component or material) needs, the technology involved, the special equipment needed, the variety and collection of suppliers involved, the certification necessary, the source of materials and the unique steps in the process. Myland USA takes every precaution to anticipate and prepare for situations that may arise, ensuring quality, minimizing the challenges and frustrations along the way.

 

Q: Is there any limit to the products or items you can source for me?

 

A: Over our many years of experience, we have received a great variety of requests of items, materials, products and components to source, and we have been able to develop profitable supply partners for our clients, meeting the challenge and exceeding expectations. We welcome all requests for sourcing. Your wish is our command.

 

Q: What is your process for identifying qualified China suppliers?

 

A: We begin with intensive research, evaluating the abilities and qualifications of suppliers, and a thorough study of the combined capabilities. In certain cases, we will arrange site visits to verify and confirm our initial research and assure the correct “chemistry” exists in addition to the necessary production capabilities.

 

Q: Do you have some examples of companies and/or products you have worked with?

 

A: Yes, please see in Testimonials and Case Studies.

 

Q: Why does it make sense to source products from China?

 

A: For several reasons—one easy reason could be driven by better pricing; Another reason could be reducing your overhead by outsourcing supply; By leveraging capacity held by a third party (in China), you can remain more agile and flexible.

 

Q: How many people are there in your local team and your China network?

 

A: Myland USA currently has eight seasoned professionals operating as part of our Rochester, New York office. Our China network spans most of China through a variety of consultants and other retained resources.

 

Q: How much can I realistically save by sourcing from China?

 

A: Realistically, our experience has shown that most companies can save between 20 to 50%, however as of late many changes are affecting these figures, such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates, rising input costs, and other factors. A saving of 15 to 40% is the most realistic general range now.

 

Q: How does Myland make money?

 

A: Myland USA can operate on a commission basis, on an hourly basis, or on a per-project basis. The decision is made by which option offers the most benefits for both our clients and Myland USA.

 

Q: What is the process with samples, minimum order quantities, and so on?

 

A: Topics like minimum order quantities vary by the product you are considering sourcing; often though the minimum order size can be determined by quantity or dollar amount. For certain commodities, the minimum order quantity would be however many units would fill an entire shipping container; smaller quantities would risk breakage in transit and/or leading to higher per-unit shipping costs.

 

For samples, the process usually begins by submitting your product’s specifications in drawings to the factory, and/or by sending your existing samples to the factory in China for evaluation. Afterwards, a prototype sample will often need a mold to be made, which usually takes two to four weeks, then a week to 10 days to make the first sample, and then 3 to 7 days to ship the sample to the U.S. client.

 

Q: How long can I expect the sourcing process to take from start to finish?

 

A: In some cases, we have been able to quote off-the-shelf goods within a matter of under a week. In cases where extensive R&D and engineering is involved, the process can be much lengthier, sometimes as long as six months from start to finish. However in most cases the length of time is somewhere in between, and can be accelerated by skilful and constant communications.

 

Q: What kinds of opportunities are good ones for U.S. companies to consider expanding their reach to China?

 

A: Companies who have quality products that are embraced by the market and are competitively priced should strongly consider China for market development. Companies with products that have vast potential to consumers, as well as those with cutting-edge technology that is highly-coveted, should also consider a China marketing strategy. The optimal state is when your company’s products have strong intellectual property protection and/or cannot be easily copied. Companies with recognized brand names in consumer, industrial technology, products or equipment, are also good candidates.

 

Q: What is the most important thing a company needs to know before they venture into China?

 

A: Gain the full understanding and assessment of yourself, your competitors and know the direction of where your industry is heading to. The specific answers will also depend on whether you intend to buy from or sell to China.

 

If you’re considering selling to China, you really need to know the position of your products in terms of how cutting-edge they are, how they compare to the rest of the industry and what is already offered in China, who is the potential customer base in China, and what region do you wish to experiment with. As well, you need a strong sense of your pricing structure, and have to identify a strong partner for marketing and distribution, along with structuring the relationship (such as Joint Venture or Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise). Identifying your after-sale support structure, and means of protecting your intellectual property. Deciding if there are any shortcuts to market and identifying a solid process for bringing your money back to the U.S. are also critical. As well, ask whether your company can allocate special marketing resources (personnel and financial resources) to assuring marketing success in China.

 

When buying from China, you need to assess if China can provide the level of technical certification, standards compliance, accuracy, volume, and price structure that you are looking for. Also, you must assess whether your volume is significant enough for the supplier to keep their promise of exclusive manufacture. If the volume you’re buying is too low to make the manufacturer’s efforts worthwhile financially, the manufacturers may be forced to explore additional customers, especially if you expect your Chinese counterparts to invest heavily into the process. In a word, if they can’t recoup their investment from you, they might take your products and sell them elsewhere.

 

Be realistic and honest with the potential partner about your projection, otherwise the hidden information or inflated high volume promises will definitely come back and haunt you later.

 

Additionally, the process must start with realistic goals of how much money can really be saved, etc. Additionally, your company must decide whether it can adjust the buying cycle to accommodate the large-volume batches required to achieve the savings you expect. This will also be affected by the long lead times and the shipping costs from China to the U.S.