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| Finding
the Right Supplier |
 While
it is not difficult for importers to find overseas suppliers who
make the goods they are looking for, finding a reputable, committed
and quality oriented partner is an extremely important part of being
successful at an import transaction.
TIP:
If possible, importers should buy goods from suppliers who have
been certified by the International Standardization Organization
(ISO) criteria.
The
business community in Thailand has quickly embraced the ISO standards,
with the 9000 and 14000 series representing quality in business
processes and environmental management respectively. The ISO 9000
series has four different subsets, the 9001, 9002, 9003 and 9004,
with the first three dealing with external quality assurance.
The
ISO 9001 is the most comprehensive of the three, and the most difficult
to achieve, insuring design, manufacturing, installation and servicing
systems. The ISO 9002 deals with production and installation, while
the 9003 covers only final product inspection and testing. The ISO
14000 series differs from the 9000 series because it emphasizes
environmental management and requires an organization to minimize
harmful effects on the environment caused by its activities. It
is important to remember that ISO quality standards are applied
only to a company’s business processes, but not to the quality of
their products, although there is likely a positive correlation
between the two.
TIP:
Importers should ask for and check business references from the
supplier.
Quality
exporters should be willing to provide potential customers with
a reference list containing the names and contact information of
some past and present buyers. Potential buyers can investigate the
quality of the goods, timeliness of deliveries, or any other concerns
they have by contacting companies on the list.
TIP:
If possible, importers should meet potential suppliers in person.
Meeting
personally with the supplier allows the buyer to view their production
facility and view samples of their product first hand. Taking a
trip to Thailand also lets the importer compare many potential suppliers
and choose the most suitable one. Meeting the suppliers in person
becomes particularly important to importers who are placing large
orders, and who are buying specialized and complex goods.
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